British Rising Sensation Lee Collinson Gets Standing Ovation on AGT

British Rising Sensation Lee Collinson Captivates America’s Got Talent, Delivering a Moving Performance that Earned a Standing Ovation

The pressure cooker of the America’s Got Talent stage is notorious for challenging even the most seasoned performers, but for a 21-year-old making his debut in America, the stakes are almost unimaginable. Lee Collinson, hailing from England, stepped onto the famous stage not just with a guitar, but with a deeply personal story and a voice ready to soar. His emotional rendition of Dermot Kennedy’s “Better Days” not only secured him a unanimous standing ovation from the panel—Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofía Vergara, and Howie Mandel—but instantly marked him as a potential frontrunner in the competition. His memorable audition, showcased in a viral video from the Talent Recap channel, has quickly cemented his status as a British rising sensation.

A Debut Performance Far From Home

The initial exchange with the judges immediately set the stage for a charming, humble encounter. Lee, just 21, shared that this was his very first time in America, a monumental journey he was undertaking solo. He playfully admitted to the judges, “The food is amazing,” even though he joked he was footing the bill!

The transatlantic journey was not just his own; back in the UK, his family and friends were holding their breath. Lee confirmed that alarms were set for the early hours—around 5:30 or 6:00 AM—to watch his performance live, underscoring the collective effort and faith placed in his talent. This backdrop of international support and personal sacrifice—the judges later referenced his grueling 14-hour plane ride—added significant weight to the moment he began to sing, transforming his audition into a global event.

The Emotional Core of “Better Days”

The profound connection Lee shared with his chosen song, “Better Days” by Dermot Kennedy, is what truly elevated the audition from a simple singing performance to a genuine emotional experience. When asked by the judges why he chose the track, Lee explained that recent times had been “really tough for everyone.”

However, for Lee, the song’s message of looking up and moving on was incredibly personal:

“I lost a friend during lockdown,” he revealed, making the song a direct tribute and an anthem of hope in the face of grief.

As he launched into the song, his voice was raw yet controlled, conveying the song’s themes of enduring hardship and promising that “better days are coming.” He sang about waiting on a “train that just won’t come” before concluding with the optimistic promise that soon “we’ll be dancing in the sun.” The passion and heartfelt sincerity were palpable, resonating deeply with the audience and culminating in a powerful vocal climax that brought everyone in the room to their feet.

The Judges’ Unanimous Verdict

The judges were unanimous in their praise, offering some of the most glowing feedback of the season.

Simon Cowell acknowledged the extraordinary pressure Lee faced. He pointed out that people at home don’t fully understand the difficulty of just walking onto that stage, let alone doing so in a foreign country for the first time. He commended Lee for managing to “take all that pressure and just explode it off your shoulders and raise the roof in this room,” calling the feat “truly amazing.”
Heidi Klum confirmed the immense sacrifice was worthwhile: “I think it was worth it going on that 14-hour plane ride to come here.” She offered high praise for his complete presence, stating, “You can sing, you look great, you have stage presence, you nailed it.”
Sofía Vergara admitted she was already charmed by him before he even sang. She stated: “The moment you stood there and started talking, it was like I love it… he has such a beautiful personality.” She was visibly delighted to confirm that his voice was equally “amazing.”
Finally, Howie Mandel highlighted the contestant’s intangible, winning qualities, saying: “There’s something really charming and humble and likable about you.” He then offered an inspiring piece of encouragement, telling Lee he probably doesn’t even know “how good you are,” and expressing his hope that this is the beginning of something “really special.”

Looking Ahead

Lee Collinson’s audition was a perfect storm of undeniable talent, endearing personality, and genuine, moving emotion, connecting instantly with millions of viewers worldwide. He successfully navigated a high-stakes performance on foreign soil to earn the kind of overwhelming approval that few contestants ever receive. With four resounding “Yeses” and a path cleared to the next round, Lee Collinson has certainly delivered a better day for his fans and family, setting the stage for what promises to be a very exciting run on America’s Got Talent.