Surely all contestants are nervous before they audition on shows like Got Talent or The Voice. After all, their abilities are about to be judged in front of a crowd and the millions of people at home.
But for 18-year-old Harrison Craig from Melbourne, Victoria – he had another reason to be nervous about performing. That’s because he’s stuttered his whole life.
Growing up wasn’t easy for Harrison.
As we know, some kids can be tough, especially to those who stand out from a crowd. For Harrison, his stutter made him the target.
He admitted:
“Having a stutter growing up was quite a challenge. My whole primary school would laugh. I did get picked on quite a bit.”
It didn’t keep Harrison from doing what he loved – singing.
At nine-years-old, he joined an all-boys choir before realizing he preferred singing on his own. Then as a teen – he decided to pursue a dream of appearing on the reality TV talent show, The Voice Australia.
Although Harrison was excited about the huge opportunity, he also hoped his stutter wouldn’t affect his performance. It’s a worry that most contestants don’t have to face.
The judges’ chairs were turned as Harrison took the stage. Unlike other shows like American Idol, the participants are judged solely on their voice in the first round, without their “looks” being a factor.
With his supportive family watching, Harrison was ready to put his heart and soul into the audition. Only time would tell, however, if things would go smoothly.
All it took was Harrison singing the first notes of “Broken Vow” by Josh Groban for eyes to go wide and mouths to drop. He was amazing.
The judge, Seal, toyed with pressing his red button right away. He couldn’t even stay seated he was so impressed by what he was hearing.
But then Harrison reached a powerful note that forced Seal to make his final decision. He flipped his chair around in a show that he wanted the contestant on his team.
What’s incredible is that Harrison sings like an angel sent down from up above. Although his stutter is noticeable when he speaks, there was no sign of it during his performance.
One by one the other judges pressed their buttons as well – which doesn’t always happen. His family cheered from the side stage, and his little brother became teary.
It’s obvious it was a meaningful moment for all of them.
After Harrison’s performance, he faced the judges for the next step – selecting a coach. But as soon as the teen was asked a question, that’s when his stutter resurfaced.
But it didn’t even matter. He had shown the world he could chill a room with his singing voice, which the judges were very impressed with.
Seal, who’s a musical artist himself, told the teen:
“You are great – and it will be my job and my privilege to bring the greatness out of you. I don’t care if you stutter…as long as you keep singing like that I will fight to give you what you want…”
The other judges too wanted Harrison on their team and had nothing but praises. In the end, he picked Seal to be his coach.
It’s an audition that’s so beautiful and inspirational that you will need to get ready for goosebumps.
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