When Andrew De Leon auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2012, he admitted that it was his first time singing in front of anybody, let alone on stage before thousands of strangers! But as Andrew delivered his first line, one thing was clear: this was a top-tier star in the making, serving enough shocking and spellbinding talent to wow the entire crowd into silence.
Music Man readers can watch the magic unfold in the viral video below—it’s already racked up more than 60 million views across its various YouTube uploads!
Citing rock gods Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie amongst his influences, 19-year-old Andrew reveals how he’d felt alienated throughout his childhood and teen years, finding music and singing to be an escape from his hardships; an incomparable comfort zone. He tells producers, “My days of being shy and being an outcast have reached their end,” before taking to the AGT stage before judges Howard Stern, Sharon Osbourne, and Howie Mandel.
The judges can’t help commenting on Andrew’s gothic aesthetic, his high-contrast contact lenses and emo fringe matched with an all-black outfit, serving ‘instant icon.’
But rather than being met with a rock ‘n’ roll backing track, an emotional, orchestral piece floods the theatre, as Sharon Osbourne raises her eyebrows, surprised and desperately anticipating Andrew’s utterly unexpected vocal skills.
The song at hand is “O mio babbino caro” (which translates to, “Oh my dear Papa”); a soprano aria composed by Giacomo Puccini all the way back in 1918. Not a fan of opera? You’re bound to recognize this piece nonetheless, and be enchanted by Andrew’s flawless rendition.
Andrew’s vocals are instantly bewitching as he shatters all expectations, hitting unimaginable high notes with an addictively glassy tone, making the audience erupt into cheers, with many of them even shedding tears over his celestial voice!
Sharon Osbourne can’t help but stand, clapping as Andrew closes his emotional piece, moving the singer to tears himself as the audience’s applause verges upon deafening. Howard Stern and Howie Mandel join Sharon’s standing ovation, each dazzled as Sharon’s expression becomes one of absolute pride.
Andrew soon tells the judges, “I’m just so used to being rejected and I’m not really good at anything, so this is… amazing.” It’s the ultimate redemption arc, and a moment that could inspire practically any alternative kid on Earth.
Needless to say, the judges’ comments were flooded with praise and adoration, especially once Andrew admitted that this wasn’t just his first time singing live, but that he was a completely self-taught singer, with no pro vocal training to speak of. He soon picked up three out of three Yes votes from the judges, making it all the way to season 7’s semi-finals, before losing his place in the show.
But that was hardly the end of Andrew’s music career. The very next year, Andrew released his debut album, “Black Lights,” and a festive EP titled, “Christmas Lights.” Then, after an eight-year break, Andrew stunned fans with his 2021 comeback album, “A Stranger in Paradise,”—all of which curious readers can find on Andrew De Leon’s Spotify page.
Andrew De Leon proved on AGT that his days of hiding were over — a raw, magnetic talent who turned a first-time performance into a viral sensation. If you want to explore more of his story, performances and music, check the useful links below to discover more from this extraordinary young artist.