Shaquira McGrath has spent her adult life too afraid to show her stuff. Currently, working as a server in Georgia, the versatile singer is ready to put herself out there.
She impressed the judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara with a country rendition of Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman.” But now, she’s back for the Judge Cuts with a ballady R&B rendition of Avicii’s “Wake Me Up.”
For the Judge Cuts round, the panel work in a socially distanced open air lot designed like a drive-in theater. The acts beam in from safe locations, while the judges watch After her performance, which is obviously pre-taped, Shaquira greets the judges from her living room.
Heidi believes Shaquira should stick to country music, Simon disagrees
“You lit up this gigantic screen,” Simon says. “And you absolutely commanded it. You have a very special talent.” Heidi prefered Shaquira’s country song from the auditions. “That is when you light up,” she says. “To me, you are a country star.”
Simon notes correctly that Shaquira chose the song relating to the trying times of today–so different from even when she auditioned. “This is one of those songs that really hits home for right now, for the people who need it.” Simon disagrees with Heidi. “I think you made a smart choice,” he says.
Sofia calls the performance “spectacular” adding “your voice is breathtaking.” Howie reminds everyone that this year, the competitiveness is “above and beyond.” He says, “You’re making our job a lot tougher. We’re going to be fighting tonight.”
At the end of the episode, the judges will decide who moves on to the live shows. Because of coronavirus concerns, the Judge Cuts are only one episode. The judges will only see acts “on the bubble,” and then make their decisions about the 44 acts that will move on the the quarterfinals.
America’s Got Talent airs on NBC Tuesdays at 8 pm ET/PT.
Will Shaquira McGrath move on to the Quarterfinals? Watch her performance of “Wake Me Up” below
