The ‘America’s Got Talent’ judges were left impressed after 20-year-old self-taught pianist Kieran Rhodes delivered a stunning audition. Rhodes, a promising student at Berklee College of Music, captivated the judges with his impressive piano skills and an emotionally stirring original song “Disengage”.
Despite his youth, Rhodes has proven to be a remarkably talented songwriter. The poignant lyrics of “Disengage” tackle topics such as relationships and mental health, and his emotional delivery deeply touched the audience, earning him a standing ovation. His performance quickly became a hit on YouTube, racking up 7.8 million views and cementing his place as one of the standout acts on America’s Got Talent in recent years.
Terry Crews expressed the significance of the moment, stating: “I think we just experienced something very special”. Sofia Vergara, the first juror to speak, shared her excitement and said: “I really enjoyed it. I could listen to your music for hours. You have a huge talent”. Howie Mandel also praised Rhodes, calling the performance “amazing” and “spectacular” and noting the emotional impact it had on him.
Rhodes’ sincere gratitude to the judges and audience underscored his humility and genuine appreciation. Another highlight of his repertoire is a live performance of “Your Song” at the Berklee Performance Center, where he leads a band and string section, which has also gained popularity on YouTube.