Singer-songwriter Joseph Allen decided to audition for Season 14 of “America’s Got Talent” because he sees himself as someone who can “make a major impact in the world, and I just want to see how much of a footprint I can leave on earth before I leave.” Well, his footprint will definitely be felt thanks to judge Howie Mandel, who jumped up on the judges’ table and stomped on the Golden Buzzer following Joseph’s performance of his original rap song in Tuesday’s audition episode. Watch the “AGT” performance video above.
Prior to Joseph’s performance Simon was seen asking fellow judge Julianne Hough whether this was “serious” or not, and she replied back, “I don’t know!” Well, just moments into his audition all four judges — Howie, Simon, Julianne and Gabrielle Union — were on board with the rapper’s original tune about living life to its fullest.
“After today, the world’s gonna know my name,” Joseph sang as every member of the studio audience was up on their feet. The humble singer was so moved by their reaction that he choked up on the last line of his song and dropped down to his knees on the “AGT” stage.
As for why Howie decided to anoint Joseph with his Golden Buzzer, the Canadian comedian stated, “From the moment you walked out, your smile is electric. You walked out with such exuberance and that’s what life is. You know, life is a series of moments. People at home are talking about this moment. People in this room are talking about this moment.” Howie then crawled up onto the judges’ table and stomped on the button, announcing, “You said you want to leave a footprint? Well, I’m going to give you the footprint you need to leave!”
In his “AGT” live blog, our recapper John Benutty wrote the following about the Joseph’s performance: “He started the song singing and then transitioned into a slightly humorous, but very inspirational rap that left himself speechless and emotional at the end. He got a standing ovation from the panel and the crowd as he rose from his knees with tears flowing from his eyes. After hearing positive critiques from Gabrielle, Julianne and Simon, it came to Howie who told him that his electricity was felt as soon as he walked on the stage and that if he said he wanted to leave a footprint then he would give him one–so Howie stood on the table and stomped on the golden buzzer, sending Joseph straight through to the live shows!”
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