During the third round of the live quarterfinals on “America’s Got Talent” season 21, another Mississippi native had a chance to perform. So, how’d they do?
Elsie is a Columbia native who recently turned her attention back to country music after stepping away to become a mother and focus on her family. During her audition, which aired last month, the judges gave her mixed reviews after she chose to perform her original song, “Forgiveless.”
The judges felt Elsie held herself back during the performance, hiding behind a “shield.” But they saw so much potential that they sent her on to the quarterfinals.
On Tuesday night, Elsie followed the judges’ advice to tailor her act to the crowd with a recognizable song while still making it her own, performing The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun.” Her rendition of the popular song was a unique blend of country and pop, but like recently-eliminated Mississippi native Ashford Sanders, it didn’t quite hit home with all the judges.
“I’m going to be honest, Elsie, I think what Simon said (during the audition) was right. You had this shield in front of you when you first came out, but we saw that you have the tools to do what you did,” Howie Mandel said. “When you were at Simon’s house, I loved what you did. And I don’t know if it’s the pressure of this live show, but I think that shield is back up again.”
As one of the most prominent judges on “America’s Got Talent,” Simon Cowell’s high opinion of Elsie following the audition rounds really helped her become popular in the public eye. She was able to come out of her shell during mini-performances at Cowell’s house but has seemingly slipped back into her original reservations.
Cowell was notably absent during Elsie’s performance Tuesday night because of an unavoidable, non-life-threatening medical procedure that will keep him bedridden for a few weeks.
“Saturday Night Live” star and guest judge Kenan Thompson, who filled in for Cowell, had high praise for the country music artist, adding that her family should be proud of her talent and accomplishments.
“That was amazing,” Thompson said. “I think your kids should be very proud because I know it takes a lot of courage to get there and put yourself out there like that, and I hope America votes for you because that was really, really great.”
Judge Sofía Vergara was also positive about Elsie’s performance, especially her choice to take such a well-known song and boldly shift it into her own style.
“You know what? I do think you made that song your own version,” Vergara said. “I’ve never heard this song sound like that. And your voice, I think we all know, is one of the best voices this season.”
Mel B, one of Elsie’s biggest supporters, said she really wanted to love her performance, since she is so high on the singer’s voice, but it just didn’t fully resonate with her.
“Elsie, you know I adore you. And I think it’s been really beautiful to see you on this journey come out of your shell more and more,” Mel B said. “I think your voice is so much bigger than I think you even know. I think it was safe tonight. You could sing that song with your eyes closed. You deserve more than that song. I want you to give us a wow moment, so I hope America votes for you because I want to see you again.”
Voting for the third round of the quarterfinals closed Wednesday at 6 a.m. with results being revealed during Wednesday’s episode at 7 p.m. “America’s Got Talent” airs live on NBC and can be streamed the next day on Peacock.