Austin Brown, Former Member Of Home Free, Auditions For America’s Got Talent
During auditions for Season 20 of America’s Got Talent, Austin Brown, a former member of the a cappella group Home Free, hoped to impress with a rendition of “When A Man Loves A Woman.” While he sang the famous song masterfully, it was not quite enough to convince all four judges.
Mel B and Sofia Vergara voted yes, but Simon Cowell and Howie Mandell voted no. Brown was sent home with the suggestion to try again another time with another song.
Of course, they were not expecting the vocalist to walk back onto the AGT stage just a few days later. Brown reportedly remained in Los Angeles and asked the producers daily if there was a spot available for him to re-audition.
“You sang a song which we didn’t like, and then we said come back. I was thinking in a year. And actually you’re back…three days later. That shows you really want this. Well, good for you, Austin,” said Cowell.
A Decade With Home Free & Previous Reality Show Success
The 39-year-old joined the acclaimed a cappella group Home Free as the lead tenor in 2012. The following year, they made a name for themselves when they were crowned champions of the reality singing competition, The Sing-Off.
The next year, the group headlined the Sing-Off Tour in 32 cities across the U.S. In the decade that followed, Home Free released 12 albums under their self-titled record label.
In February 2024, Austin Brown announced he was leaving the group to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by Adam Bell-Bastien.
Austin Brown Stuns With Original Song on AGT
For his second-chance audition, Brown sang an original song, “Somebody Believed.” The fitting tune shared an inspirational message of overcoming obstacles and beautifully showcased Brown’s artistry.
The George natives’ perseverance paid off, and all four judges praised his performance. Howie Mandel called his voice “beautiful,” and Mel B added that she “liked it a lot.” Sofia Vergara said:
“This is you. It feels organic. It was what you were meant to always be singing. And you looked like you were enjoying yourself.”
Finally, Simon Cowell concluded:
“You made the right decision to come back, well done.”
The judges voted unanimously to send Austin Brown through to the next round of competition. Watch his stellar audition for America’s Got Talent below!
