Pure Joy and Motown Magic: Jojo and Bri’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” Audition on AGT 2022 ✨🎤
The stage of America’s Got Talent (AGT) 2022 lit up with pure, infectious joy when the singing duo of Jojo and his 14-year-old niece, Bri’Anna Harper, stepped forward. Their audition, a vibrant and soulful take on the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” was an instant hit, winning over the judges and earning praise from Simon Cowell as the “definition of joy and magic”.
A Family Affair and a Viral History 👨👧👧
The duo’s connection was immediately apparent. Jojo, whose full name is Joseph B. Clarke, introduced himself as a singer, producer, composer, and, notably, a vocal coach. He was actually a familiar face to AGT superfans, having previously competed in Season 15 as part of the singing trio, Resound. This time, he was there to support and perform alongside his “phenomenal” niece, Bri’Anna.
Bri’Anna, who started singing at age 5, was already a gifted artist in her own right, having gained viral attention for a social media song cover back in 2018, which led to appearances on shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Their shared love for music and their family bond created a powerful synergy.
Before they even began singing, the judges were charmed. When Simon Cowell asked Bri what her dream was, her answer was as sweet as her smile: “My dream is to make the world smile and make the world a better place.” Regarding the $1 million prize, she said she would like to “give back to charity”. Her humble and heartwarming response won over the entire panel, setting the stage for a feel-good performance.
An Energetic and Soulful Rendition 🕺💃
Jojo and Bri’s performance was not merely a cover; it was a total immersion into the Motown fun and soul of the original.
- Vocal Excellence: Jojo provided a smooth, buttery vocal foundation, channeling the rich tones of Marvin Gaye. Bri’Anna, despite her young age, showcased a mature and powerful voice with impressive pipes, effortlessly transitioning between harmonies and belting out big notes that caused Simon Cowell’s eyes to fly open in surprise.
- Chemistry and Energy: The duo’s connection was the true star of the show. They were filled with infectious energy, synchronized movements, and genuine smiles, making their performance exude unadulterated happiness. Host Terry Crews and others were seen in full-blown dance mode by the chorus.
- The Difference Maker: As one fan noted, while Bri’Anna is a talented kid singer, their duet brought a “different vibe,” and the joy they shared was palpable even through the screen.
The Unanimous Verdict: “Joy and Magic” 🏆
The electric performance ended with a unified standing ovation from all four judges: Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofía Vergara.
The praise was effusive and immediate:
- Simon Cowell was utterly charmed, declaring their performance: “That, for me, was the definition of joy and magic.” He also called it one of his favorite auditions of the season.
- Howie Mandel emphasized the lasting impact of their chemistry: “I loved it. I think this whole room loved it. I think people in America loved it. But even more important, you’re going to be remembered”.
With no hesitation, the judges granted Jojo and Bri a resounding four “Yeses”, sending the dynamic uncle-and-niece duo straight through to the next round. Their audition stands as a shining example of how familial love and a great song choice can translate into a truly unforgettable and globally celebrated moment on the America’s Got Talent stage. The performance was a much-needed burst of sunshine, proving that even through challenging times, there is always a reason to smile.
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