When Chase Goehring stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage in 2017, the audience and judges saw a 21-year-old from the small town of Nolensville, Tennessee, who looked like a quintessential acoustic pop singer. With his red hair, gentle demeanor, and acoustic guitar, the initial expectation might have been a standard folk-pop cover. However, what followed was a genre-defying performance that would become one of the most memorable auditions of Season 12.
The Setup: A Songwriter with a Message
Before strumming a single chord, Chase introduced himself as a songwriter—a bold move for an audition where many contestants opt for the safety of a familiar hit. He chose to perform an original song titled “Hurt,” which he explained was about a girl trapped in a toxic relationship and his desire to help her realize her worth. This narrative grounded the performance in authenticity, giving the audience a reason to connect with the lyrics before the music even began.
The Performance: Breaking the Mold
The song began as a melodic, soulful acoustic ballad. Chase’s vocals were smooth and steady as he delivered the opening lines, “Hey baby, you don’t have to live this way”. The melody was catchy and radio-ready, showcasing his ability to write a polished pop hook.
The true turning point of the performance occurred at the halfway mark. Just as the judges were settling into the groove of a pleasant acoustic track, Chase shifted gears into a rapid-fire, rhythmic rap verse. His delivery was sharp and technical, featuring lines like “He got his fist ready, I got my pen ready / Better write something so heavy it’ll bust up his brand new Chevy”. This unexpected fusion of acoustic singer-songwriter vibes with hip-hop elements caught everyone off guard.
The Artistic Fusion
What makes this performance stand out is the seamlessness of the transition. Often, when singers attempt to “mix” styles, the result can feel clunky or forced. Chase, however, used the rap section to heighten the emotional urgency of the song’s message. He wasn’t just showing off a skill; he was using the rhythm to emphasize the frustration of seeing someone get “beat down like trash talk”.
The judges’ reactions captured the room’s energy perfectly. As he hit the faster verses, the cameras cut to Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, all of whom appeared visibly impressed by the lyrical density and his breath control. By the time he circled back to the final, soaring chorus of “hurt by the way that he loves you,” the entire arena was on their feet.
The Impact and Legacy
This performance did more than just get Chase “four yeses.” It established him as a serious musical contender who refused to be pigeonholed. By sticking to original material, he proved that America’s Got Talent could be a platform for genuine artistry rather than just karaoke talent.
Chase Goehring eventually went on to receive the Golden Buzzer later in the season from guest judge DJ Khaled, who specifically cited his “realness” as the deciding factor. This audition serves as the foundation for his journey to the finals, proving that a “cute singer” from a town of a couple thousand people could command one of the biggest stages in the world by simply being himself.
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