6 Homeless Contestants That Broke The Internet With Their Auditions
NBC Reading Time: 3 minutes
Several homeless (or formerly homeless) people have given amazing auditions on talent shows over the years. At times, their stories have brought the judges and audience to tears. Lets take a walk down memory lane and remember them all.
As these auditions show, talent shows can be a great opportunity for people to change their lives and follow their dreams — no matter how difficult things may be at the time they audition.
Homeless People Who Gave Amazing Auditions
Robbie Hance, ‘The X Factor’
When asked where he lives, Robbie responded, “Everywhere.” He elaborated that he had been homeless “on and off” for six years. He performed Damien Rice’s “Coconut Skins,” and received four “yes” votes from the judges. Unfortunately, he chose to leave the show during boot camp.
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Dennis Lorenzo, ‘American Idol’
This young singer shared how his father was murdered when he was 5 years old, and how he ended up homeless. His life turned around, and he was living with his girlfriend and daughter at the time of his audition. He performed “Unaware” by Allen Stone, on a guitar with a hole in it. Dennis received three “yes” votes, and made it to the Top 10.
Hollywood Anderson, ‘American Idol’
This young singer shared that he was homeless and only learned how to play guitar a year before his audition. Jennifer Lopez loved his performance of an original song, and they made each other cry when Hollywood received a golden ticket. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it into the Top 24.
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Ricky John, ‘X Factor’
Ricky told the judges that he had been homeless for eight years before meeting his partner, with whom he had two children. He performed “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. “This is why we make the show,” Simon Cowell told him. “Genuinely. To find people like you.” Ricky was eliminated in the Judges’ Houses round.
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Turf, ‘AGT’
Alonzo Jones, known by his stage name “Turf,” was formerly homeless and earned money from dancing on the streets. His mom kicked him out for wanting to dance, and he said he hoped to inspire other young dancers like himself. His style, which included contortion, wowed the judges. Howard Stern called him “a true original.” Turf made it to the semifinals of Season 7.
Mike Young, ‘AGT’
He was a subway singer for 37 years and he quit his day job and sang his heart out on America’s Got Talent in 2017 and lets just say you have to watch this video to know what you’re missing out on. Now he has 3.41 Million subscribers on YouTube and his covers still give you goosebumps. Mike Young reminds us all that there is no age or time for dreams to come true. Simon Cowell called him “the real deal,” and the audience agreed! Same fam, same.
Did you watch ‘AGT: Champions’? If not or you need a recap, we got you!
