Avalon Penrose has just pulled off what is bound to go down in history as one of the messiest auditions ever seen on America’s Got Talent to date.
Appearing on the Tuesday (Aug. 5) episode, Penrose likely seemed an unsuspecting figure as she appeared before the judges, explaining how her musical journey had begun as a child opera singer before quitting at age 14 due to frequent panic attacks.
“Now after 14 years, I’ve kind of decided I want to try and find my voice again,” she explained. “Maybe [I can] be an inspiration to other kids who suffered through stage fright, who think that maybe they can’t do it. I want you to know that you can.”
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Beginning her rendition of Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s “Time to Say Goodbye,” impressed applause was replaced by confusion from the judges as a number of individuals brought myriad objects onto the stage.
As Penrose sung the chorus, a pair of assistants took on the task of splashing her with paint and confetti – all without skipping a beat. A pie to the face saw the performance come to a close, before an explosion of more confetti served as a strong finale.
Receiving a standing ovation from judge Simon Cowell as Sofia Vergara commented that Penrose “ruined something beautiful,” Mel B questioned if the performer before them really was an opera singer. Penrose explained that she was only able to adequately perform by employing such a theatrical take to it all.
“But you don’t need this with that voice,” Vergara offered. “This is what makes it special,” countered Howie Mandel. “This is why you’ll remember her.”
As Cowell requested another song, Penrose invited Cowell and Mandel to take part in the messy antics as she worked through a rendition of Georges Bizet’s “Habanera.”
Soon, the America’s Got Talent stage descended into pure chaos, with Cowell and Mandel showcasing their innate mischievousness before the latter turned his attention toward his fellow judges.
As Mandel takes a pie to the face, even host Terry Crews gets into the action, throwing water balloons at Cowell before Mel B takes up a paint-filled watergun for protection.
Almost forgetting they have to vote, the judges resume their positions to pass Penrose through with a clean sweep. “Well, we have to say goodnight, believe it or not,” Cowell soon quips to the mystified audience. “That’s kind of a strange way to end, isn’t it?”
America’s Got Talent airs on NBC at 8 p.m. Tuesdays and streams on Peacock the next day.
View Avalon Penrose’s chaotic performance of “Time to Say Goodbye” below.
