During Tuesday night’s (July 12) episode of America’s Got Talent, Sofia Vergara, who serves as a judge on the reality talent show, was moved to tears by a contestant who sang a song dedicated to a late family member.
Wyn Starks, a 39-year-old Nashville resident, took the stage to perform an original song called “Who I Am” for his twin brother who had recently died. Wyn said the song was about his personal journey in becoming the man he is today.
“It was one of my brother’s favorite songs,” Starks said. “It has been really hard. He was one of my biggest supporters. So, to be here means everything to me. I’m doing this for him. I just want to do this and honor him.”
Starks’ words touched the entire judges’ panel, which also included Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell. Vergara, however, seemed to be the judge that was most affected by Starks’ story. Before he started to sing, her emotions were evident from the pain she had in her eyes.
Once Starks hit the high notes in his song, Vergara’s eyes were welling up. “Gotta be me/Gotta be I/Gotta be who I know I am inside,” he sang. “Finally free/Taking it in/Look at me flying.” Before she knew it, Vergara was wiping away a lot of tears.
After Starks finished his song and received an uproarious standing ovation, a still-emotional Vergara let him know what she thought about his performance. “That was amazing,” she said. “I’m so sorry for your loss. I know what that means. I lost my brother, too, and I can’t even imagine what it is to lose a twin because that bond has to be something unexplainable.”
Vergara continued: “I love all the feeling you gave to your song. I love your song, and I love that it was your song.”
Starks received three “Yes” votes from the judges, which means his new journey continues on America’s Got Talent.