A 21-year-old U.S. Army active-duty soldier named Paul Ieti presented a profoundly poignant tale to the America’s Got Talent stage. Paul, who was based in Savannah, Georgia and originally from American Samoa, had just returned from a demanding nine-month tour to Afghanistan. He told the judges that music served as his final haven during the conflict, providing him and his fellow soldiers with the “escape” they needed to withstand the uncertainty and terror of combat.
When Paul started singing Rihanna’s “Stay,” the judges and audience were immediately mesmerized by the unexpected contrast between his soulful, high-pitched, and extremely gentle voice and his rugged military experience. There was a particular purity and sensitivity in his vocal delivery that seemed completely real. Mel B and Heidi Klum were among the judges who were moved to tears by the performance and eventually came onto the stage to embrace him.
The judges gave extremely good assessment, with Howard Stern observing that Paul appeared modest and anxious at first but turned out to be a “superstar.” His ability to move people and enthrall a room with such an unexpected sound was appreciated. Paul advanced in the tournament with four resounding “Yes” votes, demonstrating that tact and strength can coexist. His audition serves as a potent reminder that even in the most trying situations, music can bring solace.
