Simon Cowell just made a bold prediction about a stellar saxophonist on America’s Got Talent who shared a touching story about being bullied.
The show aired its first qualifiers episode of the season, which saw several talented individuals and groups perform live on the big stage for the first time.
One of those performers was 21-year-old saxophonist Avery Dixon, who wowed the judges a few weeks ago with his emotional performance of Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness.”
During the episode, Dixon delivered another show-stopping performance to Wonder’s “Higher Ground,” which included background band members and flashing lights. The act was so good, that it received high praise from the AGT judges, with Simon Cowell giving Dixon the ultimate compliment.
Simon Cowell predicts Avery Dixon will be as successful as Carrie Underwood.
Following Dixon’s performance, Simon Cowell was the first judge to speak, giving the talented saxophonist a huge compliment.
“I promise you, Avery, since the time we first met you to now, something’s changed,” Cowell began. “I’m gonna predict something. I said this about Carrie Underwood years and years and years ago on [‘American Idol’], which is, you’re gonna be a superstar. I promise you, Avery. I actually believe it’s gonna happen, because this was so different. You were great the first time, but this was incredible. Your confidence and your talent, everything is brilliant. I’m so happy for you.”
The other judges had nothing but praise for Avery Dixon.
Like Cowell, the other three America’s Got Talent judges spoke highly of Dixon, each expressing how big of fans they are of the 21-year-old.
“This has been an amazing night and to finish with you is spectacular,” Sofia Vergara shared. “The way you look, the way you sound? I mean, there’s nothing better that you can do.”
Heidi Klum went on to state, “I love you. America, let’s bring this kind of music back. Vote for him, vote for him, vote for him.”
“Listen, the first time we heard you, you’re a star. You have the talent, you shine,” Howie Mandel expressed. “But you as a human being, watching you perform tonight, you have grown by leaps and bounds. You are a superstar. You are a different person, Avery, and I love you and America loves you.”
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
