Just four years ago, Silas Luke Jones from Homer was captivating crowds at the Alaska State Fair, earning the title of “Alaska’s Got Talent” winner.
Now, at 19, Jones has taken a giant leap onto the national scene and he didn’t disappoint.
During the eighth night of auditions on Season 20 of “America’s Got Talent,” Jones amazed both the audience and the judges with a heartfelt and electrifying performance.
Accompanied with his acoustic guitar, he delivered a vibrant version of the song “Misirlou,” skillfully delivering loops and showcasing a distinctive rhythmic fingerpicking technique on his guitar.
The response was electric. Judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Sofía Vergara all praised his act.“You became a rock star in front of our eyes,” Vergara said with excitement.
Mandel dubbed him “an Alaskan techno-Hendrix,” while Mel B was blown away, saying, “If I would have turned away, I would have thought you were five or six people.”
Even Cowell, known for his sharp critiques, was full of praise: “What you did with that is extraordinary.”
Jones wasn’t surprised, noting in an interview that he understood Cowell’s style.
“He likes what he likes and he doesn’t what he doesn’t, and he’s straightforward about it,“ Jones said. ”I really appreciate that about him. I thought my specific talent was unique enough and brought something different to the table, that I felt like Simon was going to like it.”
With all four judges giving him a resounding yes, Jones secured a spot in the live shows later this season, and possibly much more.
