When 51-year-old California vocalist Matt Mauser onto the stage at America’s Got Talent, his narrative captivated the audience. He told the judges that his wife, Christina, died in the same terrible helicopter accident that claimed the life of basketball great Kobe Bryant. After 15 years of marriage and three kids, Matt added, his major objective was to demonstrate to his kids that, despite such a devastating loss, there is still joy and meaning in life.
Matt gave a strong and moving performance of Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds” at his audition. His performance was so genuine that it moved the judges and the crowd, and the song was a heartfelt ode to his late wife. He sang with such emotion, and it was obvious that his voice served as a conduit for his love, pain, and optimism. His performance conveyed a strong message of love and tenacity in addition to being a musical performance.
Both his act and his tale really touched the judges. They applauded his unadulterated passion and the lesson he was teaching his kids. In a show of unanimity, all four judges voted “yes,” advancing Matt to the competition’s next stage. His experience on the show is a lovely way to pay tribute to the person he loved and a real testament to the human spirit.
