One of the best things about America’s Got Talent is that the acts come from all across the globe and all walks of life.
On the most recent episode of AGT, Brody Ray took the stage for his audition;
The Nebraska native decided to sing “Stand in the Light” by Jordan Smith. He chose the song for a specific reason.
“It kind of applies to my life, you know, overcoming the struggles and battles.”
Judge Howie Mandel prompted Brody further and asked what Brody’s struggles and battles were. To which Brody revealed that he is transgender and was born female.
Brody comes from a small town and was originally named Natalie. In a pre-taped interview, Brody said:
“As a little kid, I just loved to be the tomboy, you know? I just wore the guy clothes. I cut my hair off. I was such a happy kid. But I kind of started to figure out it wasn’t about the clothes and short hair.
Inside, I was a man. I was a boy. I was never quite really my own person until I started my physical transformation to male in 2010. Finally.”
Brody credits his transition as the start of his life. When he began to transition, he felt that he started to look like the man that he’d always felt like on the inside.
Now, Brody has fully transitioned and is ready for people to see who he is.
He could not have chosen a better song to audition with, as “Stand in the Light” perfectly fits with the theme that he was going for on this audition.
After he was finished, the audience and all four judges were on their feet and cheering for Brody.
When Howie asked how he felt, Brody had to fight back tears, as the crowd was still roaring with applause – all just for him. He said it had been a long road to get there.
Howie was the first of the judges to give him some praise. Howie said:
“Well it’s a really amazing story, that’s inspirational. I think you’re a great singer. I think you perform with all of your heart. And now, you really are standing in the light.”
Simon Cowell actually told Brody that he thinks he should start singing his own original material because he believes Brody would be a “force to be reckoned with.”
Since the video was shared on America’s Got Talent’s Facebook page, it has gotten 1.8 million views, 24,000 likes, 1,000 comments, and nearly 10,000 shares.
One Facebook user loved his song choice:
His story fit right in with his song! I think this guys gonnna go far he can play guitar and sing very well! Never judge a book by its cover
While another was proud of Brody being out and proud:
This was so precious, he’s such a cute human being. Him being trans is a treasure. Much love, GO LGBT. #LOVEBRODY#BRODYSTRONG #TRANSRIGHTS
However, one Facebook commenter wanted to know why AGT has people who are already “stars” on this season:
Ok….i guess i am confused. I thought this show was about making stars……not those who are established entertainers. This guy is playing gigs with his band all over. The illusionist has toured all over the world. And you put them up against someone like me? Everyday people?
What did you think of Brody’s audition? Do you have an opinion about AGT contestants that have had success before they were on the show?
America’s Got Talent airs on Tuesdays on NBC, directly followed by World of Dance.
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