Benjamin Hightower has channeled Chappell Roan for his America’s Got Talent audition, going from Tennessee to Los Angeles to obtain a standing ovation from judges for his efficiency of “Pink Pony Membership.”
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Showing on Tuesday (June 10) evening’s episode of America’s Obtained Expertise, Hightower instructed judges how he ended seven years of energetic responsibility within the Air Drive to pursue his desires of stardom. “I made the actually scary option to get out of the navy and take an opportunity on myself as a result of I consider in my means to be a performer,” he defined.
Wearing a white shirt and ripped denims, the unassuming musician sat behind a keyboard as he launched right into a triumphant rendition of Roan’s “Pink Pony Membership.” Initially launched in 2020, the only gained renewed consideration following Roan’s 2025 Grammy Awards efficiency, and hit No. 4 on the Scorching 100, tying with “Good Luck, Babe!” as her highest-charting single thus far.
Receiving a rapturous reception from the viewers (which included his personal mom), Hightower defined that it was a greater than becoming monitor given his roots in Tennessee. Although Roan grew up in Missouri, the lyrics to “Pink Pony Membership” describe the singer’s want to go away Tennessee in hopes of acceptance on the west coast.
“That tune is nice, however I feel that additionally might be a success; your rendition of her tune,” enthused choose Howie Mandel. “It was lovely, it was nice.”
“The proper audition, that is what you’re imagined to be doing,” added Sofia Vergara. “I feel America’s going to like you.”
The largest response, nonetheless, got here from Simon Cowell, who expressed his certainty that Hightower’s efficiency might grow to be a viral hit. “I actually such as you. I actually do,” he instructed the singer.
“Once I noticed the keyboard I assumed, ‘Oh God, it’s going to be one thing like “Stand By Me,” or one thing we’ve heard a billion occasions.’ And it wasn’t,” he added. “If you do anyone else’s tune and also you make it your model, that’s sensible. I like that tune, I like your model, and I don’t know, there’s one thing about you I actually like.”
Hightower’s overwhelmingly constructive reception was echoed in his personal response to the acclaim, with the visibly emotional performer telling host Terry Crews that the second has been a very long time coming.
“If the little child who grew up in Tennessee might see me now, he could be so proud,” he defined.
Watch Hightower’s full efficiency under: