Dave Fenley didn’t appear to be the type of person who would blow the roof off an arena when he entered the America’s Got Talent stage. He appeared more like a “laid-back bar gig” than a “national TV moment,” dressed modestly, holding a guitar, and exuding a serene, almost bashful demeanor. The audience relaxed, the judges grinned courteously, and it seemed like this audition may be another pleasant, unmemorable one.
Dave began a simple rendition of Alex Clare’s “Too Close” with just an acoustic guitar and his soulful, gravelly voice. He radically altered it, slowing down, pushing into the emotion, and letting his voice do all the heavy lifting, rather than attempting to replicate the original. A radio smash was transformed into something unvarnished and intensely intimate by the warm, raspy tone, the unexpected force on the major notes, and the subtle bluesy twists.
The modification was visible to you in real time. The judges’ attention shifted from being inquisitive to being glued to the stage. As the song progressed, the audience, which had first been only observing, grew silent and began applauding. By the last chorus, Dave had evolved from a quiet guitarist to a rising star.
He immediately advanced to the next round after receiving a resounding round of applause, cheers, and four simple “Yes” votes from the judges.
One of those instances where you can’t always assess a performer by their entrance is Dave Fenley’s audition. Sometimes the quietest, most composed performer on stage is the one with a tale that stays with you long after the final note has faded and a voice that can fill an arena.
