Here is a fun fact! America’s Got Talent contestant, Aubrey Burchell is an American Idol alum who finished in the season 16 Top 70. That’s the first season on ABC back in 2018 when Maddie Poppe took the crown. I couldn’t find evidence that she got airtime on Idol, but here she is on America’s Got Talent, singing an unusual rendition of The Weeknd’s “Call Out My Name.”
The 21 year old from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania works at Target, and claims that she sneaks of to the bathroom with her phone to sing. “It keeps myself sane,” she admits. Her dream is to sell out arenas all around the world. She wants to win Grammys!
Aubrey goes on to reveal that she was recently diagnosed as a “level one autistic” and that she has struggled for most of her life. She says, “I want to show other young autistics that are suffering in silence that you can follow your passion and not fit in the box and do what you do and just eat at it.”
Judge Simon Cowell gives Aubrey a thumbs up, while Heidi Klum assures the singer that she’s “inspiring so many people right now.”
Aubrey interprets the song with a throaty alto that’s growly and bluesy. Her approach to the lyrics is passionate and fierce. By the end, the crowd is clapping and cheering for her. As she finishes, the tears come.
“I think you have a chance to win this competition.”
“Wow,” says Heidi, “You really have a fantastic voice! You really have the pipes and they sound beautiful.” Howie Mandel adds, “Just showing up is a feat in itself, and I could tell you’re nervous. But you’re incredibly brave.”
“The fact that you made that song your version was genius,” says Simon. “It’s a great song. Incredible.” H adds, “Was every note perfect? No. It didn’t matter. I really do believe that we’re just witnessing somebody’s career about to skyrocket.”
“You are the perfect package,” Sofia Vergara gushes, “You look so cool. Everything was perfect. I think America is going to fall in love with you. I think you have a chance to win this competition.” Aubrey sobs as each of the judges deliver a YES.
The LAST America’s Got Talent audition episode airs on NBC Tuesday August 2 at 8 pm ET/PT. The live shows (with a new format!) begins on Tuesday August 9 and 10.