WATCH: The Whole Planet Is Backing This Deaf ‘America’s Got Talent’ Singer

Some time back, talent show producers realised it’s far more efficient to focus on contestants’ harrowing backstories than their actual skills. You know how it goes: sombre string arrangements accompany someone’s tale of woe, before they bust out a passable acoustic number. They make it through to the next round. Their ‘journey’ continues. 

Well, the same story has played out over on America’s Got Talent, except Mandy Harvey‘s story is genuinely inspiring. And her tune is great, in spite of and because of her circumstances. 

Harvey, whose hearing was seriously impaired by illness at the age of 18, took to the stage to sing a song of her own devising. The panel pointed out her decision to go barefoot; Harvey explained that she’d stay on tempo during Try by feeling the song’s vibrations through the floor.

And then she did just that. 

Since that genuinely beaut moment, Twitter has rallied around the singer with some serious gusto. For good reason, TBH.


She even received props from Lady Gaga.

Harvey has since reciprocated that appreciation, making this whole deal even bloody sweeter. 

She’ll return to the stage for America’s Got Talent’s semifinals. Fuckin’ grouse.

More Stuff From PEDESTRIAN.TV