America’s Got Talent Season 13

Writer: Jaye Younkin

Videographer: Josh Goodell

A line of people of all ages, races, and talents wrapped around the Pasadena Convention Center as they waited outside under the California sun radiating energy, excitement, and nervousness. We are all familiar with how audition days go from watching America’s Got Talent on our TVs at home since the show first aired in 2007, but being in this kind of environment in person was a different experience— you could feel the opportunity in the air. Once performers got through registration, they entered the main waiting area full of glam mirrors, bright lights, and AGT backdrops. This area would be their last chance to rehearse before going into an audition that could change their lives forever. If they pass a series of auditions, eventually they get to perform in front of the 2018 America’s Got Talent judges, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Mel B., and host Tyra Banks.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT — “Auditions Pasadena Civic Auditorium” — Pictured: (l-r) Howie Mandel, Mel B, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

The winner of last year’s America’s Got Talent Season 12, Darci Lynne Farmer, was just 13 years old when she won the competition and a talented ventriloquist which means she used her voice to play multiple different characters. Her young age and unique talent seemed to inspire a wide variety of contestants this year attracting people of all ages possessing any talent you can think imaginable.

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT — Auditions Pasadena Civic Auditorium — Pictured: Darci Lynne — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Two sisters in particular Jamilyn and Dani of The Brand Kris touched us with their sentimental lyrics updating their brother Kris, a musician who has passed, about their current lives. When asked, they said they get their inspiration from Taylor Swift who also started out on an acoustic guitar singing vulnerably personal lyrics but there’s also a hint of similarity to the sister duo band Aly & Aj. “We used to listen to them all the time!” the girls said.

Malia Johnson traveled all the way from Hawaii to audition for AGT and definitely brought the Hawaiian spirit with her as she played her ukulele and sang original songs that she says she plays in coffee shops back home. Jade Leone however stays a little bit closer to home, saying she has performed at places like Universal Studios before but is ready to kick up the challenge a bit more. As she sings “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey, it’s hard not to wonder if she’s going to bring it in auditions as much as she brought Christmas to February.

Some of the biggest names known in the music industry right now started right where these people stand today– sweaty palmed and exhausted from rehearsing the same routine as close to perfection as possible. As paranoia sets in, contestants look around them trying to figure out where they rank in the competition because after all is said and done, there will only be one winner.