After a lengthy day of auditions, 36-year-old West Virginia car washer Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. appeared on the America’s Got Talent stage as a modest “underdog.” He surprised the judges at first with his dreadlocks and easygoing manner, particularly when he began making goofy impressions and chewing gum. He revealed that he had been scrubbing tires for the past ten years and was sick of being surrounded by soap bubbles. He expressed his hope that this stage would finally enable him to fulfill his lifetime passion of singing for the world.
As soon as the music began, the whole mood changed as Landau started singing “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” a Sinatra classic. The judges were clearly in awe of his silky and genuine voice; Piers Morgan even questioned whether he was miming a tape due to the striking resemblance to Sinatra. The show was a master class in jazz singing, displaying a quality that Landau had never displayed in a professional audition—a natural, divine gift.
The judges’ comments ranged from astonishment to unadulterated awe. Piers Morgan acknowledged that he was “blazed” by the performance’s exceptional quality, although he had anticipated a “total train wreck” based on the opening. Both Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne were deeply affected, observing that his life would never be the same after that. Landau demonstrated that genuine ability can be discovered in the most unlikely locations with three enthusiastic “Yes” votes and a ticket to Las Vegas.
