Michael Ketterer’s touching performance of James Bay’s “Us” on America’s Got Talent brought Simon Cowell to tears on live TV. Cowell wasn’t the only one moved; Mel B also teared up and needed a moment after Ketterer’s stunning performance. The Knoxville, Tennessee singer stripped back “Us” to just a lone piano, allowing his voice to truly shine.
Ketterer started with a smoky, low-key vocal, gradually intensifying to convey the hopeful message of the chorus. At 41 years old and a father of six, his passionate performance was captivating, culminating in a triumphant high note before the final chorus.
Host Tyra Banks asked Cowell to comment first, but he was too emotional to speak initially. When pressed, Cowell finally said, “Michael, as a dad, I can’t imagine what you’ve done. You really needed this, and you’re a special guy.”
Ketterer’s rendition of “Us” became a hit on YouTube, garnering eight million views. His initial audition with the Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody” earned him Cowell’s golden buzzer, sending him straight to the quarterfinals, where he performed “Us.”
Fans online were amazed by Ketterer’s performance, with comments like, “I’ve never seen Simon at a loss for words like that. Such a beautiful performance,” and “Simon’s tears almost made me cry. He’s an honest, soft guy, and I love him for that.”
Later in season 13, Ketterer advanced to the semifinals with Miley Cyrus’s “When I Look At You” and made it to the finals with Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” He eventually placed fifth overall in the competition.