'AGT: All-Stars': Where is Archie Williams now? Living proof of hope chases 'America's Got Talent' dream

Archie Williams was wrongly accused of multiple crimes, spent 37 years in prison but never lost sight of his singing talent and is now back on AGT
Archie Williams was wrongly imprisoned for 37 years (Instagram/@archiewilliamsofficial)
Archie Williams was wrongly imprisoned for 37 years (Instagram/@archiewilliamsofficial)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Archie Williams is set to appear on ‘America’s Got Talent: All Stars’ 2023 in week 5. Archie Charles Williams is an American singer who appeared on the 15th season of 'America's Got Talent'.

His talent and perseverance were recognized when he appeared on the 15th season of 'America's Got Talent' in 2020. He sang 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' by Elton John for his first performance, which earned him a standing ovation from the audience and the judges, with Elton John himself stating that he was "moved to tears." Williams' performance also moved Simon Cowell, who became an ambassador for the Innocence Project as a result.

RELATED ARTICLES

'AGT: All-Stars' 2023 Week 4 Lineup: Four former winners from across the globe to take the stage

America's Got Talent season 14: Detroit Youth Choir gets a Golden Buzzer from Terry Crews and fans can't help but agree

Where is Archie Williams now?

Archie Williams was born on March 23, 1961, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. However, his life took a drastic turn on April 21, 1983, when he was wrongfully convicted of rape and attempted murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. He spent 37 years in prison before finally being released on March 21, 2019. The Innocence Project fought for him to gain access to evidence that ultimately led to proving his innocence.



 

During his time in prison, Williams never gave up hope and continued to sing. He even formed a prison choir. In the semi-finals, Williams sang 'Flying Without Wings' by Westlife and advanced to the finals with four other acts. Although he did not win the competition, he was a finalist in the Top 10 and his story continues to inspire people all over the world. He is living proof that hope, talent, and determination prevail even in the darkest of circumstances.

Since his 2020 appearance on season 12, Archie has been performing in different cities and towns. He is determined to be an active member of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. Williams is not very active on social media, maybe a way to scoop up some lost time that he had to waste while being wrongfully incarcerated. The 52-year-old has a point to prove and will be hoping for a more successful stint on ‘America’s Got Talent’ this time around.



 

‘America’s Got Talent: All Stars’ 2023 can be watched on NBC every Monday at 8 pm ET.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Chris O'Donnell discusses his experience on '9-1-1: Nashville,' working with new cast members, and the possibility of more franchise crossovers.
2026-11-10T19:33:56.000Z
Netflix is adapting Edith Wharton's classic novel 'The Age of Innocence' into an eight-episode period drama led by Camila Morrone.
2026-11-10T17:37:21.000Z
'Chicago PD' Season 14 Episode 5 features a subtle family photograph that honours a beloved character from the show's past.
2026-11-10T17:26:15.000Z
Daniel Radcliffe bluntly reveals if he’ll watch the new ‘Harry Potter’ reboot
2026-11-10T09:33:32.000Z
Sonny discovers a possible link between Tracy Marks and Ellen in Episode 5, while Connie Britton reveals how makeup and VFX transformed her appearance.
2026-11-10T08:22:15.000Z
As ‘VisionQuest’ approaches its finale, Terry Matalas shares his hopes for more stories involving Vision and Ultron
2026-11-10T07:14:46.000Z
The series follows Benny, a former football player and homecoming king who forms a close relationship with Carmen
2026-11-10T05:54:22.000Z
Torres finds himself undercover in his latest mission, where a mysterious character complicates things for him
2026-11-10T04:10:28.000Z
Cher Horowitz has a teenager of her own in the Paramount+ sequel, and one of her former classmates is returning on screen and in the writers’ room.
2026-11-09T20:01:16.000Z
‘VisionQuest’ reportedly saves its only mid-credits scene for the finale, sparking theories about a possible ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ connection
2026-11-09T17:56:28.000Z