'America's Got Talent' Season 15: Ex-Olympic hurdler Shevon Nieto's original song moves judges, fans alike
'America's Got Talent' just premiered another episode from its Season 15 run on Tuesday night, full of exciting acts and talented professionals. This time, viewers got to see one of the most inspiring singers that we've ever witnessed on this show in Shevon Nieto. Although she was there to showcase her singing talents, the smiling Jamaican-born, 37-year-old resident of Los Angeles is no stranger to success. Shevon revealed that she had been a two-time Olympic hurdler, representing her country in numerous athletic events on the international stage, including the Beijing and Athens Olympics. But it was her moving backstory that really caught the judges' attention and no doubt moved quite a few TV viewers to tears.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus lockdown restrictions at the time of taping, there was no live studio audience present this time around to react to Shevon's story. Also noticeable by her absence was 'AGT' judge Heidi Klum, who was still feeling under the weather and she was once again replaced by Eric Stonestreet of 'Modern Family' fame, who graciously agreed to fill in for Klum. But let's get back to Shevon and her incredible story of triumph, bravely overcoming over every obstacle that came her way.
Shevon shared that during her years as a trailblazing track star in New York, she met and fell in love with her boyfriend, a fellow two-time Olympic athlete named Jamie Nieto, who later became her husband. Jamie was a star high-jumper himself and the young couple had dreams of conquering the sports world together. However, after Shevon and Jamie had been dating for about three years, he suffered a terrible injury in 2016 while coaching young Olympic aspirants. Jamie had slipped while taking off for a high jump and the consequent tragic fall left Jamie paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury.
This left Shevon's dream of making it to a third Olympic Games in tatters but she knew that she had to retire and take care of her husband, even though this pragmatic decision left him broken-hearted. She soon turned to the therapeutic power of music to aid both Jamie and herself in their respective healing processes and started writing songs.
After many years of sacrifice and overcoming every challenge that came their way, Shevon realized that she had a new dream, of displaying her singing talents on a global stage. So she came to AGT to showcase her voice via an original song that she had written for her husband, called 'Through The Good And The Bad'. Her heartfelt, sincere lyrics and soulful, powerful vocals were emotive and soul-stirring, and definitely impressed the judges. Shevon also effortlessly hit her high notes during the love-soaked piano-driven ballad, and clearly inspired everyone watching.
Once she was done, Howie Mandel said that she had been incredibly wonderful and moving. Eric also commended her on her singing voice, while Sofia Vergara said that she loved her vocals and meaningful lyrics. Simon Cowell was also in awe of her beautiful backstory and said that it was an absolute honor to see her perform after overcoming such adversity. He also paid tribute to her fantastic talent and said that her years of dedicated training and hard work would stand in her good stead during the competition.
Shevon Nieto naturally got four yeses from the judges, and fans were praising her on social media as well. One viewer said, "I will buy your album! Beautiful voice, inspiring story, never give up! #AGT@JamieNieto. If you want to be inspired and smile then listen to this tribute! This is a power couple!"
Another admirer said, "Shevon good job on that song, your story is heartbreaking and amazing." There was also a happy twist to this couple's journey, as another viewer tweeted, "Shevon just announced that she’s pregnant." Another fan posted, "When you choose a relationship with a partner who accepts and celebrates you, your soul will flourish... Be inspired by Shevon and Jamie's story."
Make sure you tune in for more amazing success stories on 'America's Got Talent' every Tuesday night on NBC at 8 pm ET.