When 20-year-old Joseph O’Brien stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage in 2018, his love life unexpectedly became part of the conversation before he had even sung a note.
The shy singer and pianist from Columbia, Tennessee, admitted that he had never had a girlfriend, never been on a real date—and had never even been kissed. The confession immediately charmed the judges and audience, but Joseph still had to prove he had the talent to match his likable personality.
Sitting down at the piano, Joseph chose a perfectly appropriate song: Lionel Richie’s “Hello.”
Despite his obvious nerves, Joseph’s warm voice and gentle interpretation quickly won over the room. He put his own touch on the famous melody, and the judges could see potential in the young musician. Simon Cowell praised his relatable personality and energy, while Mel B said she saw plenty of potential in his vocals. Heidi Klum described him as “angelic,” and Howie Mandel believed he could go far.
Joseph received four yeses, sending him through to Judge Cuts. He ultimately made it all the way to the quarterfinals of Season 13, where he performed an original song.
It was the perfect combination of an endearing backstory and an unexpected voice. Joseph walked onto the stage as the shy guy who had never been kissed—but walked away as a singer millions of viewers would remember.
