B. Thompson, a saxophonist hailing from the west side of Indianapolis, made a memorable debut on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) on Tuesday night. Performing Tina Turner’s iconic hit “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” Thompson captivated the audience and judges alike with his soulful rendition.
The judges’ reactions were mixed but ultimately positive. Sofia Vergara and Howie Mandel were particularly impressed. “That was so sexy,” Vergara exclaimed, adding, “You looked amazing on that stage.” Howie Mandel echoed her sentiments, praising Thompson’s talent. However, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell were a bit more reserved in their feedback. “I think you’re very talented. However, you’re going to have to come up with something which is more than that,” Cowell remarked. Despite the mixed reviews, all four judges voted to send Thompson to the next round.
Thompson’s journey as a professional saxophonist has taken him to stages worldwide, but his love for smooth jazz began in Indianapolis. “If it wasn’t for the potent music community we have in Indianapolis, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s kind of cool to grow up in a city where there are a lot of historical musical context and history,” Thompson shared with 13News.
Currently, Thompson tours with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, another Indianapolis native. This experience has made him accustomed to performing in front of large audiences. “I feel like I’m depositing energy into my audience sometimes when I’m playing. I kind of remove myself from the equation,” he explained.
However, performing on “America’s Got Talent” was a different experience for Thompson. “I was not expecting it when my manager called me and said one of the producers reached out and they want you to do a selected audition,” he said. “With ‘America’s Got Talent,’ what makes it a little different, is you become the centerpiece. Are you truly ready for the world to see you, critique you and understand you and pick you apart,” Thompson pondered.
This isn’t Thompson’s first time auditioning for the show, but he has learned to stay prepared for unexpected opportunities. “Patience is everything. Just let things happen when they are supposed to happen,” he advised. Thompson hopes his story will inspire other viewers. “No matter how common or regular you think your gift is, you’re the only person that can do it like you. That’s what makes you unique and stand out,” he said.
Thompson’s performance on AGT was a significant milestone in his career, but it was not his first brush with fame. Known professionally as B. Thompson, he has released multiple original works and covers that have garnered over 100 million social media views. Last year, he toured as a saxophonist, vocalist, and dancer with Babyface. At 27, Thompson is a graduate of Broad Ripple High School and continues to make waves in the music industry.
For those in Central Indiana, Thompson is scheduled to perform at the Carmel Jazz Festival on August 9, opening for Antonia Bennett, daughter of the late jazz and pop legend Tony Bennett. Tickets and more information are available at carmeljazzfest.org/tickets.
“America’s Got Talent” is structured in two main rounds: auditions and live shows. During the auditions, performers need to secure at least three “yes” votes from judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel to advance. If a performer receives more than one red X (or “no” votes), they are eliminated. Each judge can also award two golden buzzers, which send acts directly to the live rounds.
Once the auditions are complete, the judges decide on the 55 acts that will advance to the live rounds. In each live round, 11 acts perform, but only two advance to the finals. The final 11 acts compete for a $1 million grand prize and a Las Vegas residency. The live rounds start on August 13 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC.
Another Hoosier, Richard Goodall, a 54-year-old school janitor from Terre Haute, also advanced to the live rounds after his audition wowed the judges in a May episode. Goodall’s stunning performance of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” earned him a golden buzzer from Heidi Klum, securing his spot in the live shows.
“America’s Got Talent” airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. Once the live rounds begin, there will also be hour-long live results shows on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Subscribers can stream the show on Peacock on Wednesdays starting at 6 a.m.
Source: Indianapolis Star
