Mandy Harvey looks just like any other performer who may walk out on the stage of America’s Got Talent. With her instrument in hand, it is apparent that she will probably sing and play. But you would never know the battle that she has gone through.
Mandy lost her hearing when she was 18 years old.
She suffers from a connective tissue disorder that caused her nerves to deteriorate after she got sick. This caused her to lose her hearing at a young age. Now 29 years old, she hasn’t let her disability stop her from pursuing her dreams.
Her interpreter, Sarah, standing next to Simon, translates their conversation. Simon asks if she had started singing before she lost her hearing.
“Yeah, I’ve been singing since I was four. So I left music after I lost my hearing and then figured out how to get back into singing with muscle memory using visual tuners and trusting my pitch.”
Mandy says that she has written her own song to perform called “Try”.
Two other musicians join her in the background, complementing the beautiful performance. Simon asks what the song is about.
Mandy explains, “After I lost my hearing, I gave up. But I want to do more with my life then just give up.”
Mandy stands on stage with her shoes off, sitting next to her on the floor. When asked about this, she explains that she can feel the vibrations of the music through the floor which allows her to follow the tempo and the beat.
One line into the song and Simon’s eyebrows lift with the unmistakable “WOW” reaction.
The audience is in tears hearing the gorgeous, encouraging lyrics that describe what her life is now like after losing her hearing.
With tear-filled eyes, Howie stands in applause and it doesn’t take long for the audience to be on their feet cheering her on as well.
Although she cannot hear their applause, she can see them standing and clapping. A huge smile sweeps across her face.
She receives a standing ovation from the entire audience including all four of the judges.
“Mandy, I don’t think you’re going to need a translator for this…” says Simon. And then it happens.
Simon presses the golden buzzer granting access straight to the live show.
Sparkling confetti falls from the ceiling and her dad runs out to give wrap her in a huge hug. Simon joins her on stage giving her two thumbs up as Sarah, her translator, repeats Simon’s encouragement.
“That was incredible. That was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen and heard.” Simon says as he congratulates her.
There are not many of these moments that come around. Even Simon, who has heard hundreds and hundreds of performances, tells her, “Honestly, I never think I’m going to be surprised or amazed by people…and then you turn up.”
Simon ends the audition on the perfect note saying, “Mandy, we found each other.“
What an inspiration Mandy is to all of us. Faced with an unthinkable situation at losing her hearing so young, she chose to make the most of it and is now blessing people with her talent. May we all handle trials as gracefully as Mandy Harvey.
Watch the full video of Mandy Harvey performing her original song, “Try” on America’s Got Talent below.
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