As the runner-up in his previous season, Ball entered “AGT: All-Stars” with the aspiration of securing victory. He chose to audition with Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence.”
The judges were astounded. Cowell, present for Ball’s previous audition on “BGT,” expressed a wish that this was the first time he had heard him sing. The music mogul couldn’t believe the strength in Ball’s voice and drew a comparison to fellow “BGT” winner Susan Boyle. Cowell remarked, “You’re like Susan Boyle’s grandson because what you do is not what we expect. For me, this is the best performance I’ve seen all series.”
The audience passionately chanted for Ball to receive the golden buzzer, and it was evident that Crews and the judges shared the sentiment. All five joined forces at the judging table and simultaneously pressed the golden buzzer, propelling Ball instantly to the final round of the competition show.
Impressed by Ball’s performance, viewers left supportive comments under the audition video. One person described it as more than an audition, calling it a concert and deeming it “absolutely stunning.” Another commented on the depth of emotion conveyed, stating, “What an astonishing performance! Beyond his technical mastery, you can tell he felt the depth of the song’s meaning, and wanted the audience to feel it with him. I’ll remember this one forever. Can’t stop rewinding and re-listening to it.”