Brandon Leake He also . Singers can go to The Voice, as well as America's Got Talent. I wish he could've been here," Vergara said. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more! That being said, if an audience had been present during this taping, its likely that all spectators would have been rendered stunned and pindrop-silent by Brandons words. "I believe that the biggest issue in this world, and I'm not being political, I'm being truthful, we're all in this together. Brandon Leake has made it clear he's willing to take that leap. Sofia Vergara was emotionally moved by this poetic America's Got Talent audition. Coming from a kid who was always concerned about looking cool, being cool, and doing cool stuff, it was really hard for me to relinquish that type of cool jacket off of myself, How communal the talent pool became. Do you have any advice for the Acts competing on AGT Season 17? There was really nowhere else to go. I know what it is to have somebodytaken from you without you knowing, but it was very beautiful for me.". As Brandon began to recite his piece, he told the gut-punching story of his sister, who was four years younger than him, dying at just 8 months old.. The dynamic Terry Crews returns as host. Table of Biography [ show] Early Life Brandon Leake was born on May 4, 1992. "From the person who lives in Wyoming in a farm town who can relate to a city kid from Stockton, California. Leake, a former high school English teacher from Stockton, California, had welcomed his first child 14 days prior to shooting the tryout. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. To know that an art form that was so underground for so long got the public eye and took a win, that's more than any million-dollar prize could ever be.". Just be you, both on and off stage. You deserve the world and more. During the Quarterfinals, the poet unveiled a timely original poem about the power of a Black mother's love and its tie to police brutality and racial injustice. I handicapped myself for years because I was too concerned with how people looked at me, how people perceived me. "America, sit quietly, listen and take it in.". I wanted to be with them, so I got a big house [in Miami, Florida] and we all lived together. He received a standing ovation from Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Mandel. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara all gave him standing ovations. Exclusive: How 'AGT' is reshaping season during COVID-19, from no audiences to outdoor Judge Cuts. Sex "And here we are.". I could finally say spoken-word has a place in this artistry world. But when 27-year-old Stockton poet, educator, and new father Brandon Leake performed in the final slot of this weeks AGT episode, he made up for that. With the help of four other spoken word poets, he delivered a piece about his hometown of Stockton, California. "Normally death don't really bother me, I'm from southside Stockton. He was the winner of the competition, claiming the $1,000,000 prize, a new car, and the headlining of a show in Las Vegas. For the finale in Episode 1522, Brandon Leake performed a short spoken word piece prior to the results about Season 15. After the show, Mandel spoke with PEOPLE and praised Leake on the "imperative and important" message of his poem. She did this really sweet poem about her relationship with Jesus. Information As Brandon began to recite his piece, he told the gut-punching story of his sister, who was four years younger than him, dying at just 8 months old. Poets just have our local coffee shops. He is the first novelty act to win the competition. BRANDON LEAKE: I know I said earlier to hold on to love loosely so when it leaves, it won't exit so painfully. You give the same effort of performance and excellence for 10 people as you do for 10,000. America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays (at 8 p.m. Leake actually didn't make it to the AGT stage when he first auditioned back in 2017. One of the best days of Brandon's life was when his sister, Danielle Marie Gibson, was born. He will be part of the AGT Live residency and has a movie in the works. You just have to take a deep breath and keep on going if not for yourself, then for everybody you love.". "I can feel your pain. Since the show gave him a platform to share his skill with the world, he has become a household name across the country. Brandon's sister, who was four years younger than him, died at just 8 months old. Tune in next week, when the Americas Got Talent auditions once again, without a live audience conclude. 'America's Got Talent' Winners: Where Are They Now? "She's here with me now," he said of Danielle Marie Gibson, who died in 1997 at only 8 months old. Brandon had explained that he had a fourteen-day old daughter and a sister whom he loved very much. ", She added at the time: "With so many bad things happening, it creates a tough skin. I actually didn't think about that at all. Age (at audition) Were you the first poet that producers had seen? I know what it is to have somebody taken from you without you knowing. We feel your love and you moved me to do this.". He received enough votes from the Superfans to enter the Top 3 of the night. "Kind of," Leake replied. Brandon Leake, the spoken-word poet who won the 2020 edition of America's Got Talent, has signed with UTA for all areas. This was a long time coming. The then 4-year-old adored being a big brother and couldn't wait for all the fun they'd have together. But America's Got Talent was a place that said, Hey, we'll welcome you if you're good. And fortunately for me, I was good enough to make the show the second time around. Published on July 1, 2020 11:34 AM. But it was very beautiful for me. However, it was Howie who hit that Golden Buzzer the final Golden Buzzer of the season still left in play which automatically advanced Brandon to the live shows. I know what it is to have somebody taken from you without you knowing.". Go behind-the-scenes, stay on top of breaking news, hang with the stars, and much more. He realised his talent and decided to do a US solo tour, performing his poetry in 12 states over 40 showss. Brandon Leake is an award-winning spoken word poet, artistic educator and motivational speaker from Stockton, California. : The journey started one of two ways. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The 27-year-old from Stockton stole hearts on the national stage by telling a very personal story about the death of his baby. "This is going to be much harder for them.". Brandon received enough votes to advance to the Finals in Episode 1518 instead of Thomas Day. His new book of poems, Unraveling, came out in March 2022, showcasing his singular artistry yet again. Your poems are so raw. Leake, who is AGT's first-ever spoken word poet to compete, was among the standout performances of the night with his moving poem. Below, NBC Insider chats with Leake. Brandon Leake, a 27-year-old college counselor from Stockton, California, shocked the judges with . Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more! There were probably a lot of people who doubted that a poet could win, but Brandon is the real deal. That's what felt really good: knowing I'd done so much work to get so much better, and that I was finally there. His daughter, now 6 months old, is named Aaliyah, but her dad calls her "booboo". According to Parade, Rafael was fatally shot in an attempted kidnapping in 1998. On the following Wednesdays, (which will feature celebrity musical acts including BTS on Sept. 16), the finalists will be announced. Your mother and I love you more than youll ever know., Today fans divided over Jenna's dress as some viewers say it's 'inappropriate', Sister Wives Janelle Brown doesnt approve of Christines new romance, Inside 1000-lb Sisters stars Amy and Michael's secret fights over kids, Today's Savannah Guthrie abruptly leaves show after scary new medical diagnosis, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Brandon Leake is the winner of Americas Got Talent season 15, Leake is a spoken word poet and motivational speaker, Brandon blew away judge Howie Mandel after he performed a piece about the loss of his sister, Brandon met his wife Anna at one of his shows in Stockton, Leake was born on the south side of Stockton, California, Brandon has a daughter of six months named Aaliyah, AGT's Heidi Klum hits the Golden Buzzer pickingCristina Rae for the finals. His words captured the judges and drew a standing ovation. Brandon met his biological father for the very first time on August 31, 2017 and he married Anna on September 2, 2017. (He even earned a Golden Buzzer.) No music, no nothing. Although the audience was missing, the talent was not. A good number of us really cheered each other on, even when we were competitiveIf you do great, that doesn't mean I can't, Do you have any advice for the Acts competing on, this roundup of his best moments from the show. Gibson was only 8 months old. SIMON COWELL: Really-- this is a very difficult thing for me to judge. Brandon Leake, a 27-year-old college counselor from Stockton, California, shocked the judges with an emotionally poetic spoken-word performance, a first on the "AGT" stage. Are you close to your sister? asked Howie. "I had a nightmare that I would be 90 years old doing this show and nobody would be watching it, judge Simon Cowell said while looking back to the empty Pasadena Civic Auditorium. "Tonight's poem is actually an ode to my sister. SOFIA VERGARA: Yeah. He continued: "There is something very, very special about you. - (SINGING) Praise be the day. Klum, Vergara and Mandel have all spoken to PEOPLE about Cowell's recovery. Year after year, \"America's Got Talent\" features an impressive array of singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, magicians, ventriloquists and hopeful stars, all vying to win America's hearts and a $1 million prize.America's Got Talent is available now on Peacock, the new streaming service from NBCUniversal. As Brandon began to recite his piece, he told the gut-punching story of his sister, who was four years younger than him, dying at just 8 months old. If people missed this show tonight, they need to watch this on YouTube and need to share it. Go behind-the-scenes, stay on top of breaking news, hang with the stars, and much more. As well as his work as a performer, Brandon is also the founder of a youth organization Called to Move, which aids the development of young people through the art of poetry. "She was sitting in the car next to me as we were going to pick up my grandpa. By McKenzie. Aside from crew members and hostTerry Crews, that meant there were only four people inthe audience Tuesday: Cowell,Sofa Vergara,Howie Mandel and guest judgeEric Stonestreet, who filled in for a sick Heidi Klum. "I'm still haunted by these nightmares 'cause I have a really creative mind, and sometimes it designs these alternate realities where she is still here," he said. Brandon Leake is an African-American spoken word poet, educator, and motivational speaker. There was another poet who was trying out with me. He went on to study at Simpson University in Redding, where as well as writing poetry, he played basketball on Simpson's NCAA Division II team. And then I just keep my shoulders from getting wet. It was a testament to the time I had spent really owning and working on my craft. I shouldn't be judging it. The 27-year-old from Stockton stole hearts on the national stage by telling a very personal story about the death of his baby. We feel your pain. ", Mandel added, "I asked Brandon if his mother had heard this and he said no. Just a raw heart beating in front of us. me getting the opportunity to have an outlet to share that type of pain. "There's something very, very special about you. Anna posted on her Instagram celebrating 3 years with her hubby. He's a young man from Stockton who's transcending boundaries and breaking down barriers for generations to come. Leake was the first-ever spoken word poet to win America's Got Talent. A Poet Makes Golden Buzzer History On 'America's Got Talent' . He returned for America's Got Talent: All-Stars where he finished in 2nd place in his Preliminary week. Incredibly, in all of its 15 seasons, Americas Got Talent has never had a spoken-word contestant. "For me, it's my first time and I feel comfortable when he is with us. Like, How about I trade my six feet for yours? But that's not real. Brandons vulnerable words resonated throughout the empty venue in an AGT first, no live audience was present, due to coronavirus concerns. This show is about talent as much as it is about story. The reason I became so much better was actually 'cause I failed making the show the first time. What an amazing tribute. The last 11 acts to compete for a spot in the semi-finals were roaster Alex Hooper, hand-balancing siblings Bello Sisters, spoken word artist (and Mandel's Golden Buzzer winner) Brandon Leake, singers Broken Roots, cheerleaders C.A. For his audition, Leake presented an emotional piece about mourning his late sister. I know what this is. Everybody has to hear it. Mandel gave Leake a standing ovation once again following a performance that served as a prayer for his daughter. I gave her a hug afterwards and said, Hey, I didn't make it my first year, so keep trying. Brandon met his wife Anna at one of his shows in Stockton after she turned up with a mutual friend. WINNER Brandon Leake All Performances on America's Got Talent!Audition - 0:05Quarterfinals - 5:03Semifinals - 10:01Finale - 14:59#AGT #AmericasGotTalent #TalentRecapFor more HD videos, news, analysis and recaps of America's Got Talent please subscribe \u0026 follow Talent Recap:https://talentrecap.com/For more HD full episode videos, news and recaps of your favorite talent show please subscribe \u0026 followTALENT RECAP ON SOCIAL:YouTube: https://goo.gl/6pybnwLike: https://www.facebook.com/talentrecap/Follow: https://twitter.com/TalentRecapInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentrecap/ABOUT TALENT RECAP Talent Recap is the #1 independent website which is exclusively dedicated to the fans of the most popular talent shows around the world. "It's amazing to me that on Season 15, it's the first time that we're hearing somebody of spoken word," Mandel said. Brandon won 'AGT' season 15 in September 2020, taking home $1 million prize money, a new Kia Stinger, and the chance to perform in Luxor Las Vegas. Leake's audition, featuring a deeply personal poem about his late sister, earned him a Golden Buzzer from Judge Howie Mandel, and he was an unstoppable force from there. Leake says his overall goal is to spread a message that creates a more loving and gracious society. The fourth and final slate of contestants performed in the live quarterfinal rounds of America's Got Talent. Singers can go to, I would say the writing was always personal, but performing was not always personal. There was really nowhere else to go. ET) on NBC. But while other auditioners of the episode, notably the magicians and comedians, suffered from not being able to play to a roaring crowd, the intimacy of this unique situation actually made Brandons performance all the more intense and impactful. "I am going to show the world what a spoken-word poet can do.". Male Or you could say it started in college after the passing of one of my best friends. Wildcats, singer Celina, Divas & Drummers of Compton, singer Kenadi Dodds, projection artists Lightwave Theatre Company and dancer Noah Epps. Its like singing and talking and just being a human a cappella. What made you decide to audition for America's Got Talent? This is a very difficult thing for me to judge. ), "It's been great to have all those guest judges, but I do miss Simon. Never give up on this dream. I could tell my producer, it wasn't the first time he had heard spoken-word. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations. UTA Signs 'America's Got Talent' Winner Brandon Leake. How communal the talent pool became. His parents are Tyrone and Carla Leake-Gibson. The NBC App is the best place to catch up on the most recent season of your favorite shows, watch live TV, and stream movies. "America's Got Talent" returns on NBCJuly 14 for the last audition show of the season. How were you able to reach a place where you can be so personal in your work? The Modern Family actress then said that Leake's poem reminded her of her late brother. What was that experience like? "A nightmare. Brandon is the first poet to pass the audition round. He was the winner of the competition, claiming the $1,000,000 prize, a new car, and the headlining of a show in Las Vegas. His new book of poems, Unraveling, came out in March 2022, showcasing his singular artistry yet again. I need you to return home my Pookie, to be your mom.' He received enough votes to enter the Top 5 instead of Archie Williams. You are so amazing. "Still alive, and all the things I wish we could have done are played again and again and again," he continued. Brandon blew away judge Howie Mandel in particular after he performed a piece about the loss of his sister. KYLIE MAR: And in an "AGT" first, no live audience was present due to coronavirus concerns. Brandon Leake's ode to his sister turned an audience-free "AGT" into a night to remember. As passionate fans of these shows, we provide news, analysis and fan engagement on Americas Got Talent, Britains Got Talent, The Voice, The X Factor, American Idol, The Four, The Masked Singer, The Worlds Best and its contestants.America's Got Talent 2020https://goo.gl/e12UJ8America's Got Talent News \u0026 Recapshttps://goo.gl/e12UJ8 What I more so thought about was, I felt vindicated from all the people who said spoken-word could never be a mainstream art form. Season 15 Last week, a source told PEOPLE that "Simon's healing has been going well," and "he's recovering at home." I can feel your pain. KYLIE MAR: "America's Got Talent's" first-ever spoken-word contestant, 27-year-old Stockton poet, educator, and new father Brandon Leake, closed out Tuesday night's episode with a tear-jerking ode to his deceased younger sister. Until Leake, 27, burst onto the scene in June with an emotional poem dedicated to his sister, who died as a baby, a spoken-word artist had never even appeared on the show, let alone captivate. Stream now on Peacock.ALL of Brandon Leake's Performances on Season 15 of AGT! ALL of Brandon Leake's Performances on Season 15 of AGT! Cowell called his act an "amazing tribute." Tonight's poem is actually an ode to my sister, Brandon explained. You also don't have to be this overly enthusiastic person who's chasing after everybody's attention. Congratulations to Brandon Leake for WINNING Season 15 of America's Got Talent! - America's Got Talent 2020 America's Got Talent 945K views 2 years ago Jayy Honors Her Parents Who Were Murdered In Front of Her. Leake was the first spoken word poet to perform on the show. Leake tells his most personal stories to connect with others and inspire people far and wide. Mandel called the performance "raw," adding that "we feel your pain, we feel your love, and you moved me to do this" before reaching for the Golden Buzzer, raining confetti onto Leake and sending him straight to the live shows. Acclaimed actress and international superstar Sofia Vergara joins as a new judge this season alongside returning judge and global fashion icon Heidi Klum. Chasing after everybody 's attention difficult thing for me, I did n't think about that at.... Across the country missing, the finalists will be announced I know what it is to spread a message creates. Residency and has a movie in the live quarterfinal rounds of America 's Got.... African-American spoken word piece prior to the Voice, as well as America 's Got Talent All-Stars. 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