The first thing you think about when anyone mentions Toronto is probably the CN Tower, its beautiful museums and art galleries, its food spots, and its vibrant art. That’s about to change. Jeffrey Li is a young 13-year-old who took America’s Got Talent season 13’s auditions by storm.
Before Jeffrey’s Performance
Looks can be deceiving. The first thought you’d probably have when watching Jeffrey escorted to the stage by Tyra Banks is, “He’s young. He doesn’t look like he can do much.” You’ll be surprised. Heidi Klum, in true mother hen fashion, goes on to quiz Jeffrey on a few things. He nervously admits to the judges that he hasn’t performed before such a huge crowd. It’s adorable.
Heidi Klum then goes on to ask Jeffrey the question on everyone’s mind, “What would you do with $1 million dollars?” Jeffrey thoughtfully pauses and gives what I think is most honest and heartwarming response. He wants a dog. Why? Because he’s lonely as an only child and would love a companion. Gold!
Simon Cowell’s Promise
Simon then leads the second part of the interview and asks about Jeffrey’s performance. The boy revealed that he’d be performing Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up. Remember that feeling of doubt we all had when he walked on stage? Well, this is a simple song, there are lots of long high notes, it’s an ambitious tune for a 13-year-old.
Needless to say, Simon asks him why he chose the song. Again, with the cuteness we all adore, Jeffrey confesses that singing this song helps lift his mood up when he’s feeling a bit down. If you’ve watched the show before, you know Simon Cowell is not an easy man to please, but not this time. We’re not sure why, but Simon offers to buy Jeffrey a dog if he wows the judges and the crowd. Of course, Jeffrey is beyond happy to hear the unusual promise.
The Unbelievable Performance
Simon prompts Jeffrey with a simple, “Let’s do this one for the doggie.” After a brief moment of silence, Jeffrey sweeps the stage, and I mean he sweeps the stage. How many performances have you seen where the audience starts to give a standing ovation less than halfway into a song? Jeffrey kills it on stage.
All those high notes I was doubtful about are no match for this boy’s voice. We all like to sing in the bathroom and think we could all be singers if we tried to, but watching this audition will plant seeds of doubt in a lot of us.
The Result
After the performance, Mel couldn’t hide how impressed she was. She went on to shower him with praise saying listening to his voice was like hearing an angel singing. Don’t believe me? Watch it now!
The judges were impressed enough to give him 4 yes votes and a standing ovation. His parents’ faces were all red in joy and pride in their little boy. I guess Simon Cowell owes Jeffrey a new dog.