America’s Got Talent 2025: Singer Jourdan Blue nabs Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer
On Tuesday night (May 27), America’s Got Talent season premiered for its 20th season. Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara each returned while former AGT judge Mel B replaced Heidi Klum at the table. The premiere showcased her being hard to please, but there were two golden buzzer acts who impressed all four judges, including singer Jourdan Blue from New Orleans, Howie’s first Golden Buzzer of the season.
Jourdan is a street performer who is accompanied by his girlfriend and newborn son at his audition. He plays from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily, or until the cops kick him off the street, It’s what he does to provide for his family. The singer wasn’t ready for his son, he admits, but but states, “He has taught me there is a lot more to life than I realized.” Jourdan was homeless at 16, but his grandpa found out and took him in, and Jourdan has lived with him ever since. Backstage, the singer Facetimes him before taking the stage so he can watch his grandson’s audition remotely.
Jourdan Blue impresses the panel with a cover of The Script’s “Breakeven”
Jourdan introduced himself to the judges on stage where he shared that he was a rebel growing up and described how his music loving grandpa inspired him. Speaking about an attack that took place earlier this year on the block where he performs in New Orleans choked him up. “It made me realize, there is so much more to live for.” It’s why he is auditioning. The attack happened on Bourbon Street this past New Year’s Day. Tragically, 14 people were killed and many more were injured.
He sang The Script’s “Breakeven” displaying a soulful voice with an interesting tone. Jourdan made the song his own by opting for much less falsetto than the original version. His approach felt fresh and emotive. He has one of those tones that is deeper than anticipated when he opens his mouth. Overall, it was a very solid audition from Jourdan.
Howie Mandel hit his Golden Buzzer for Jourdan Blue
Sofia called him a “rock star.” Mel B said, “It was like I was hearing that song for the first time.” She called it “perfect.” Simon believes the singer has found his way through music, adding that he made him “feel amazing.” Howie said, “That stage and that moment can take you anywhere, and this is just the beginning” as he hit the Golden Buzzer. Jourdan shared the moment with his girlfriend and son as he told his grandpa, still on the phone, that he got the Golden Buzzer.
Jourdan is likely to go far this season. Fun fact, in case you’re curious, this isn’t Jourdan’s first go-around at singing competitions. He made the Top 59 of American Idol Season 20 a few years ago, but was never featured on air. The other Golden Buzzer act Light Wire, a technology driven dance act, is also likely to go far as lately technology acts have been thriving on the show. Other standouts of the night with potential to stick around are Amadou, a contortionist who showed immense talent even if it was a bit frightening to watch, and Jacqueline and Wagner who were a thrilling roller skate acrobatic act that brought a lot of showmanship to the stage.
