Howie Mandel

“Messy” Opera Singer Avalon Penrose Closes America’s Got Talent Auditions with paint-Filled Chaos, Four “Yeses”

Los Angeles, CA – June 5, 2024 – America’s Got Talent (AGT) concluded its initial audition round Tuesday night with a spectacularly messy performance from Avalon Penrose, a vocalist who uses self-deprecating humor and a full-on paint assault to overcome stage fright. The 24-year-old singer, who revealed a childhood history with opera and debilitating panic attacks, earned a resounding four “Yeses” from judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Sofía Vergara, and Howie Mandel, capping off a night of diverse talent at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.Penrose’s act began conventionally enough, with her delivering a powerful vocal performance in a red evening gown. However, mid-song, assistants unleashed a barrage of confetti, paint, and ultimately, a shaving cream pie – culminating in a chaotic, colorful finale. The seemingly bizarre performance was revealed to be a intentional coping mechanism for Penrose, who explained she needs the distraction of “making fun of herself” to manage her anxiety and perform.

This unique approach stems from a past where stage fright forced her to abandon a promising opera career as a child. “Being able to perform in front of a crowd and maybe be an inspiration to other kids who maybe think that they can’t do it, I want you to know that you can,” Penrose stated on stage.

The act initially drew skepticism from the judges. Cowell, known for his critical eye, initially advised Penrose to “feed off the audience’s energy.” Vergara questioned the necessity of a gimmick given Penrose’s vocal talent, asking where the act could evolve.

However, Penrose’s explanation – that the mess is the performance, born from her anxiety – shifted the dynamic. Cowell, Mandel, and even a initially skeptical Mel B enthusiastically joined in the chaos, pelting Penrose with paint-filled balloons while she continued to sing. Mandel was later targeted with a shaving cream pie by Cowell,and host Terry Crews joined the fray after removing his expensive gold shoes to avoid ruining them. Vergara opted to remain safely under the judges’ desk, while Mel B unleashed a paint-filled super soaker on the entire panel.

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, which has hosted AGT auditions for multiple seasons, was left covered in paint and foam as Penrose’s performance concluded.beyond the Mess: A Look at AGT’s Season 20 and the Rise of Vulnerability in Performance

Penrose’s audition highlights a growing trend on talent shows like AGT: the embrace of vulnerability and unconventional performance styles. while vocal talent remains a cornerstone of the show, acts that connect with audiences on an emotional level, or offer a unique viewpoint, are increasingly gaining traction.

Season 20 of AGT, which premiered May 28th, has already featured a diverse range of performers, including singers, dancers, magicians, and comedians. The live shows are scheduled to begin August 13th, and will be broadcast on NBC and available for streaming on Peacock. The winner of AGT Season 20 will receive a $1 million prize and a headlining show in Las Vegas.

Penrose’s story serves as a reminder that overcoming personal challenges can be a powerful source of creativity and inspiration, and that sometimes, a little mess is exactly what’s needed to find your voice.