Travis Garland is dreaming on.
The West Texas native and longtime Los Angeles resident made it through Night 5 of Auditions for Season 21 of America’s Got Talent on pure ability (and the support of super-fan Judge Mel B) but his choice of song and performance style divided the Judges.
There’s no doubt that Garland is a talented singer with plenty of experience.
“I’ve been lucky enough to live out some of my dreams. When I was 17 I joined a boy band,” he explained backstage, noting that he was able to work with The Pussycat Dolls and Justin Bieber on different projects and tours. But just surviving as a singer isn’t enough. “The reason I’m doing AGT is I want to take that next step. I’ve been at this level for a long time.”
Talking to the Judges, he explained that he currently worked as a singer on Dancing With The Stars. Mel B asked if he had the powerful voice she really likes, and Garland humbly responded that he may or may not be. The moment he opened his mouth to sing Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” however, Mel immediately clocked that, yes, he’s her favorite. For the rest of the song, she was in heaven. Fanning herself, she told him, “that is how we sing that song, brother!” She praised his “soul, grit, passion” and gave him an immediate “Yes” vote.
Travis Garland performing during America’s Got Talent Season 21 Episode 5.
Photo: Chris Haston/NBC
The other three Judges, though impressed by his vocal range, were a little more skeptical. Judge Howie Mandel felt that while Garland had “incredible talent,” his performance was “so theatrical” and “a little schmaltzy.” Judge Sofía Vergara found herself “a little in the middle because I did wish that you had picked another song,” though she ultimately voted “Yes” on the singer. Judge Simon Cowell agreed with her assessment, advising Garland to try “another arrangement” next time, but stating that there was “no question” about his abilities, and giving him a “Yes.”
What boy band was Travis Garland in?
From 2006 to 2009, Garland was part of a four-member boy band called NLT in which he sang lead vocals. The second vocalist was none other than Kevin McHale, who went on to play Artie Abrams on the hit musical show Glee.
When do live shows start on AGT this season?
There are two more nights of Auditions for Season 21 of AGT, airing on July 14 and 21, respectively. After that, viewers will get a peek behind the curtain with a special look at the Judges’ selection process as they narrow down their selections of everyone who got three or four Yes votes to who should go through to the Live shows. Golden Buzzer recipients are guaranteed a spot, but the rest are only still in contention.
Live Shows, on which the public can vote, begin August 18 with the first night of Quarterfinals, with the first Live Results Show on August 19, so be sure to vote for your favorite Acts and tune in to see how they do. It’ll be another exciting summer…so dream on!