Though we often feel as if we have a good idea what the people around us are going through in their heads, the truth is a little bit different.
While we may walk around seeming like everything is fine and we have no problems, many of us are often fighting private battles that others don’t know about it. Although it’s been a more major topic of discussion in recent years, many Americans deal with issues of depression and anxiety without always getting the help that they need—even the people we see performing on the main stage.
One particular audition on America’s Got Talent showed this so clearly.
The contestant in question was Anna Clendening, a 20-year-old singer.
Although Clendening was excited to perform for the audience, as she got backstage she experienced extreme shaking and anxiety.
Fortunately, host Nick Cannon was there to help talk her through it—he even helped walk her to the middle of the stage so that the show could continue. Once she was out there, she stood in front of the whole world and addressed the judges.
After speaking with Howie Mandel for a few moments, Clendening explains that she has serious anxiety and depression.
As a result of her mental illness, Clendening had been bedridden for several months.
As she explains, Clendening explains that she was diagnosed with her disorders when she was 14 and often had trouble going out into the world, leaving her room or even getting out of bed. As a result of these paralyzing issues, she had trouble feeling like she should even keep trying to survive on Earth. As she explains, she went through therapy before having another relapse into mental illness.
After hearing all this, Mandel has a message of his own to share.
Mendel explains that he also has an anxiety disorder, namely OCD.
As he continues, he says that for her to even show up in front of the whole world takes tremendous courage. At that point, the crowd gives her a huge round of applause. Finally, Mandel says that everyone just wants to hear her share her talent and that they’re all there to support her.
With all that aside, and after one final moment of hesitation, Clendening starts into her performance.
The song she chose is “Hallelujah,” made famous by artists like Jeff Buckley and Leonard Cohen.
Although she’s slightly shaky at the beginning, Clendening finds her footing as the song goes on—and her voice is beautiful! As she goes on, her voice hits a high and soars through the crowd. At that point, Mandel stands up to support her. Clendening finishes up the song and as the crowd applauds, she bursts into tears.
Before another moment passes, Mandel rushes onstage and gives Clendening a hug.
Although the performance was incredible, the story behind it all is so emotional that it touches everyone in the crowd.
After everything, Mandel asks her how she managed to get the courage to get onstage. Clendening responds that her parents helped her through and the crowd cheers again. After hearing all of the judges feedback, Clendening gets four yeses from the judges and continues on the show! Although talented performers are a dime a dozen, few moments have been as emotional as her audition was.
Congratulations to Anna on an impressive performance and an incredible journey! Check out the full audition below:
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