America’s Got Talent season 19: Alex Sampson’s performances so far

Alex Sampson has left a strong impression on America’s Got Talent (AGT) season 19 with his distinct approach and creative tunes. The 20-year-old singer-songwriter from Thunder Bay, Ontario, has enthralled the judges and the crowd with his throwback sounds, reminiscent of the heyday of the 1950s and 1960s, from his audition and live show performances.

His audition featured an original song that drew acclaim from the judges, especially Simon Cowell, who remarked that Sampson's music would fit perfectly in a Martin Scorsese film. Sampson presented another original song in his second performance, If You Were My Girl, continuing his nostalgic doo-wop style and personal storytelling.

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Alex Sampson's America’s Got Talent performances

Audition

In an interview with Parade, Sampson shared that his journey to America’s Got Talent began long before he stepped onto the stage for his audition. The process started in October when a producer from the show reached out to him after seeing videos of his performances online. After months of back-and-forth with the show's producers, he finally got the opportunity to audition in March.

One of the most significant events in Alex Sampson's America’s Got Talent journey was his original song, Pretty Baby. The song was well-liked by the judges, particularly Simon Cowell, and has a vibe reminiscent of music from the 1950s and 1960s. Cowell pointed out that Alex Sampson made a wise decision by concentrating on his retro look, which helped him stand out from competitors.

He received four "yeses" from the judges in America’s Got Talent for the performance, which solidified his status as the competition's star performer. The judges, particularly Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel, praised Sampson for separating himself from the rest by choosing a distinctive musical lane. During the audition, Cowell commented,

“If this is the lane you want to go down, I think it’s very smart because you separate yourself from what everybody else is doing. I really, really liked this audition.”

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Alex Sampson's Quarterfinals performance

Alex Sampson gave his second performance on August 20, 2024, during the Quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent. He sang his original song called If You Were My Girl.

The judges' reactions to this performance were mixed but largely positive. Simon Cowell, who had previously praised Sampson's distinctive style, reaffirmed his support by saying he stayed true to his lane and it was a song he hoped he'd continue to deliver. Howie Mandel also appreciated, noting,

“You’ve managed to make every performance feel like a special moment. This one was no different. It was charming and nostalgic.”

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Advancing to the Semifinals

In the Quarterfinals of AGT, Alex Sampson’s performance secured him a place in the semifinals. Joining him in this crucial round were several notable acts. Sky Elements Drones captivated audiences with their stunning aerial displays and intricate light choreography, pushing the boundaries of drone technology.

Youngmin, a skilled illusionist, dazzled with his captivating and imaginative magic tricks. Additionally, Airfootworks showcased their extraordinary footwork and innovative dance routines, winning a Live Golden Buzzer and heading straight to the finals.

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The battle on America’s Got Talent season 19 gets harder as it continues, and only a select few acts advance to the following round. Even though Alex Sampson faces significant odds, he is nevertheless upbeat about his prospects. He stated in the Parade interview that he plans to spend the $1 million prize if he wins it, saying,

"I’m definitely going to pay some bills and some stuff that I need to get done. I’ll do the legal stuff first, and then I’ll celebrate."

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Tune in to America’s Got Talent season 19 on Tuesday, August 27, at 8/7c on NBC and catch the upcoming performances of Alex Sampson and the other incredible semifinalists.