PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: 'America's Got Talent' has its fair share of multitalented performers, but one singing cellist impressed Judge Howie Mandel so much that he was named his favorite. The 34-year-old singer entered the stage on Tuesday night (July 18) and has now had the entire globe singing along.
BJ is a 34-year-old performer from Virginia Beach, Virginia. He took the stage with his electric cello, stating that he was auditioning for 'AGT' for a good purpose. BJ was born in Detroit, but grew up in Virginia Beach. As a child, he was a member of the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra, which transported him all over the world, including live concerts in China and Greece. He studied music at Virginia's James Madison University before going to New York City and teaching at the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan. He has performed as an opener for Lauryn Hill, Lionel Richie, Erykah Badu, Sir Sly, and Smash Mouth.
'That's what you call a moment'
BJ sang Al Green's soulful 1971 song 'Let's Stay Together' for his 'AGT' audition. Backstage, 'AGT' host Terry Crews got into the beat as BJ pounded sky-high notes while playing a standing electric cello. He also got the 'AGT' live crowd on its feet mere seconds into the song, as judges Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara sang and danced along. "I love him," Howie said shortly after the music began.
The judges, including Simon Cowell, applauded BJ, who admitted that performing on the 'AGT' stage was better than playing football. Sofia began the judging process by describing the performance as "amazing." "What a surprise, what a delight," Sofia said. "I mean, I think everybody was loving you."
When Sofia asked Howie for his comments, he said, "Love, love, love everything about it." "Right now, in singing, you are my favorite," Howie added, leading the performer to put his palm to his chest and lower his mouth.
BJ had "a glow" all around him, according to Heidi, "and you just push it all to us."
"That's what you call a moment," Simon added, referring to the audition. "Your voice, it’s so distinctive—actually, it’s stunning."
BJ garnered four emphatic "Yes" votes from the judges, which came as no surprise. Following BJ's exit from the stage, Simon informed Howie that his mother would purchase "so many records" from musicians like BJ since so few artists "cater to that market."
'He's a Golden Buzzer talent!'
Reacting to his audition, fans on Instagram wrote, "love this combo of singing and cello ?." Another person wrote, "He is a whole package- great voice, showmanship, his smile and energy is so infectious ?." One user further commented, "You are absolutely amazing. VA Beach is voting for you ?." A fourth person wrote, "I could have listened to him all night! Such a great talent! ??."
On Twitter, fans banded together to write, "Dude, this @bjgriffinmusic performer on #AGT was badass! This show has been so watered down and ridiculous the last few years, but pretty sure he just won a contract during his audition!" Another person added, "Wow! He might want to be a musician, but surely is a fabulous singer! Fantastic audition! Love him!" One user noted, "He's a Golden Buzzer talent!! Wow!!" Others felt, "Definitely loved his performance. Actually I think him being with @apocalypticafi
would be awesome. How some light heart is singing and some deep cello with his singing would be really awesome to see." "That was an amazing performance by BJ griffin, He was incredible tonight," wrote another.
Tune into NBC on Tuesdays to catch new episodes of 'America's Got Talent' Season 18 at 8 pm ET.
