MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / REALITY TV

'AGT' Season 19: NBC slammed after singer featured in Beyonce's album, Reyna Roberts gave 'lip sync' performance

'AGT' fans call out NBC as country singer previously featured in Beyonce's album, Reyna Roberts auditions for the talent show for amateurs

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: For Season 19 of the competition program, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and host Terry Crews returned to America's Got Talent's home base at LA's Pasadena Civic Auditorium for the May 28 debut to explore what type of new talent—or lack thereof—they would find. However, it didn't sit well with the viewers when experienced Country singer, Reyna Roberts auditioned for the NBC show, initially meant for amateurs with immense talent.

Although many 'AGT' fans might not be able to identify Reyna by sight, they may be familiar with her voice. This is because, on the songs "Blackbiird" and "Tyrant" from "Cowboy Carter", Beyoncé included a number of Black country musicians, including her.

Even though they don't emphasize this significant achievement in the episode, Reyna struck the high notes with the effortless confidence of, say, Lady A or Carrie Underwood while rocking the stage in a similar red leather ensemble complete with thigh-high boots and her distinctive long red hair.

On Instagram, a fan questioned, "I’m confused … she’s already famous right?" 

On Facebook, a fan further asked, "Did anyone notice her “boots” were up and down and up again during her performance? Something isn’t right." Another person added, "Her boots were thigh high then knee high then thigh high. Different recordings?"

Angry fans took to X to write, "Not Reyna Roberts before Beyonce featured her on blackBird." Another person chimed in, "So tired of this show pretending all these acts are just looking for a break, unknown talents. Reyna Robert's song Raised Right was released in 2021 & cowritten with 2 Nashville pro writers. Why it sounded so generic."

One fan demanded, "And she was on Beyonce's so-called country album. But see they don't think people are going to investigate that kind of thing. AGT should be for amateurs!" Another user added, "I like Reyna's spirit but her vocals aren't impressive. Not bad but not good either."

A fan remarked, "What’s going on with this performance? Anyone notice the lips out of sync then her high boots were up then I stanly down like they cut between two performances??? Sus! Though I liked her and her song was good."

Howie Mandel 'not hooked' to Reyna Roberts's audition in 'AGT' Season 19

Howie was the only dissenter in the group — "It didn't hook me," he remarked — and the judges eventually gave the country musician three yeses.

Heidi liked the song and believed she looked wonderful on stage.

Sofia described the song and her vocals as "great" and described herself as a "complete artist."

Simon praised her "great band" and was "beyond thrilled" that she attended the show. "I'm so thrilled, beyond thrilled, that you came on the show, really," Simon stated.

Despite Howie's "no" vote, the other three judges supported Reyna, sending her to the next round with three "yes" votes.

Who is Reyna Roberts in 'AGT' Season 19?

Reyna is an American country singer, songwriter, and pianist. She is well-known for her first single, "Stompin' Grounds," from July 2020, as well as her performances on Monday Night Football.

Reyna, one of the few visible Black women in country music, is noted for fighting for "acknowledging the past" of country music, which includes recognizing Black musician mentors such as Lesley Riddle, knowing the history of the banjo, and using the name "Music City" to describe Nashville.

Reyna stayed in Nashville and Los Angeles from 2018 to 2020, attending songwriting camps to master the trade and network with other songwriters and artists. During this time, she met her current managers, Ryan McMahan and Larry Pareigis. She moved permanently to Nashville in March 2020.

In June 2020, country artist Mickey Guyton shared a video of Reyna doing a cover of Carrie Underwood's "Drinking Alone." Carrie's retweet of the video helped Reyna gain professional attention and traction in the country music business.

Noah Henson co-wrote and produced Reyna's song "Stompin' Grounds," which she released in July 2020. Reyna joined CMT's Next Women in Country 2021 class, which included Ashland Craft, Priscilla Block, Brittney Spencer, Hannah Dasher, MacKenzie Porter, Harper Grae, Tenille Arts, Sacha, and Chapel Hart.

In March 2021, she was named one of RADIO.COM's "Leading Ladies" in country music. She joined Jamey Johnson on his 2021 summer tour, opening for him in seven Deep South towns.

She played at her first Washington State festival, the Watershed Fest, in August. Reyna signed with Eclipse Music Group, a publishing business located in Nashville, in August 2021.

In October 2021, Reyna was included in Amazon Music's "Breakthrough Country Live" campaign.

'AGT' Season 19 contestant Reyna Roberts was featured in Beyoncé's album

Reyna, the crossover country performer, appeared on Beyoncé's version of "Blackbird". The Nashville-based vocalist recently appeared on "Blackbiird" and "Tyrant" on Beyonce's renowned album "Cowboy Carter".

And Reyna claims her career has skyrocketed after working with the Grammy-winning musician. Beyoncé's eighth studio album, "Cowboy Carter" was released on March 29.

Not only has the "Ya Ya" singer smashed records and made history, but she has also shone a light on budding Black country musicians like Reyna and others who came before them. Beyoncé discussed her 2016 CMA Awards performance, which received criticism, before releasing the album.

'America's Got Talent' Season 19 airs on Tuesdays at 8 pm ET on NBC