Robert Finley auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2019 with an original song that impressed the judges and viewers alike. But he left the competition at the semi-finals after being criticized by the judges. After the show, Robert signed a record deal and released an album. He toured with big names like the Black Keys.
In a newly leaked audition clip from Monday’s America’s Got Talent: All Stars episode, Robert, now 68, is back to finish what he started 3 years ago.
A sharecropper’s son, Robert was drafted into the Vietnam war at age 19. He had dreams of pursuing music, but instead he worked as a carpenter to support his family. But when he lost his eyesight to glaucoma several years ago, Robert decided to consider the loss as an opportunity instead, returning to his dream of a career in music.
AGT: All Stars 2023 Week 4 Lineup: Meet the Acts!
AGT: All Stars Sacred Riana Returns to Spook the Judges
America’s Got Talent: All Stars Reveal Top 60 Acts Competing
Once again, Robert sings an original song titled “Souled Out on You,” a cut from his post AGT album, Sharecropper’s Son. The song starts off in an unexpected craggy falsetto. It tells the sad tale of losing a love and realizing it’s never coming back.
“I wish I had a platinum buzzer”
“You had absolutely everybody on their feet,” judge Howie Mandel remarked. “Your voice is unbelievable,” said Heidi Klum. She complimented his funky dance moves. Simon Cowell wished he had a “platinum buzzer” at the moment. He added, “Gold’s not even good enough for that. That was extraordinary.” Simon called Robert “cool” and “effortless” and his singing voice “brilliant.” Simon added, “that’s what a singing voice should sound like.”
Howie called it a “star performance.” But will the “superfans” vote Robert through to the finale? Tune into America’s Got Talent: All Stars Week 4 on NBC, Monday, Jan. 23 to find out.
