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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Watch This ‘Amazing' 23-Year-Old New Orleans Street Performer Get a ‘Life-Changing' Golden Buzzer on 'America's Got Talent'
America's Got Talent has had some memorable singers over the years. And this season's Jourdan Blue is now among them, having made his mark as the second Golden Buzzer awarded for Season 20 of the talent competition. The 23-year-old from New Orleans is a street performer, which he says has given him a lot of cool experiences but is also a struggle. 'I go out and sing from 8 p.m. to 2 or 3 a.m., or until the cops kick me off the street,' he said in a video package. 'That is what I do to provide for my girlfriend and my son. It's hard, but I want to lead by example. I want to show my son [that] you should chase your dreams. I wasn't ready when I had him, but he's taught me there's a lot more to life than I realized.' 🎬 🎬 Jourdan's mother was a cop, and his father was an attorney, which led him to become a rebel. And when he was 16, he ended up on his own, moving from friend's house to friend's house, or sleeping in bathrooms where he worked. 'Until my grandpa found out,' Jourdan explained. 'He drove out there that night and picked me up and said, 'You stay with me now.' I've been with him ever since.' That relationship is so tight that Jourdan called his Grandpappy John before going on stage at AGT and handed the phone to host Terry Crews so that his grandfather could watch his performance. Related: Jourdan explained his living situation to judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara, saying his grandfather is a big music listener, which is where his inspiration came from. 'I started street performing in New Orleans because I totally wanted to dive into it,' he said, starting to get emotional. 'As you may remember, at the beginning of the year, there was an attack on New Orleans right on the block where I perform. It made me realize there is so much more to live for. That is what made me choose AGT. I feel this is the best way to level up.' Jourdan chose 'Breakeven' by The Script for his audition. Halfway through, the audience jumped up. And when he concluded, the judges gave him a standing ovation as well, with Simon flashig two thumbs up. 'I mean, I'm in love with you,' Sofia said. 'The hair, the voice, your energy, you're a rock star.' Mel B said, 'It was like I was hearing that song for the first time, which is really hard to do with such a popular song. But your tone and the way you delivered that song was not only pitch perfect but everything perfect, Jourdan. It really was.' Then Simon added, 'You are somebody who lost his way a little bit. But, as you said, through music have now found your way. You have such a distinctive voice, you are so cool, and you feed off the audience. They love you. How you made me feel just then was amazing. Seriously, amazing. Loved it. Loved it.' Then, Howie claimed Jourdan as his own. 'This is Season 20. I've seen dreams come true right where you're standing. Lives change right where you're standing. That stage and that moment can take you anywhere. This is just the beginning of where you can go. You, young man, are going to the Live Shows,' Howie said as he stood up to press the Golden Buzzer. The comic then joined Jourdan on stage, saying, 'I think you're a star. I think your name is going to be on the lips of everybody watching this across the globe.' They were also joined by Jourdan's girlfriend and cute-as-a-button son. America's Got Talent airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on This 'Amazing' 23-Year-Old New Orleans Street Performer Get a 'Life-Changing' Golden Buzzer on 'America's Got Talent' first appeared on Parade on May 28, 2025
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AGT Video: Singer Jourdan Blue Wins the Judges' Hearts (and a Golden Buzzer) in Season 20 Premiere
After Tuesday's premiere of America's Got Talent, the name on everybody's lips is going to be… Jourdan Blue! More from TVLine Chicago Fire EP Warns CFD Layoffs Will Cause 'A Lot of Turnover' Next Season: 'Everything's Going to Get Shaken Up' The Voice's Season 27 Winner Opens Up About the 'Savior' That Awaited Him After Rehab Chicago Med Is Plotting the Return of Original Cast Member(s) Next Season, EP Reveals - Who Should Come Back? The 23-year-old street performer from New Orleans made a heck of a splash in the Season 20 opener, blowing away the judges — Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Mel B, the last of whom returned to fill Heidi Klum's vacant seat — with a heart-rending performance of The Script's 'Breakeven.' With his incredible voice (and even better hair), Jourdan had the entire audience under his spell; you could hear a pin drop when he finished his audition, which received a standing ovation from all four judges. 'I'm in love with you,' Sofia told him. 'The hair, the voice, the energy — you're a rock star!' And she wasn't the only judge feeling the love. 'I've seen dreams come true right where you're standing … and that stage and that moment can take you anywhere,' Howie says. 'And this is just the beginning!' With that, Jourdan's fate was sealed. Howie smashed his hand down on his Golden Buzzer, sending a storm of confetti falling onto Jourdan, whose girlfriend and baby joined him on stage to share in his incredible moment. Read on for a breakdown of the seven other acts who sailed through the Season 20 premiere, including the recipient of Simon's coveted Golden Buzzer. When you're done, drop a comment with your thoughts on the episode and vote for your favorite acts. The other (technically 'first') Golden Buzzer of Season 20 was given by Simon to this incredible blend of art and technology, which he called 'one of the most beautiful, stunning acts I've seen across all of the Got Talents.' And it was truly a sight to behold, from the changing colors to the physical performers to the otherworldly jungle vibe. It's the kind of show that would be right at home at a Disney theme park, which we mean as the highest of compliments. What began as a high-energy breakdancing performance on the main stage quickly grew into an unexpected event, as the judges turned around to see dozens more dancers in the audience. Suddenly, it was something much more — a symphony of lights, colors and intricate moves. The judges couldn't say enough good things about Team Recycled, that is, except for Mel B. (or 'Ms. Kill-the-Mood,' as Simon called her). 'The choreography at the start was so boring,' she told them. 'If it wasn't for the switch around, I would have just literally turned off.' Fortunately for Team Recycled, they still made it through with three yeses. Inspired at a young age by David Blaine, this magician presented an act built around his daughter's birthday, getting the judges (and even the home audience) involved with an interactive challenge. There's probably a perfectly logical explanation as to how we all ended up with our fingers on that darn red bear, but like most magic tricks, we'd rather not know how the sausage is made. Howie noted that several magicians have won AGT over the years, and that Zak 'went above the bar' as far as he's concerned. The judges didn't know what to expect when Micah set up an ironing board on stage (same!), but they didn't give it a second thought once the young musician started doing his thing. The entire audience was feeling this guy as he rapped his way through an original song, with the judges throwing out words like 'amazing' and 'brilliant.' He celebrated his victory with an equally impressive standing backflip. 'We've seen a lot of contortionists on this show, but you took it to another level,' Sofia told this mystifying performer, whose incredible act made him look like a werewolf mid-transformation. Or someone fully possessed by an evil spirit. Either way, he had everyone in the audience (and maybe an editor watching from home) screaming and covering their eyes. Seriously, did we imagine this guy bending so far backwards that he was able to put his own head into his pants? Or when we jumped rope using *checks tape* his own arms? What. Even. This duo's incredible aerial work would have been impressive enough on its own. Heck, we were just in awe of how good they were on roller skates. But to combine the two?! That's diabolical in the best way, and it resulted in one of the most entrancing (while also difficult to watch) auditions in recent memory. Romantic and terrifying, these two set the bar very high for their follow-up routines, and we can't wait to see what else they've got up their collective sleeve. Mel B may not have been impressed by this 70-year-old sword dancer from Tennessee ('I think you're adorable, you look fantastic… but no!'), but she was definitely in the minority, as Sandy's act got a yes from three out of four judges. Were her back-up dancing besties the most coordinated people? No, but that only added to the overall charm, according to Simon, with Sofia calling the whole thing 'adorable.' Best of TVLine Mrs. Maisel Flash-Forward List: All of Season 5's Futuristic Easter Eggs Yellowjackets Recap: The Morning After Yellowjackets Recap: The First Supper
Extra.ie
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Who is Danny O'Donoghue's wife Anais Naing?
After nothing short of a turbulent few years, The Script's Danny O'Donoghue has officially tied the knot with events manager Anais Naing. The singer announced last year that he and his partner of several years, Anais, had gotten engaged following a sweet proposal, leaving his beau shocked and thrilled! The pair tied the knot over the weekend at the stunning Babington House in Somerset. Danny O'Donogue and Anais Naing. Photo: Favid M. Benett/for National Geographic French national Naing has been with The Script singer Danny O'Donoghue for a number of years, with the couple making their relationship official at the Pride of Britain Awards in 2021. The Events manager, 27, hails from Britanny in Northern France but has lived in London for a number of years due to her work. After moving to the UK some years back, the French native found herself living in the same London suburb as O'Donoghue, 43, who had been living there for over ten years at the time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, O'Donoghue told The Sun that he and Naing would spend time just 'hanging out' in either of their London pads when restrictions were in place. Danny O'Donoghue and Anais Niang. Pic:for BBC Earth Launch It was just before the lockdown stages of the COVID-19 pandemic that Naing, 30, and 'Breakeven' singer O'Donoghue became acquainted after they had a chance encounter close to both of their homes, which are located in the same area of London–their paths crossed on the street. Naing, who had been living in the city for seven years at the time, became friendly with O'Donoghue. The pair spent some time in each other's homes getting to know one another during the Covid-19 lockdown in London before deciding to try dating following Danny's breakup with Brazilian model Anne De Paula in 2018. Speaking to the Irish Independent back in 2021, after going public with his relationship, Balinteer native Danny said: 'It's funny because we spent longer together in lockdown than we did in real life,' he said. 'She's from Brittany in France. She's an events manager aged 27, who has been living in the English capital for seven years.' LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Danny O'Donoghue and guest attend the Pride Of Britain Awards 2021 at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 30, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by) The Script's lead singer also revealed that he had introduced his then-girlfriend to his mum, who gave her a seal of approval and 'offered her lots of tea'. Danny has already taken Anais to a place in Co Wicklow numerous times. The place they visited had a beach, but there wasn't any Wi-Fi – 'and you're not going to get more rural than that,' the Dubliner joked. Danny O'Donoghue of The Script performs at Electric Picnic. Pic:Danny announced in mid-August last year that he had proposed to his loving partner, Anais, in one of his favourite places in the world. Naing is said to have been shocked and thrilled following the sweet proposal. He told the Sun. 'We hiked up to the top of a mountain to face the most beautiful waterfall in the world, The Seven Sisters. It's our favourite place on earth. 'I nearly passed out from exhaustion carrying up all the champagne, glasses and food for if she said yes. I had to do it all without her knowing.' Danny recently shared insights about his relationship with Anais and confirmed she's the one for him. Danny O'Donoghue and Anais Niang. Pic:for BBC Earth Launch Danny said to the Sunday World: 'When you know, you know… I knew when it wasn't right, but now I know whatever that is, that it's one hundred per cent right. 'She's great. I met her during Covid, and if you've been with anybody through Covid, it's like you compress ten years into those years… 'You learn everything, all the good bits, mostly the bad bits, and if you get through those moments… I don't know if it's a rite of passage, if you've made it through those few years then you know.' The sweet engagement announcement comes after a devastating year for Danny, which included the passing of bandmate and best friend Mark Sheehan, 46, in 2023. The first photos of the stunning nuptials were shared on Sunday by wedding photographers Tom and Laura Falkbenburg. In the snaps, Danny dons a traditional black suit complete with a bow-tie and white flowers in the lapel. Anais stuns in a white silk wedding dress which she paired with matching gloves and a long veil. 'It was an absolute honour to join Anais and Danny for their wedding at Babington House this weekend,' The Falkenburgs wrote. 'A dream to work with two such kind and generous souls, and a joy to collaborate with such a talented team of creatives.' A second photo shared by the photographers sees Danny and Anais walking down the aisle after the nuptials, with both beaming and their attendees clapping in delight.
The National
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Love and loss: How popular Irish band The Script found meaning again on the road
Ballads and biscuits – that's what pop-rockers The Script will bring to the UAE when their world tour arrives at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on Saturday, headlining the Late Late Paddy's Party by Irish haunt McGettigan's. Those soaring choruses about love, heartbreak and home? They're for the fans, says frontman Danny O'Donoghue. As for those packets of Irish soda bread biscuits – those are for mates craving a taste of home. "The Irish community is the same as many others, as there are many people abroad and missing home, and when you are away you are always missing those little things," he tells The National. "Many people miss those sweets they had as a kid, so it's normal that whenever someone travels from home they are asking for that kind of thing. And after being a band travelling the world for the 17 or 18 years we have been together, we are honoured that people think of us as something they miss from home." While they welcome the chance to be 'completely Irish' for their UAE gig, the chances are that the crowd will reflect The Script's global appeal. Formed by O'Donoghue and late guitarist Mark Sheehan from the ashes of their earlier group, MyTown, the band found instant success with their 2008 self-titled debut – powered by the US hit Breakeven. They went on to release a string of irresistible radio anthems, including Hall of Fame and For the First Time, blending elements of rock, folk and hip-hop. Those heady memories are now irrevocably tinged with sadness, after Sheehan died in 2023 following an illness. He was 46. That sense of loss pervades The Script's latest album Satellites, released last year as the band officially transitioned into a four-piece, with additional members Ben Weaver on guitar and Benjamin Sargeant on bass. While the album features the group's signature bright moments – like the Bruno Mars channelling Both Ways – it's when they match that clubby energy with newfound emotional depth that Satellites soars. The electro groove of Gone and the burbling Inside Out, placed at the heart of the album, is when the band are most candid about the depression and anxiety that sudden loss can bring. 'I just wanted to get in the studio and do what I always do – put the pain where it's supposed to go and try to make sense of life,' O'Donoghue says. As for Sheehan's influence, O'Donoghue admits there is now 'a gap' in the songwriting process the band are learning to fill. 'There are so many times I find myself writing parts that sound like something he would have written – and maybe I'm doing that subconsciously,' he adds. 'These moments often come on certain songs where I remember him saying, 'No, this needs a little more street vibe.' He was such a behemoth in the studio. He was always about getting things done.' That absence feels particularly poignant, O'Donoghue notes, when performing songs Sheehan helped to shape, including 2012's anthemic If You Could See Me Now, delivered mid-set during the tour as a tribute to their departed bandmate. 'That's a song that deals with the passing of people. I'm singing the second verse that Mark wrote about his mum and dad's passing,' he says. 'Now I'm singing it about him. So that's how messed up it is – performing that song feels like emotional chess.' This perhaps explains why the latest tour – with the band already touching down in the US, Europe and Asia – feels like The Script's most meaningful yet. While their previous greatest hits tour served as a reminder of the communal joy of live music in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, this one has the fans affirming the band's decision to keep going. "That is exactly what's happening onstage each night, in that I'm reminded of why I'm doing this," O'Donoghue says. "I'm not afraid to show my emotions or open up to the audience. I believe our songs were there for people when they needed them, and now those people are here for us … it's a beautiful moment.' That's also some of the benefits of being a travelling Irish musician or part of a much-loved band – every gig feels a little like coming home. "It is a blessing," he adds. "You feel you are always looked after when you're away." The Script perform at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on Saturday. Doors open at noon; ticket prices start at Dh299
