From Gothic Outsider to Operatic Revelation: Andrew De Leon’s Unforgettable America’s Got Talent Audition
When Andrew De Leon stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage in 2012, he openly shared that it was the very first time he had ever sung in front of anyone—never mind performing live before thousands of strangers. Yet the moment he delivered his opening line, it became instantly obvious that something extraordinary was unfolding. What followed was a jaw-dropping display of raw, spellbinding ability that silenced the crowd and hinted at a star waiting to emerge.
Music Man readers can witness this unforgettable moment in the viral video below, which has already surpassed 60 million views across multiple YouTube uploads.
Drawing inspiration from rock icons like Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, 19-year-old Andrew spoke candidly about feeling isolated throughout much of his childhood and teenage years. Music and singing became his refuge—a place of safety and expression amid hardship. Before facing the judges, he declared, “My days of being shy and being an outcast have reached their end,” as he prepared to perform for Howard Stern, Sharon Osbourne, and Howie Mandel.
The judges immediately commented on Andrew’s striking gothic appearance, from his high-contrast contact lenses to his dark fringe and all-black attire, creating an image that felt bold, dramatic, and instantly unforgettable.
But instead of launching into a heavy rock track, a sweeping, emotional orchestral arrangement filled the theater. Sharon Osbourne’s eyebrows shot up as anticipation built, signaling just how unexpected—and intriguing—this moment was about to become.
The piece Andrew chose was “O mio babbino caro,” which translates to “Oh my dear Papa,” a soprano aria composed by Giacomo Puccini in 1918. Even those unfamiliar with opera were likely to recognize the melody, and Andrew’s hauntingly pure delivery made it impossible not to be drawn in.
From the first note, Andrew shattered every expectation, reaching astonishing high notes with a crystal-clear tone that felt both delicate and powerful. The audience erupted in cheers, with many visibly emotional, moved to tears by the sheer beauty of his voice.
As the final note faded, Sharon Osbourne rose to her feet, applauding through tears as Andrew himself became overwhelmed with emotion. The applause grew thunderous as Howard Stern and Howie Mandel joined the standing ovation, Sharon’s face glowing with unmistakable pride.
Fighting back tears, Andrew told the judges, “I’m just so used to being rejected and I’m not really good at anything, so this is… amazing.” It was a deeply moving moment of validation—one that resonated far beyond the stage and spoke directly to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
The praise from the judges poured in even more once Andrew revealed that this performance wasn’t just his first time singing live, but that he was entirely self-taught, with no formal vocal training whatsoever. He earned three resounding Yes votes, advancing to the season 7 semi-finals before eventually exiting the competition.
Still, this moment was only the beginning. The following year, Andrew released his debut album “Black Lights,” along with a holiday EP titled “Christmas Lights.” After an eight-year hiatus, he returned in 2021 with his comeback album “A Stranger in Paradise,” all of which can be found on Andrew De Leon’s Spotify page.
Andrew De Leon’s AGT audition marked the end of his time in the shadows—a fearless, magnetic talent turning a first-ever performance into a viral phenomenon. For those eager to dive deeper into his journey, music, and performances, the links below offer a gateway into the world of this remarkable artist.
