KILLEEN, Texas — A Killeen native whose voice and charisma earned him internet fame and a golden buzzer from Howie Mandel was one of the 12 acts that performed live on America's Got Talent Tuesday evening.
Joseph Allen, 21, moved to Los Angeles to chase his dreams after he graduated from Grand Canyon University in Arizona. Before that, he was born and raised in Killeen.
After he was sent straight to the live rounds thanks to a golden buzzer in June, Allen drove from California all the way to Texas to watch the episode with his friends and family.
Allen shared a special message with Channel 6 and Central Texas ahead of his live performance Tuesday.
"My mission is the same: To make you guys proud and show you guys that I don't take you for granted."
Allen performed an original song dedicated to his mother Tuesday night, splitting the judges down the middle. Howie Mandell and Gabrielle Union loved his performance, while Julianne Hough was more middle of the road. Simon Cowell dragged his song choice and overall performance.
Fortunately for the musician, the judge's opinions don't matter in the live rounds. Whether Allen advances or not will be up to America as the audience votes online for the five acts that make it to the next round.
Voting closes 6 a.m. Monday. The audience will have another chance to vote during the live Dunkin' Save Wednesday at 7 p.m.
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