For years now, America’s Got Talent has served as a showcase for some of our country’s most talented people.
We’ve seen all kinds of dancers, singers, magicians and acrobats perform on the show, many of them wowing the audience and the judges. Still, one of the most inspiring parts of the program is its ability to highlight people’s stories, stories that have been forgotten or overlooked. When someone has an inspiring message to go along with a great performance, it creates an experience that the audience can never forget.
That was definitely the case on season seven when Tim Poe auditioned.
For those who don’t know, Poe is a war veteran who served in the military.
As he steps out, he explains that his military career ended in 2009 because he was hit by a grenade in Afghanistan. Although he survived the blast, the accident broke his back and ended up giving him a permanent brain injury, resulting in a stutter that remains with him to this day. As he explains, Poe volunteered to be on a team to clear buildings in a combat zone when tragedy happened.
Although Poe thought he would almost certainly die, he was able to survive and was reunited with his family.
Having that near brush with death ended up inspiring Poe to get even closer to his family and to go for his biggest dreams.
Part of the inspiration for his wanting to get on America’s Got Talent was to express his love for his family, particularly for his children. With all that said, he sets into his performance.
He comes onstage with a guitar and begins to play a heartfelt country song. Though the judges watch him closely, his family is also watching from the sidelines. Almost immediately, the crowd is on his side.
Though it goes without saying, Poe has a soulful voice.
The song tells a story of him watching his daughter sleeping and being afraid of losing her.
As the camera pans to the crowd, it’s clear to see that many in the audience are already in tears at his story and his soulful performance. Before long, the camera cuts to his daughter as well, who is also crying on the sidelines. After a few more verses, Poe wraps up his performance and the audience and judges rise to their feet to give him a standing ovation.
As he takes it all in, Poe has a huge smile on his face.
For those who don’t know, people with a stutter can often sing uninterrupted!
As it turns out, Poe’s speech pathologist suggested that he start singing in the shower as part of his therapy. After doing that, Poe found that he actually had a good voice and that music could be an outlet for him. As the judges go down the line, they all explain how they were moved by Poe’s story and by his song. After a little bit of deliberation, it comes time to vote.
Shortly thereafter, all three of the judges give him a yes to continue—and the crowd applauds again!
Although there have been plenty of talented performers on the show throughout the years, its stories like these that make all the difference.
Despite the hardships Poe had been through, his faith in his own ability to recover and his love for his family carried him all the way to the national stage. Although the performance he gave was relatively straightforward and not the most technical ever, it connected with the audience because he put his entire heart into it. It’s moments like these that make this show so worthwhile.
Congratulations to Tim on his soulful performance! Check out the full audition below:
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