Jeffrey Li walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage looking like an ordinary, incredibly polite 13-year-old.
Then he started singing.
Within seconds, the audience realized they were hearing something far beyond the voice of an average teenager. Jeffrey delivered a striking rendition of Josh Groban’s signature song “You Raise Me Up,” displaying a depth, control and emotional maturity that seemed almost impossible for someone his age.
But the most unforgettable part of the audition may have been happening just offstage: his mother’s reaction.
As Jeffrey reached the song’s soaring main hook, the audience erupted. His mother watched with overwhelming pride and emotion, visibly moved by what her son was accomplishing onstage.
It was a moment that quickly turned Jeffrey’s audition into one of the show’s most memorable young performances.
From Wanting a Puppy to a Viral Audition
Jeffrey had a remarkably simple reason for wanting to win America’s Got Talent: he wanted enough money to buy a pet puppy and have a companion.
That innocent ambition made his performance even more endearing.
Before he sang, Jeffrey came across as quiet, respectful and somewhat unassuming. Nothing about his appearance suggested what was about to happen.
But once the music began, his transformation was remarkable.
His voice carried a richness and gravitas far beyond his years, while his delivery remained controlled and deeply emotional. Rather than simply demonstrating impressive vocal technique, Jeffrey appeared to understand the feeling behind the song—and that emotional connection was what made the performance resonate with viewers.
His audition eventually spread across multiple YouTube uploads, accumulating millions of views and attracting an enormous response from fans.
Among the comments were viewers questioning why the judges had not given him a Golden Buzzer, while others focused on the visible pride and affection of his parents watching their son perform.
Jeffrey Li and Celine Tam Create Another Viral Moment
Jeffrey’s America’s Got Talent audition was not his only performance to capture international attention.
He also became known for performing alongside fellow young singer Celine Tam, with the pair delivering a memorable duet of “You Raise Me Up” at Miss World 2017.
The contrast between their voices made the performance particularly compelling.
Jeffrey brought a softer and more delicate quality to the song, while Celine supplied a much bigger, more forceful vocal presence. Together, they created a performance that quickly attracted millions of views online.
The reaction from those watching was almost as memorable as the singing itself, with the hosts visibly stunned by the young performers’ abilities.
The duet ultimately became another viral showcase for Jeffrey, demonstrating that his talent extended well beyond the America’s Got Talent stage.
Four Yes Votes From the Judges
Born in Toronto, Canada, on March 6, 2005, Jeffrey Li came to international attention at the age of 13 when he auditioned for season 13 of America’s Got Talent with “You Raise Me Up.”
His audition earned him a clean sweep from the judges, with all four voting yes and sending him through to the next stage of the competition.
Jeffrey then faced the Judge Cuts round, where he took on another enormous vocal challenge: Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time.”
Once again, he demonstrated impressive vocal ability for his age.
The performance also attracted major attention online, reportedly reaching around 11 million views on YouTube.
A Viral Performance Wasn’t Enough
Despite the huge online response to his Whitney Houston cover, Jeffrey’s America’s Got Talent journey came to an end during the Judge Cuts.
The judges ultimately decided not to advance him further in the competition.
For many viewers, his elimination was difficult to understand, particularly after seeing the young singer generate such a strong response both in the theater and online.
But Jeffrey’s time on the show had already accomplished something significant.
At only 13, he had introduced himself to an international audience with a performance that showcased a remarkable voice, earned four yes votes and generated millions of views.
The Audition Fans Still Remember
What makes Jeffrey Li’s You Raise Me Up audition so memorable is the contrast between the boy who walked onto the stage and the singer who emerged once the music started.
He looked like a regular teenager with a simple dream of winning a puppy.
Then came that voice.
And as Jeffrey reached the emotional peak of the song, his mother’s reaction captured exactly what made the audition so powerful. It wasn’t simply about hitting the right notes—it was the pride, emotion and sheer disbelief of watching a young son reveal a talent that even his audience might not have expected.
Jeffrey didn’t win America’s Got Talent.
But his audition became a lasting viral moment, and years later, the performance still gives viewers the same reason to stop and watch: sometimes, the most unforgettable voices come from the most unexpected people.