We all have that thing that we are a little bit embarrassed to admit that we like. Maybe you like a singer that none of your friends like, or maybe you play way too much of an iPhone game that it is actually starting to become unhealthy. Well for me, the thing that I can spend hours upon hours doing is watching YouTube videos of people auditioning for reality talent TV shows. "American Idol," "The Voice" (US and UK), "America's Got Talent," "Britain's Got Talent," you name it. If they're somewhat good at singing or playing an instrument then I'm watching. I love finding these extremely talented musicians, even if they don't end up winning the show. Most of the ones I like, actually, are super underrated and make it to the top few but don't take home the winning title and the record label. These videos honestly bring me so much joy because with each singer, there's a story. And as humans we love to watch other people's stories unfold on the big screen (cough, reality TV, cough).
There are success stories, sob stories and sometimes just people that quite simply love to sing. Besides for some great covers (and some original songs!), I hope that watching these auditions inspires you to go out and do that one thing that you've been too afraid to do. Or just make you smile, because they sure brighten my day.
1. Calum Scott
He got the "golden buzzer" from Simon Cowell. Enough said. Calum Scott was a contestant from Kingston Upon Hull, England on Britain's Got Talent in 2015. He ended up realizing his own recorded version of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" which reached number four on the UK singles chart. Although he didn't win first place, he definitely has a bright future ahead.
2. Grace Vanderwaal
She's 12 years old...what? If you haven't already seen this video than you clearly live under a rock. This little girl has captured the hearts of millions of people (mine included). She is a contestant on this year's "America's Got Talent" and even got the "golden buzzer" from Howie Mendel. As if performing an original song wasn't amazing enough, Grace also plays alto saxophone and piano. I wish I was this talented at 12 years old.
3. Richard Stirton
Yes, "The Voice South Africa" is a new addition to "The Voice" franchise. Richard was actually the first winner of this new show in May of 2016. The Cape Town indie-rock artist already has his first single and music video out titled "What Tears Me the Most" which was released in June 2016. Keep a look out for much more from Richard Stirton.
4. Callum Crowley
WOW. My voice has never gone that high and I don't think it will or even can, but damn he does this singing thing really well. I loved his rendition of Usher's "Climax". This was his performance for the blind auditions for "The Voice UK" in 2014. And his style is a major--look how hip and cool he is.
5. Loveable Rogues
Although short, I love their original song "Lovesick." The British trio, consisting of Eddie Brett, Sonny Jay Muharram and Te Qhairo Eugene, auditioned for Britain's Got Talent in 2012 and ended up placing fourth in the final. After the show the boys went on to open for Olly Murrs and debut their first album "This & That" in 2014. Sadly after their UK tour for their album, the band split up so they could all pursue different things. They'll always have those five years and their amazing songs.
6. Michael Collings
Don't judge a book by its cover pertains perfectly to Michael Collings. The judges weren't too impressed with the way he dressed; but once they heard his raspy rendition of "Fast Car," they fell in love with him. He finished in fifth place on "Britain's Got Talent" in 2011 and ended up joining the other finalists in the "Britain's Got Talent" Live Tour. His EP "Its Not You" is out on iTunes!
7. Ella Henderson
Now this is someone you've probably heard before. Ella Henderson is a British singer-songwriter and she finished in 6th place on "The X Factor UK" in 2012. She ended up signing to Syco and releasing her first single, titled "Ghost," in 2014. In the same year her first album, Chapter One was also released. She was recently featured on Kygo's song "Here For You" in 2015, and we should expect a lot more from Ella in the near future.
8. Thomas Stringfellow
This 17-year-old from Bentonville, Arkansas seriously surprised me. He's got the whole Troye Sivan look going for him-- but he can really sing too! "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran was the perfect song choice for his audition on the final season of "American Idol." I hope to see a lot more from this kid.
9. Jenna Renae
Her beautiful and unique rendition of "Fools Rush In" by Elvis didn't get her past the judges cuts on "America's Got Talent" in 2015 but that didn't stop Jenna. In 2016 she auditioned for "American Idol" and made it to the Top 24. Before trying out for both of these shows, Jenna had already released one album called "Wishing".
10. Louisa Johnson
Not only did the judges love her, but this soulful singer from Essex went on to win "The X Factor UK" in 2015! Immediately after winning she released her single "Forever Young" on iTunes, and she also sings on the Clean Bandit song "Tears." With a voice as powerful as hers, this girl can do anything.
