As we know, auditions on America’s Got Talent don’t always go smoothly. But it’s not very often that contestants get a second chance to redeem themselves right in front of everyone’s eyes.
27-year-old Lamont Landers is from Huntsville, Alabama. He’s a full-time musician who developed a love for playing guitar after his parents split up.
Lamont was ready to go to the next level and show the world his talent.
Getting on the AGT stage can’t be easy – especially knowing that you’re about to be judged in front of an extremely large crowd (not to mention the millions of viewers at home). This is why contestants really need to bring their A-game.
With his acoustic guitar in hand, Lamont had hoped that he would impress the judges. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.
He started strumming and singing the classic song by Al Green, “Let’s Stay Together.” Most would probably admit that Lamont seemed like an incredible musician. Simon however, had a problem with the performance.
You know there’s a big issue when Simon Cowell raises his hand to stop a contestant from singing.
The judge asked Lamont, “I’m guessing you play with a band?” After the young man confirmed that he did, Simon went on to say:
“That’s a very safe, what I would call, wedding song. What’s your other song?”
But instead of coming up with a unique tune that would show another side of him, Lamont expressed to the judges that he could perform Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.”
Well, for Simon, that just wasn’t going to cut it.
“Your problem is that you don’t take risks.”
Although Simon can seem ruthless at times, in this case, he decided to offer the contestant another chance. He asked Lamont if he’d like to return that afternoon with a different song to perform.
Instead of just saying “yes” and “thank you,” Lamont came back saying that he would rather just try again right there on the spot. As they say though, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Simon replied with:
“Lamont, you are getting on my nerves right now because I actually like your voice. So I would suggest you think about what I’m saying and I’m going to give you another shot. Don’t be cocky.”
At that point, Lamont made the smart choice of saying “I’ll wait.”
Off the musician went to learn a new song he could play in front of the judges, that would hopefully win them over. When he returned, Lamont once again began strumming his guitar on stage.
And just like deja vu, Simon started waving his hand again – stopping the audition.
The judge then told Lamont to “shake yourself out, you’re too tense” and “slow it down.” Would he ever win Simon over?
As they say, third time’s a charm. So when Lamont finally got to play through a portion of the song “Dancing On My Own” (which he had learned in 30 minutes) – it was obvious he nailed it!
Both the crowd and the judges rose to their feet to give Lamont a standing ovation. It may have taken several tries, but all of Simon’s suggestions had really paid off!
The audition ended with the judges’ praises and feedback for Lamont before they gave him four “yeses” to move to the next round.
Will Lamont take Simon’s advice to heart the next time he performs? It’ll be interesting to see what the future holds for this contestant.
It’s one of those auditions you don’t want to miss.
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