‘AGT’ Early Release: Ben Waites’s Emotional Song Leaves Sofia Vergara in Tears
Photos by: Trae Patton/NBC Reading Time: 3 minutes
32 year old Ben Waites has earned America’s Got Talent‘s first early release ahead of the next round of auditions. This gospel singer’s musicality is enough to touch the heart of any America’s Got Talent fan.
This singer took the stage, sharing that he’s a southern gospel singer and vocal coach from Nashville, Tennessee. For his audition, he chose to sing “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper. Before beginning, he acknowledged that he picked the song because it communicates a message of hope to any listener.
Even though Ben works in music as a vocal coach, he admitted that his students didn’t know he planned to audition for the series. Ben didn’t tell his students because he wanted their coaching time to be focused on them and their voice. Instead, he brought his wife, mom, and grandmother to his audition.
Once the music began, Ben’s amazingly smooth vocals filled the auditorium. Right off the bat, the audience connected with the singer’s rendition. His emotion and passion radiated throughout each line of the song. As soon as Ben finished the song, Sofia Vergara was seen in tears. It’s clear she fully connected with the hope-filled tune.
The video ended with Heidi Klum, Vergara, and Simon Cowell giving Ben a standing ovation. I think it’s safe to say that Howie Mandel would’ve been standing for this singer too, if he weren’t off the panel due to COVID-19.
Who is Ben Waites?
With a voice like that, America’s Got Talent fans are already dying to know his musical background. Like most singers, Ben was introduced southern gospel music at a young age. Since discovering his love for the genre, he’s created his own tunes. According to his website, his style is described as “blues meets jazz meets southern gospel.”
Ben was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and has been bound to his wheelchair for life. Even though he’s bound to the wheelchair, he stays positive through faith and music. In present day, Ben has released two albums and one single independently. Although Ben clearly has a season of America’s Got Talent ahead of him, he has two planned concerts scheduled on August 21 and 28 in Tennessee.
Tune into America’s Got Talent on Tuesday night to see what the judges thought of heartfelt performance.
This song is absolutely BEAUTIFUL.🙏♥️ It’s how I feel too about life eternal! Ben Waites? I’ve been waiting for that heartfelt inspirational singer for many many years to wake up the heart’s of people. Congratulations on your musical career!!♥️🙏🌹
that makes me cry me and soifa vergaar that is was fun to lisen to but um and that song you sang was haettbreaking
Love reading the talent recap. Thanks so much ❤️
Wow what an amazing soul most definitely God sent .