And season 15 will conclude on Sept. 22 and Sept. 23, when a winner will be crowned during the scheduled finale. For more Brandon Leake AGT content, check out this roundup of his best moments from the show. This was a long time coming. We'll be the voices that people look back and say this is what this era looked like," said Leake. Klum, Vergara and Mandel have all spoken to PEOPLE about Cowell's recovery. Winner, Preliminaries Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Surprising Cause Of Death Revealed For 37-Year-Old ABC News Producer. Were you the first poet that producers had seen? Brandon is also the founder and CEO of Called to Move, an organization that aids youth in self-actualizing and personally developing through the art of poetry. Brandon Leake is an African-American spoken word poet, educator, and motivational speaker. "But it was very beautiful for me," Vergara said of the poem. When or if Cowell, 60, will return has yet to be determined. Brandon Leake has made it clear he's willing to take that leap. I am so grateful to be in this country. The then 4-year-old adored being a big brother and couldn't wait for all the fun they'd have together. Go behind-the-scenes, stay on top of breaking news, hang with the stars, and much more. "I can feel your pain. Burt Bacharach, Legendary Composer Of Pop Songs, Dies At 94 . Year after year, \"America's Got Talent\" features an impressive array of singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, magicians, ventriloquists and hopeful stars, all vying to win America's hearts and a $1 million prize.America's Got Talent is available now on Peacock, the new streaming service from NBCUniversal. Your poems are so raw. His daughter, now 6 months old, is named Aaliyah, but her dad calls her "booboo". And I'm tired of playing God, because Ive got to come to terms with the fact that my sister ain't never coming back. No music, no nothing, just a raw heart beating in front of us. God blessed me with really long arms, so I just put my phone outside the water and type. "I've been ground-bound because she left. No music, no nothing. This is a very difficult thing for me to judge. We are the ones who, as I said, capture history. To let it all hang loose on stage and leave nothing behind. 27-year-old Brandon Leake is a spoken word poet and motivational speaker. It was a testament to the time I had spent really owning and working on my craft. You also don't have to be this overly enthusiastic person who's chasing after everybody's attention. Brandon returned as a guest performer in Episode 1610 performing a spoken word piece about his hometown of Stockton. We feel your pain. Age (at audition) Later, Leake emotionally said, "My mother's greatest fear is that I won't return home breathing, blood pulsing through these veins enough to still be her Pookie. Moved by his performance, Howie Mandel pressed his Golden Buzzer, sending Brandon directly to the Quarterfinals. At present, he is 30 years old and his sun sign is Taurus. For his audition, Leake presented an emotional piece about mourning his late sister. You just have to take a deep breath and keep on going if not for yourself, then for everybody you love.". Exclusive:How 'AGT' is reshaping season during COVID-19, from no audiences to outdoor Judge Cuts. Keep reading for 10 things you didn't know about America's Got Talent season 15 winner . KYLIE MAR: "America's Got Talent's" first-ever spoken-word contestant, 27-year-old Stockton poet, educator, and new father Brandon Leake, closed out Tuesday night's episode with a tear-jerking ode to his deceased younger sister. Brandon Leake is a poet from Season 15 of America's Got Talent. And I know my sister would be proud of the way her brother has responded to all the things that have been thrown in my way.". Seasons WINNER Brandon Leake All Performances on America's Got Talent!Audition - 0:05Quarterfinals - 5:03Semifinals - 10:01Finale - 14:59#AGT #AmericasGotTalent #TalentRecapFor more HD videos, news, analysis and recaps of America's Got Talent please subscribe \u0026 follow Talent Recap:https://talentrecap.com/For more HD full episode videos, news and recaps of your favorite talent show please subscribe \u0026 followTALENT RECAP ON SOCIAL:YouTube: https://goo.gl/6pybnwLike: https://www.facebook.com/talentrecap/Follow: https://twitter.com/TalentRecapInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentrecap/ABOUT TALENT RECAP Talent Recap is the #1 independent website which is exclusively dedicated to the fans of the most popular talent shows around the world. Act Below, NBC Insider chats with Leake about his experience on AGT, where he writes his best poems, and more. Last week on'AGT': Sofia Vergara falls in her haste to get away from shocking eye-bulging rapper. But if this pain and these memories are all that I got left of you, I won't never regret these scars. I know what it is to have somebody taken from you without you knowing.". Brandon met his wife Anna at one of his shows in Stockton after she turned up with a mutual friend. You don't have to be this hardened individual who steps in there and does this crazy competitive work. There's something very, very special about you. "My older brother, Rafael, was killed in Colombia," she said. Never give up on this dream. I could tell my producer, it wasn't the first time he had heard spoken-word. "She was sitting in the car next to me as we were going to pick up my grandpa. It's no exaggeration to say thatAmerica's Got Talentfans had never seen anyone like Brandon Leake. I know what it is to have somebody taken from you without you knowing. Brandon's sister, who was four years younger than him, died at just 8 months old. I shouldn't be judging it. ", RELATED VIDEO: Sofia Vergara Says She and Husband Joe Manganiello 'Haven't Had 1 Fight Yet' During Quarantine. / Good Day Sacramento. : How did you discover spoken-word poetry? He went on to study at Simpson University in Redding, where as well as writing poetry, he played basketball onSimpson'sNCAA Division II team. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. I can feel your pain. What surprised you most about your AGT experience? The only consistent thing about my writing is I write best in the shower. We have to understand each other and be compassionate, have empathy for each other. There was another poet who was trying out with me. What I more so thought about was, I felt vindicated from all the people who said spoken-word could never be a mainstream art form. When Howie asked if Brandons sister, Danielle (a girl with a smile as wide as the universe and eyes that glimmer like the stars), was backstage, Brandon just vaguely answered, Kind of. Danielles presence was definitely felt. Leake, who is AGT's first-ever spoken word poet to compete, was among the standout performances of the night with his moving poem. Just a raw heart beating in front of us. Acclaimed actress and international superstar Sofia Vergara joins as a new judge this season alongside returning judge and global fashion icon Heidi Klum. I know what this is. "America's Got Talent" returns on NBCJuly 14 for the last audition show of the season. Tonight's poem is actually an ode to my sister, Brandon explained. After the final five acts are determined for the live semifinals, next week will be the first of two rounds, with 10 acts competing each Tuesday (Sept. 8 and Sept. 15) at the Universal Studios Hollywood lots. After graduating, Leake joined a slam poetry team in Sacramento. First published on March 1, 2021 / 6:45 AM. This story contains details from the June 30 episode of "America's Got Talent.". NBC Insider is your all-access pass to some of your favorite NBC shows. Relive all of Brandon's full performances from the season. Get The America's. I know what this is. "I am going to show the world what a spoken-word poet can do.". All-Stars He received enough votes to enter the Top 5 instead of Archie Williams. Creator and Executive Producer Simon Cowell is back at the star-studded judges' table with fan-favorite comedian Howie Mandel. Following his victory just a year before, Leake returned to theAGTstage for a special guest performance during Season 16. She's here with me now," Leake said, leading Mandel to ask if shewas backstage. Very much she's here with me now, Brandon answered. There was really nowhere else to go. And even in this very direct competition, we were all still rooting for each other. Brandon Leake (born May 4, 1992) is a spoken word poet, educator and motivational speaker and the winner of the fifteenth season of America's Got Talent. It's either love or pain, one of the two. All of the judges and Crews have now used their Golden Buzzers. Or maybe it was simply due to they hue and in that moment I better understand my Black mother's greatest fear was every time I left her home, on the other side of her phone would no longer be her son, it would be America's most popular hashtag," the father of one said. Brandon Leake is an award-winning spoken word poet, artistic educator and motivational speaker from Stockton, California. With the help of four other spoken word poets, he delivered a piece about his hometown of Stockton, California. A Poet Makes Golden Buzzer History On 'America's Got Talent' . Brandon Leake is AGT royalty. "I'm still haunted by these nightmares 'cause I have a really creative mind, and sometimes it designs these alternate realities where she is still here," he said. Thesixth day of auditions, which was taped in March, marked the first episode of Season 15 impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,before countrywide lockdown orders sidelinedentertainment production. UTA Signs 'America's Got Talent' Winner Brandon Leake. March 1, 2021 / 6:45 AM Now, Leake is a poetry maven who tours the country. . Everybody else is pretty much irrelevant. After the show, Mandel spoke with PEOPLE and praised Leake on the "imperative and important" message of his poem. Brandon was announced as the winner ahead of Broken Roots, Cristina Rae, Roberta Battaglia and Alan Silva, winning $1 million, a new KIA, and the headlining of a show in Las Vegas. As Brandon began to recite his piece, he told the gut-punching story of his sister, who was four years younger than him, dying at just 8 months old.. Dancers have World of Dance and all these other places. All four judges were never present every time Brandon performed. The Modern Family actress then said that Leake's poem reminded her of her late brother. Leake tells his most personal stories to connect with others and inspire people far and wide. Or you could say it started in college after the passing of one of my best friends. SOFIA VERGARA: My brother passed away the same year that your sister passed away. Its like singing and talking and just being a human a cappella. The NBC App is the best place to catch up on the most recent season of your favorite shows, watch live TV, and stream movies. (He even earned a Golden Buzzer.) ", She added at the time: "With so many bad things happening, it creates a tough skin. Sex She was going to watch this live on TV tonight.". He's a young man from Stockton who's transcending boundaries and breaking down barriers for generations to come. Aside from crew members and hostTerry Crews, that meant there were only four people inthe audience Tuesday: Cowell,Sofa Vergara,Howie Mandel and guest judgeEric Stonestreet, who filled in for a sick Heidi Klum. His parents are Tyrone and Carla Leake-Gibson. I handicapped myself for years because I was too concerned with how people looked at me, how people perceived me. It's either love or pain, one of the two. His sister passed away when he was only 4-years-old. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations. Leake says his overall goal is to spread a message that creates a more loving and gracious society. I'm still haunted by these nightmares because I have a really creative mind. Leake was born into a single parent home with his mother, Carla on the south side of Stockton, California. 27; 30 On the following Wednesdays, (which will feature celebrity musical acts including BTS on Sept. 16), the finalists will be announced. Now, Leake is a poetry maven who tours the country. Until Leake, 27, burst onto the scene in June with an emotional poem dedicated to his sister, who died as a baby, a spoken-word artist had never even appeared on the show, let alone captivate. On Tuesday's episode of the competition series, 27-year-old Brandon Leake took . I just want to compliment you on what you just did, because it was extraordinary.". - America's Got Talent 2020 America's Got Talent 945K views 2 years ago Jayy Honors Her Parents Who Were Murdered In Front of Her. Incredibly, in all of its 15 seasons, Americas Got Talent has never had a spoken-word contestant. Creative writing most certainly was an escape. Judge Simon Cowell was skeptical at first, telling Brandon, I don't really understand poetry, but Brandon assured him, I'm a great intro for you. "America's Got Talent" headed into uncharted territory Tuesday. For myself, it was like, this is my time. Brandon is the first poet to pass the audition round. I just want to compliment you on what you just did, because it was extraordinary, said a quieted Simon. Table of Biography [ show] Early Life Brandon Leake was born on May 4, 1992. Are you close to your sister? asked Howie. Stream now on Peacock.ALL of Brandon Leake's Performances on Season 15 of AGT! Brandon Leake is the winner of the 15th season of America's Got Talent. BRANDON LEAKE: And I'm tired of playing God, because I got to come to terms with the fact that my sister ain't never coming back. Congratulations to Brandon Leake for WINNING Season 15 of America's Got Talent! Don't go out there trying to be somebody else. Brandon set up the group whilst at university, and began hosting open mic nights to raise money for kids suffering from domestic abuse to go to summer camps. His poems featuring themes of grief, parenthood, race, and more were raw and unfiltered as Leake took the stage to open up about his life every week. Your season was filmed in 2020, in the thick of the global pandemic, so you didn't have a rapturous audience every week. Coming from a kid who was always concerned about looking cool, being cool, and doing cool stuff, it was really hard for me to relinquish that type of cool jacket off of myself, How communal the talent pool became. America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays (8 p.m. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories, "What an amazing tribute," said Cowell. A good number of us really cheered each other on, even when we were competitiveIf you do great, that doesn't mean I can't also be great. But it was very beautiful for me. However, it was Howie who hit that Golden Buzzer the final Golden Buzzer of the season still left in play which automatically advanced Brandon to the live shows. SPOKEN word performer and civil rights activist Brandon Leake is the winner of Americas Got Talent season 15. The poem touched every single Judge, but particularly Howie Mandel, who awarded Leake with a Golden Buzzer. For the finale in Episode 1522, Brandon Leake performed a short spoken word piece prior to the results about Season 15. He returned for America's Got Talent: All-Stars where he finished in 2nd place in his Preliminary week. But instead of giving up, he went back to the drawing board, honed his craft, and tried again three years later stronger than ever. Pour Salt Down Your Drain At Night, Here's Why, Germaphobe Howie Mandel Talks Wearing Masked Singer Lobster Costume, Stephanie Hsu & Tallie Medel on Their Awards Journey and Meeting Tilda Swinton | SAG Awards 2023, Tyler Henry Connects Celebs With Late Siblings (EMOTIONAL), Jennifer Hudson dishes on talk show success, Black History Month: Denver poet JC Futrell performs poem 'BRICS', Veterans Creative Arts Showcase | Morning Blend, AGT: All-Stars Finale: Winner WONT Receive Prize Money, Kate and Charlie Gibson talk 'The Book Case' podcast and new writers. That's what felt really good: knowing I'd done so much work to get so much better, and that I was finally there. When "America's Got Talent" contestant Brandon Leake took the stage to render the first-ever poetry audition on the show, the judges did not know they were in for a stunning and tearjerking performance. Brandon Leake is the first spoken word poet act to receive the, In Brandon's Finals performance, it was mentioned that he auditioned for, Brandon is Howie Mandel's second (third if counting. I would say the writing was always personal, but performing was not always personal. We feel your pain, we feel your love.". And then I just keep my shoulders from getting wet. We feel your love and you moved me to do this.". ", "Lines like that are what build the bridge between me and another person, and who would have thought that poetry or spoken word could do that," said Leake. KYLIE MAR: But Howie Mandel was most moved by Brandon's audition, as the judge ultimately decided to give him his Golden Buzzer. "Still alive, and all the things I wish we could have done are played again and again and again," he continued. Brandon posted on his Instagram after his AGT tribute to her: Love you booboo, I hope that gift will forever remain in your heart. Mandel applauded Leake'screativity and vulnerability. By McKenzie. The audition greatly resonated with Vergara, 47, at the judges' panel. "This right here is genuinely a moment in which spoken word got a chance to be on the forefront of the American conscious," he said to People following his victory. The last 11 acts to compete for a spot in the semi-finals were roaster Alex Hooper, hand-balancing siblings Bello Sisters, spoken word artist (and Mandel's Golden Buzzer winner) Brandon Leake, singers Broken Roots, cheerleaders C.A. ET) on NBC. Leake, who is AGT 's first-ever spoken word poet to compete, was among the standout performances of the night with his moving poem. The judge's older brother, Rafael, was murdered in 1998 at age 27 during a kidnapping attempt in Colombia, and the memories came flooding back when Brandon Leake recited a poem about his sister's death, according to Fox News. And I'm like, Sweet, let's do this.. WINNER Brandon Leake All Performances on America's Got Talent!Audition - 0:05Quarterfinals - 5:03Semifinals - 10:01Finale - 14:59#AGT #AmericasGotTalent #Tal. How were you able to reach a place where you can be so personal in your work? Everybody has to hear it. One of the best days of Brandon's life was when his sister, Danielle Marie Gibson, was born. There was something more raw, in the way that it's like singing and talking and just being a human, a cappella no music, no nothing, just a raw heart beating in front of us, Howie marveled. That's the cost of love: caring for someone's so much that you can't imagine living life without them, staring at a grave. Watch thousands of hours of hit movies and shows, plus daily news, sports, and pop culture updates. Brandon had explained that he had a fourteen-day old daughter and a sister whom he loved very much. "From the person who lives in Wyoming in a farm town who can relate to a city kid from Stockton, California. There's really no other place to find a mainstream home. He received enough votes from the Superfans to enter the Top 3 of the night. "I had a nightmare that I would be 90 years old doing this show and nobody would be watching it, judge Simon Cowell said while looking back to the empty Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Read on. SIMON COWELL: What an amazing tribute. The reason I became so much better was actually 'cause I failed making the show the first time. Sofia Vergara was emotionally moved by this poetic America's Got Talent audition. TERRY CREWS: You have received the Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel. It's my opportunity. Mandel, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell is back at the time: `` with so many bad happening... And his sun sign is Taurus into uncharted territory Tuesday 1610 performing a spoken poet... 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