Originally posted Tuesday, August 7, 2018 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Savannah native and Kennesaw resident Flau'jae received the Golden Buzzer from guest judge Chris Hardwick on round two of NBC's "America's Got Talent" tonight. This means she's guaranteed a spot on the live shows later this month.
The former "The Rap Game" contestant reiterated her story about how her father, a rising rap star Camouflage, was murdered while her mom was pregnant with her 15 years ago.
“I want to continue my father’s legacy,” Flau’jae told the audience and judges. “I felt like he died too early. I feel like he had a dream and things he wanted to do. I want to do it for him.”
She rapped an original arrangement “I Can’t Lose” about her life and being on “AGT.”
The judges gave her a standing ovation. Mel B: "I just think the way you write is from the heart... You're brilliant!" Howie Mandel: "You are a wow... It's someone who lives a song and teaches a lesson." Simon Cowell: "We provide a platform and you do the hard work. You, the lyrics, the tracks, all feel real. I really like you. I"m thrilled you came on the show."
(Cowell during her opening audition even went backstage to hug her. He is clearly a fan.)
At this stage, only the guest judge had a Golden Buzzer and naturally, Hardwick was going to use it.
“I have goosebumps and I’m shaking,” he said. “At 14 years old, you have the authenticity and honesty that some artists never achieve in their entire lives. You were not given a chance to have a relationship with your father.” So he pressed the Golden Buzzer and went on stage and hugged her.
No rapper has ever won the show. It’ll be interesting to see how she does once the live vote kicks in.
