Thirty-year-old Jimmie Herrod brought his otherworldly voice back to the stage on America's Got Talent to leave the judges—and the audience—reeling.
As he did in his audition, he chose to lend that voice to a song from an iconic children's movie, remaking it in his own image.
This week, it was "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. And like before, Jimmy turned what could have been a trite performance of a tread-worn song into a virtuoso act of creativity and talent.
Bathed in red lighting reminiscent of the 1971 film's famous riverboat scene, Jimmie's choice of set and lighting let the audience's imagination focus on the strength of his scening, forgoing the theatrics of some other performers of the night.
It's a strong choice. Jimmie's humble background belies his world-class voice.
Jimmie teaches kid's music in Portland, Oregon, but was determined to make the most of an opportunity waiting for him in Hollywood on America's Got Talent when the audition rounds began this season.
"When opportunity presents itself, you run toward it" Jimmie said. "And so I am just excited to share what I have to offer."
Simon was less happy about Jimmie's choice of music. When Jimmie announced he would be singing 'Tomorrow' from "Annie," the cantankerous critic suggested he do another.
"Do you know that is my worst song in the world?" he said. "And you're going to sing that."
But Jimmie didn't have another, which was perhaps for the best, because his rendition was filled with such power and emotion that he not only prompted a Golden Buzzer from Sophia Vergara but forced Simon to eat his words.
"It's not my worst song anymore."
It's not hard to imagine what Simon thinks about this other time-worn classic.
