Jimmie Herrod Closes The First America’s Got Talent Live Show with Refreshing “Pure Imagination”
On the first America’s Got Talent live quarterfinal, 12 contestants performed, including four singing acts (Read our Recap). Jimmie Herrod, the 30 year-old from Portland, Oregon stunned with his rendition of “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The performance continued Jimmie’s streak of song choices from classic musicals. For his audition, Jimmie sang “Tomorrow” from the Broadway musical Annie.
The lone golden buzzer of the night demonstrated exactly why Sofia Vergara hit her button for him. He simply stood out, both as a singer and performer on a night that had many overdone song choices such as Peter Rosalita’s “I Have Nothing” and even Madilyn Bailey’s “Titanium”.
I often don’t care for singers like Jimmie. His technique is incredible, but it can be tough to control a jazzy tone like Jimmie’s that often hits high vocal registers and notes that border on grating. But Jimmie has great control. He pushes the right amount on the belts without going too far. At times, it felt like I was watching a professional with years of experience perform on Broadway.
All four judges gave Jimmie a standing ovation
The judges loved the performance, with all four giving him a standing ovation. “Bravo, Jimmie” exclaimed Sofia Vergara, calling the singer “sexy” and declaring that she had goosebumps all over. Simon Cowell said that “you are never going to forget” Jimmie and complimented his Broadway style. Simon’s only critique was about the tree on set. Heidi Klum called Jimmie the “million dollar act. And Howie Mandel declared Jimmie “the singer to beat.”
I am unsure if Jimmie is truly the singer to beat. I do not see America voting him through as a winner. But I think he’ll be sailing through to the next round and probably through to the finals as well.
Watch Jimmie Herrod sing “Pure Imagination on America’s Got Talent
