We’ve come to the point where it’s not uncommon for aspiring singers to hit the reality talent competition circuit show by show. For many, it’s because another show didn’t have faith in them. Just look at episode 1’s Jourdan Blue. After not making it to the live round on American Idol, he found solace and a Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent. Jourdan won’t be the only former reality crooner to appear on the monumental 20th season of the series.
When Austin Brown hit the stage, it’s possible you may have recognized his face. Then, when he spoke to the judges about his desire to be a solo artist after being in a successful a cappella group, the clues lined up: this was Austin Brown of Home Free, the winners of The Sing Off Season 4. But just because he had a victory under his belt from the dearly departed NBC singing competition didn’t mean he was a surefire lock to move on. Austin Brown’s audition on AGT showcased how difficult the industry truly is.
Where Austin Brown Went Wrong on ‘America’s Got Talent’
In 2013, The Sing Off embarked on its fourth season, where Home Free hoped to follow in the footsteps of the show’s previous winners, Pentatonix. Up until then, each of the series’ three winning groups hit a different niche. Nota brought a Latin infusion. Committed was pure R&B. Pentatonix was groundbreaking pop remix. Home Free brought their own niche as the series’ resident country-based group. And they were exceptional. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the quintet was consistent, deserving of the victory. They found their footing with a following, but not finding the critical and popular acclaim like their predecessor did, took a toll on the group’s frontman. After more than a decade with the group, he left Home Free to find a career on his own.
Austin Brown came to America’s Got Talent to show that he could do it on his own. Living in Nashville, attempting to make it in country music, he was optimistic that AGT was the right platform. His wife, Amberly Brown, cheered him on from the side, but his audition didn’t go according to plan. Perhaps the song choice or maybe the performance’s lack of comparative pizzazz, his rendition of “When a Man Loves a Woman” brought the room to its feet, but it was just an average performance according to two of the judges.
Sofía Vergara and Mel B were eager to help push Austin forward, but Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell were not convinced, feeling he was too generic. Austin Brown’s audition was proof that having a strong resume doesn’t mean automatic praise. Sofia and Mel B were right. He had an excellent voice. However, Howie and Simon were also right; he didn’t do anything to make the song stand out. Austin Brown is a good vocalist, but he might have been at his best on reality television with Home Free.
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‘America’s Got Talent’ Requires Something Special
It should be noted that what we see on an edited television show is not always the full story. In his joint post with his wife about his performance, the singer responded to a fan regarding his song choice. He shared, “The producers really wanted me to sing this song! We tried, but it didn’t work out this time. Gonna keep trying though!” It’s not an uncommon practice as certain acts are set up for story, as seen on this episode. Immediately following his audition and push to the producers to allow him to sing again, he was followed up by a performance by Cole Swensen. His mom joined him on the cello and gave an exceptional rendition of “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay. He was showered with praise, with the judges noting his unique and refreshing voice and rendition. It was drastically different from Brown’s audition, allowing the judges’ desire for originality to be the main storyline.
What his audition proved about vocalists on AGT, you must be refreshing. You must be able to bring something expansive that can stand up against the giant acts that are rooted in other talents. Maybe The Voice would have more faith in him, but on AGT, he needed uniqueness. Hence as to why the night’s other vocalists and bands, including Citilimitz, Cole Swensen, and Girish and the Chronicles, went through to the next round. They did something no other act could do. They made their music original. With many more audition rounds to go, it’s likely we’ll hear more singers. If they had been paying attention to night two, they’ll know what they’ll need to bring to woo the judges. While it was heartbreaking to see someone you enjoyed from another show see his dream shut down, it’s not the end. It’s a lesson learned.