Ronee Martin, a 62-year-old legal assistant from Virginia, stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage with a lifetime of “close calls” in the music industry behind her. Having spent years chasing a record deal that never quite materialized, she was determined to prove that age is just a number. However, the audition got off to a rocky start when she began singing “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” The performance felt flat, and for a moment, it looked like her dream was about to end right there in front of the judges.
Sensing that something was off, Simon Cowell did what he does best: he stopped the music. He told Ronee bluntly that the song choice wasn’t right for her and asked if she had anything else prepared. This high-pressure moment would have crushed most performers, but Ronee stayed calm and suggested “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” As soon as she hit the first few notes of the soul classic, the energy in the room shifted completely. Her voice transformed, revealing a powerful, rich tone that left the audience and the judges in complete awe.
The turnaround was nothing short of miraculous. Mel B admitted that she was ready to say “no” after the first song, but was stunned by how Ronee’s voice “transformed into something amazing.” Simon praised her fantastic voice and spirit, emphasizing that the show is all about giving talented people the chances that others might have denied them. With four enthusiastic “Yes” votes, Ronee proved that it is never too late to find your spotlight.
