Singer Andrew De Leon has an amazing gothic style. Growing up, he was always a huge fan of artists like Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie.
“They really became an escape for someone like me, who felt that I was an outsider,” said Andrew.
He explained that he was never interested in athletics and the things everyone else was interested in. Instead, he found his passion in music and singing. However, it was always a solo pursuit for him.
By appearing on America’s Got Talent, Andrew was really going to be pushing himself outside of his comfort zone.
“This is my first time singing in front of anybody,” Andrew told presenter Nick Cannon.
Not even his family had seen him sing before.
As soon as Andrew stepped on stage though, his worst fears suddenly became a reality.
The judges instantly started judging him based on his appearance.
“Andrew, you’ve got an unusual look. Is this how you walk around all day?” asked Howard Stern.
We’re sure the question didn’t help to calm his nerves at all as he attempted to perform in front of others for the first time in his life. However, producers queued the music and Andrew immediately showed the judges how important it is to never judge a book by its cover.
He chose to sing the Italian opera song “O Mio Babbino Caro” by Aria.
The song choice was about as far away from heavy metals singers like Marilyn Manson as you could possibly get! Everyone was completely shocked and Howard threw up his hands in amazement.
Andrew was out there hitting incredible high notes like it was nothing, making it seem so easy.
No one could believe it.
The crowd jumped up out of their seats and the whole arena began cheering for the young man.
He has such a beautiful voice and you would never have guessed it was his first time on stage.
The way he effortlessly belted out the lyrics, it was like he had done this millions of times already.
By the time Andrew was finished, even the judges were out of their seats applauding him.
Howard asked the singer what was going through his mind and his response was so beautiful.
“I’m just so used to being rejected and I’m not really good at anything, so this is amazing,” Andrew said with tears in his eyes.
We can imagine how emotional it must have been for him to finally feel like he was being accepted for once.
“You’ve been hiding in your room for all these years, but you never let the world see who you are or what you are,” Howie Mandel told him, “and it’s not like you are good at anything, you are great.”
It was one of the most surprising performances we have ever seen, and of course, all three judges voted ‘yes’, sending Andrew off to Vegas! It was heartwarming to watch.
When a punk rocker steps on stage, you expect them to sing a punk rock or metal song. However, by choosing an opera classic, Andrew showed the world who he really was and how he really felt inside.
He proved to everyone that day that you should never judge someone by how they look.
It’s what’s on the inside that counts, and sometimes, incredible talent comes in the most unexpected of packages.
Watch Andrew De Leon’s performance of “O Mio Babbino Caro” on America’s Got Talent below.
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