This may be the first time you’ve ever heard the name Avery Dixon, but we can guarantee that it won’t be the last!
On the season premier of the 17th season of “America’s Got Talent,” audiences were introduced to a young man whose talent blossomed out of years of torment. Born prematurely and weighing just 1 pound, 8 ounces, Avery still struggles with physical differences that have shaken his confidence for his entire life.
Like many preemies, Avery needed a breathing tube. Unfortunately, the tube damaged his vocal cords so they don’t close completely, resulting in an airy voice he can’t ever change. He also had a misshapen cranium due to his traumatic birth. Growing up, the other kids picked on him relentlessly, and he admits the bullying lead him to contemplate suicide.
“When you’re in that mindset, the only thing you want to do is quit,” he told the judges during his audition.
But Avery didn’t quit. Instead, inspired by his grandfather, a successful R&B musician, he channeled his pain into learning the saxophone. Now, at just 21 years old, Avery has already raked in several awards for his musicianship, including Musician of the Year awarded by The Tommie Smith Youth Initiative.
As Avery told Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell about his experiences with being bullied, you could hear a pin drop in the audience. Backstage, his mother wiped away the tears next to a distraught Terry Crews.
After collecting himself, Avery picked up his instrument and began to play. To say he’s an extraordinary musician is an understatement. He is incredible! His performance was lively, jazzy, and structurally perfect. The audience cheered wildly as he played, and all of the judges except Simon jumped to their feet to dance.
“If Howie Mandel gets up to dance that means you’re really good,” Heidi said with a laugh when Avery had finished. Howie agreed, telling Avery he would “change the world.”
Sofia and Simon were equally moved and impressed. It seemed likely that Avery would get four yes votes from the judges, but before they could vote Terry rushed out shouting “There’s no need to vote!”
With tears on his face, Terry told Avery he had “touched the heart of every human being in this building right now.” He had a few choice words for Avery’s bullies, too!
Avery’s face is pure emotion as Terry slams the Golden Buzzer and sends golden confetti flying onto the stage. He’s now going straight to the live finals to compete for a $1 million prize.
We don’t even have to watch the rest of this season’s contestants to know that Avery has our vote. He turned his pain into his passion, and we can’t wait to hear more from him. After all, success really is the best revenge!
Watch the emotional video below, and be sure to share.
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