The 28-year-old singer-in-waiting Avalon Penrose told the judges of America’s Got Talent (AGT) a startlingly honest tale of how she was an opera singer as a youngster who stopped performing at the age of 14 because of crippling panic episodes. She now chose to take the stage again after a 14-year break, not only to rediscover her voice but also to encourage those who are experiencing stage fright, demonstrating that it is possible to conquer your worries. Avalon came up with a novel and utterly unconventional coping strategy to deal with her performance anxiety: she can only sing without feeling uncomfortable if she is also mocking the emotional aspects of opera. This unconventional strategy created the conditions for an audition that the judges had never seen before.
“Time to Say Goodbye,” Avalon’s debut single, opened with a strong, polished voice. But while she sang, she purposefully interspersed the lovely operatic notes with strange, disturbing antics, throwing little, stuffed toy chickens from her handbag across the stage. The judges, especially Howie Mandel, were left in confusion as they attempted to understand what was going on. The panel was split after the first piece; some thought her amazing voice was being overwhelmed, while others valued the performance’s comic appeal. Captivated by the show, Simon Cowell made the decision to challenge her and demand a second song, but only provided she carried on with the bizarre performance.
When Simon himself consented to join her for her second song, “Habanera” from Carmen, the ridiculousness increased. The somber opera performance devolved into hilarious mayhem as he got up and started hurling the stuffed chickens at Avalon as she sang. Her vocal prowess was evident despite the interruptions. After being enthralled by the spectacle, the judges finally acknowledged the exceptional brilliance of her blend of skill and self-deprecating humor. Avalon received four unanimous “yeses,” advancing her to the next round, for her audacious, memorable audition in which the judges lost all control.
