Brian Justin Crum, a 28-year-old from San Diego, stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage with a story of resilience that moved the audience before he even sang a note. Growing up, Brian faced intense bullying for his weight, his sexuality, and his dream of becoming a singer. He shared a touching tribute to his mother, who supported him through these “hard times” and even allowed him to move away as a teenager for a fresh start. Currently working for a car service to pay his bills, Brian saw this audition as his one true shot to change his life and thank his mother for her unwavering belief in him.
Choosing to perform Queen’s “Somebody to Love” is a bold move for any vocalist, yet Brian managed to deliver a performance that many consider one of the best in the show’s history. His voice was filled with raw emotion, control, and a rock-and-roll power that brought all four judges and the entire arena to their feet. He didn’t just sing the notes; he poured every ounce of his past struggles and current passion into the lyrics, turning the stage into a personal sanctuary of triumph.
The reaction from the panel was legendary, with Simon Cowell stating that this is exactly why the show exists—to give massive talents like Brian a platform to be heard. Howie Mandel poignantly remarked that while the song asks if anyone can find him somebody to love, that night, he found “everybody to love” him. After receiving four enthusiastic “Yes” votes, Brian left the stage shaking with excitement, having finally turned his years of struggle into a moment of pure, global stardom.
