Pandemic Playlist: Our Top 5 singers from 'America's Got Talent' will add some zest to your day
Here we are again, America. Welcome back to another edition of our 'pandemix' as we look to entertain you with some great tunes while the world starts to emerge out of its coronavirus-induced quarantine slump. By the looks of it, things are optimistically creeping back to normal across the globe, but these are early days yet. It may still be another month or more before we can safely say that things have sprung back to normal, but until then, thank God for our favorite TV shows and musical artists, who are currently keeping us all afloat with some much-needed entertainment in these troubled times.
One of the most popular TV shows on the summer circuit, 'America's Got Talent', recently aired its Season 15 premiere on Tuesday night, so in honor of the smorgasbord of talent that the show has rolled out for us over the years, here are our Top 5 singers who enthralled us on the talent competition. This is by no means a comprehensive list, as the program has stunned us with a wide variety of incredible singing displays in the past. Consider these five as merely the tip of the AGT iceberg.
Pandemic Playlist: 'AGT' Edition
Angelica Hale
This cherubic young singer first amazed us back in 2017, when she appeared in 'America's Got Talent' as a fresh-faced and supremely talented nine-year-old who wanted to emulate Whitney Houston. And her soaring voice and perfect poise did not go unnoticed as Angelica went on to hugely impress the judges and American public with her otherworldly vocal talents, eventually ending up as the runner-up to the ventriloquist singer, Darci Lynne in 'AGT' Season 12 finale. The talented young Angelica has gone on from strength to strength since then and continues to put out amazing music covers on YouTube for her fans.
Courtney Hadwin
When the shy young teenager, Courtney Hadwin, first appeared on Season 13 of 'America's Got Talent' as a precocious 13-year-old, no one could have predicted she would be a bonafide superstar. She was nervous and seemed a tad uncomfortable on the big stage, but all that melted away as soon as she opened her mouth and started performing. The watching viewers were treated to an eye-opening and unforgettable experience, for Courtney possessed the voice and moves of a seasoned rock star, akin to watching a young Janis Joplin in her prime. The judges were floored and the rest was history, as Courtney went on to do live shows in Las Vegas with Shin Lin, that year's AGT winner. She's currently working on releasing her debut album this year, and we're eagerly awaiting more music from this talented teenager.
Joseph Allen
The 21-year-old singer-songwriter, Joseph Allen, has everything it takes to be one of the ruling stars of the next decade. The young star from Texas took to music after being convinced by his family to leave behind a promising but dangerous career in motocross racing, which had left him with a plethora of broken bones and operation scars. But he thankfully discovered his passion for music along the way and brought his amazing singing and rapping talents to Season 14 of 'AGT'. Howie Mandel was so impressed by Joseph's original song that he immediately awarded him the golden buzzer and was lifted high into the air by Terry Crews as golden confetti rained down upon them, making for one of the most unforgettable moments in 'America's Got Talent' history. The video currently has over 32 million views on YouTube alone and a testament to what happens when dreams come true.
Makayla Phillips
You might have heard her name before and for good reasons. Fifteen-year-old Makayla Phillips was one of the breakout stars of 'America's Got Talent' in Season 13, with the talented teenager astounding the judges and watching public with her incredibly gifted voice and pop idol-ready looks. She even earned the golden buzzer from Heidi Klum after singing a cover of Demi Lovato's 'Warrior' and Makayla hasn't looked back since. She even appeared on this year's recently-concluded season of 'American Idol', earning her numerous plaudits from the judges and a new legion of adoring fans. Considering Luke Bryan even labeled her "the next Ariana dadgum Grande," we can safely say this isn't the last time we'll see Makayla Phillips mesmerizing audiences with her lovely voice. This young lady has got a bright future ahead of her.
Kodi Lee
In one of the most heartwarming stories that we've ever seen in talent show history, Kodi Lee triumphed against all odds to firmly endear himself to the American public in 'America's Got Talent' Season 14. The spirited 22-year-old performer is both blind and autistic, but that didn't dampen his incredible talent and unbridled passion for music, which his mom Tina credited as giving him a new lease in life as an entertainer. He wowed the judges with a spectacular rendition of Leon Russell's 'A Song For You' on the piano, and went on to win the golden buzzer after that audition, which quickly went viral with over 50 million hits worldwide. The American public couldn't get enough of his inspiring story and soulful voice after that, and Kodi Lee went to emerge as the 'AGT' season champion in 2019. This is one of the most touching aspects of Kodi's amazing rise to fame, because he was finally recognized for his abilities, not his disabilities. And for that success story, the discerning American public can be rightfully proud of themselves - great job, y'all!
Pandemic Playlist is a daily list of songs that will keep you entertained instead of feeling drained while you're isolated at home. Look out for a fresh selection of great tunes from MEAWW to refresh your mood every day!