Two Mississippi natives are heading to the live rounds of “America’s Got Talent.”
Canton native Ashford Sanders and Columbia native Elsie have taken the stage by storm and advanced in “America’s Got Talent” season 21. As the name suggests, the live rounds are a further step in the large-scale talent show, where competitors impress the judges and display their skills in person and on stage, rather than in a prerecorded audition.
Only 44 of the thousands of people who audition make it to the live stage in Pasadena, Calif., and it just so happens that two of them are from the Magnolia State.
Ashford Sanders
Sanders is a native of Canton who now resides in Atlanta, where he owns and operates a soul food restaurant called Ashford’s Kitchen.
“It ain’t healthy, but it’s good,” Sanders said to the judges before his performance. “I sing to my customers. They be good in there.”
Sanders stunned with his performance of Billie Eilish’s hit song “What Was I Made For?”, earning a “yes” from all four judges. His take on the song from the movie, “Barbie,” included an R&B twist that multiple judges described as beautiful.
“I could listen to you forever,” Judge Sofía Vergara said. “I’m so glad that you’re here because this is where you belong.”
The judges unanimously decided that Sanders has what it takes to make it far in this competition, giving him the green light to move on to the live rounds.
Elsie
Elsie, a native of Columbia, is a country music artist who stepped away from making music to focus on her family. Now, as a mother, she is back into the music scene and competing for “America’s Got Talent.”
She brought one of her own original songs to the audition stage, taking the risk to sing an unknown song rather than one that is recognizable and might have earned her extra brownie points.
Instead, she took a chance on herself and the music she wrote by performing her song “Forgiveless,” which featured a mix of pop and country. However, the reactions from the judges were not initially very positive.
“I didn’t love the song but I did love you,” Vergara said.
“You’re clearly an amazing singer, but I think, for me personally, you should’ve done a different song because I think your voice is so much bigger and better than what you just showed us,” Mel B added. “You’re beautiful, your vocals were on point, but I think you’ve got a lot more in the tank.”
Despite the negativity towards her decision to perform an original, Elsie received a “yes” from three out of four judges. They chose to believe in her potential rather than judge what they heard at face value.
What’s next?
Now that both Mississippians have advanced, they will have their chance to advance further in the live rounds of season 21 on Aug. 18 starting at 7 p.m. on NBC. Before the Mississippi natives once again get their chance in the spotlight, the last round of the callbacks for other participants to compete to join Sanders and Elsie airs on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. on NBC.
