Americana singer-songwriter Dani Kerr stunned America's Got Talent's (AGT) judges and in-person audience with a jaw-dropping performance on Tuesday (Aug. 29) of original song "The Truth."
Videos by Wide Open Country
"The big dream for me has always been to play my original music," Kerr told the judges. "Every word I sing, I want it to mean something."
"Oh and freedom ain't free if you're tied down / Oh, I can't reach for my dreams if my hands and feet are bound / So let's let loose tonight and have a drink or two," goes Kerr's appropriately-titled ode to independence and self-discovery.
"I love that you stayed true to yourself," Sofia Vergara said. "I love country music and I think your voice is perfect."
Heidi Klum echoed those sentiments, praising Kerr for her "unique, distinctive voice."
Despite Simon Cowell critiquing Kerr for not crafting a bolder live TV moment through her stage presence and Howie Mandel preferring "November" —the song that earned Kerr a spot in the Live Qualifiers— over "The Truth," all four judges voted "yes."
Voters will decide tonight (Aug. 30) if Kerr's among the two of Tuesday's 11 competitors to reach this season's Top 10. Those lucky contestants will join Lavender Darcangelo plus Adrian and Hurricane in the next round.
A 23-year-old native of Statesville, NC, Kerr's bio on her website credits such personal woes as being homeless during high school with inspiring her as a songwriter and a soulful, rock- and country-influenced vocalist.
"It gave me a lot of strength and power, having to go through that," Kerr said. "I think that's really helped my music. I feel thankful for the bumpy road that has led me here. And to be able to make my living in this world as a musician and performer is beyond a dream come true. It's everything to me."
