Christina Wells opened Tuesday’s America’s Got Talent semifinals with a powerful rendition of an Aretha Franklin classic that you are sure to enjoy. The nurse and mother of two from Houston, Texas, delivered a stunning performance with mind-blowing vocals from the 1967 hit, much to the pleasure of Judges Mel B and Heidi Klum, as well as the show’s host, the lovely Tyra Banks.
“We all know that Aretha Franklin is in the Dolby Theatre tonight. Yes, she is,” Tyra intoned as she looked up to the heavens.
Meanwhile, Judge Heidi Klum praised Christina, saying, “I think you are the only person in this competition who has the moxie and the talent to sing that song on this very stage.”
Unfortunately, her performance of “A Natural Woman” was not well-received by all of the judges on the panel, especially Simon Cowell.
You can’t please everyone, it appears. The cantankerous Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel were not happy, but many fans think they’re just protecting their own Golden Buzzer choices (father of six Michael Ketterer was chosen by Simon, while Howie gave his Golden Buzzer “ticket” to teen singer Courtney Hadwin—so it’s no surprise).
Cowell was harsh in his critique: “I had a feeling you might be singing an Aretha song tonight. For me, the song was over-orchestrated. Maybe nerves, you hit some bum notes,” Simon said with a sour face. “But I am hoping that we forget all that and remember the great singer that you are and the person you are. This was not your best performance.”
Christina, however, defended herself following Simon’s harsh words, telling her fans: “I stand here for people who don’t think they’re perfect. People who are maybe too heavy or maybe they thought they weren’t the right color or maybe you just didn’t feel like you fit in. So every minute that I stand here whether I sing every note right or not, I stand here and I am proud that I stand here.”
Later that evening, Klum called out cranky Simon for being “grumpy” during another vocalist’s performance. Ain’t that the truth. He needed a long nap that night or something. Seriously. He was cranky, and it showed. Oh well, that’s why we watch, isn’t it? For the drama and suspense.
Watch Christina’s performance and let us know if you think she was good. Your act of kindness could help get her to the finals.
Watch it here!
