For everyone that has ever performed at a karaoke night before, you can probably all relate to the most crucial part of the night; the song choice. Choose a song that’s too slow, and you won’t get the crowd going. Too overplayed on the radio, and they might want to kick you off stage.
But regardless of your actual singing talent, karaoke is all about getting the crowd going- and Andy Rowell did exactly that this past week on America’s Got Talent, getting a standing ovation of approval from all four judges. Yes, including Simon Cowell, who is notorious for HATING karaoke performances.
His winning song choice of the night? “Tequila”.
YEP. THAT “Tequila”, probably one of the easiest – if not easiest – songs to memorize, with it’s one word only lyrics. To give him some credit, he did have to get that timing down!
A Long Time Karaoke Buff
This isn’t the first time this 24 year old Iowa native has gone viral for his rendition of Tequila. Back in September 2018 he uploaded a video of his karaoke performance in a bar, that to date has reached over 4 million views on Youtube and has been the source of many memes.
Pre-Performance Jitters
Before getting the crowd roaring with delight, host Terry Crews talked with Rowell about his background in karaoke and what reactions he hoped to get from the judges.
I’d say the most ironic part of Rowell’s speech was when he said singing at karaoke “made him feel alive,” and yet he looked like he was converting into a zombie right before our eyes during (and after) his performance when all color drained from his face.
what pic.twitter.com/jZp4drlNDO
— Andy Rowell (@goodfriendANDY) June 19, 2019
The Simon Factor
When it came to his biggest challenge of winning Simon Cowell over, Rowell hoped that his “voice would at least somehow change [Cowell’s] perspective.” Considering we heard Rowell’s voice in the karaoke performance for approximately three seconds total (if that), it was another factor that successfully got Cowell’s approval.
“It was so stupid, I loved it.”
So… not quite the accolade one wants to hear after their performance, but hey it got him through to the next round!
Can He Follow Up That “Brilliant” Performance?
Rowell truly brought the house down with his karaoke singing, with the whole audience and judge panel applauding the finale. Julianne Hough even claimed it to be “brilliant” as she voted to pass Rowell on to the next round. When it comes to the next stage of AGT, Howie Mandel got us wondering… how will Rowell’s “exuberance and excitement” shine through in his next karaoke song pick?
Cover Image: Goldderby