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Simon Cowell burst into tears after an 'AGT' contestant’s powerful singing

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By Daphne Buenaflor
Sep 17, 2018
09:29 A.M.

The serious-looking “America’s Got Talent” judge, Simon Cowell, couldn’t help but shed tears after a contestant’s heartwarming performance.

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Cowell, who is known for his stern personality, displayed his soft side after Michael Ketterer’s performance on the show in August 2018.

For his performance, the contestant chose James Bay’s “Us,” which moved the audience and the judges, especially Cowell.

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As revealed on the show, the British judge, as a father, could relate to Ketterer’s performance. When asked by host Tyra Banks for his opinion, Cowell had a hard time putting together the right words to say.

Eventually, he said:

"As a dad, I can't imagine [doing] what you've done, and the fact that you're on this show and you really need this. You're a really, really special guy."

Source: IGTV

Source: IGTV

He was on the brink of crying at the time. With Cowell displaying his vulnerable side, Banks said it was “one of the most beautiful moments” she had witnessed and

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that Cowell was “a big soft papa.”

Mel B, also one of the judges, was trying to stop herself from crying and described Ketterer as "an incredible human being" for adopting five children.

“AGT” judge Heidi Klum said of Ketterer,

"We just need more men like you."

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Ketterer, a father of six from California, chose to join the competition to prove to his foster children that dreams can be attainable.

In June 2018, Cowell already found something great in the contestant’s voice and said, "I genuinely mean this, it's special, and everything was perfect."

Ketterer was asked how it felt to make Cowell cry live on-air, he said that he and Cowell both have the same understanding of a father’s dedication to his family.

Ketterer has a moving story that ultimately made him a crowd-favorite on “America’s Got Talent.” The 40-year-old is a pediatric mental health nurse. He and his wife have one biological daughter and have adopted five sons.

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For his first performance, Ketterer auditioned with Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody,” which captured the hearts of the audience and the judges.

He delivered such a moving performance that Cowell had to press the golden buzzer afterward. As of now, not only is Ketterer known worldwide for his talent, he is also appreciated for his devotion as a father.

“America’s Got Talent” airs every Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Tune in to see if Ketterer moves forward until the finale.

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