Richmond Officer’s Emotional Ed Sheeran Cover Stuns on ‘America’s Got Talent’

In an evening packed with remarkable acts, one contestant stood out on the latest episode of America’s Got Talent: Mervin Mayo, a police officer from Richmond, Virginia. Mayo delivered a deeply moving rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” which left both judges and the audience in awe. His performance earned him a standing ovation and four enthusiastic yeses from the judges.

Mayo, who has devoted his life to aiding at-risk youth, shared an emotional backstory before his performance. Growing up in the housing projects of Richmond, he faced numerous hardships and was nearly led astray. It was a police officer named Curtis Simmons who saved him from a potential life of crime.

“I’ve seen more murders as a child than I have as a police officer,” Mayo revealed. This harrowing experience motivated him to become a police officer himself, hoping to provide the same guidance he once received. For 17 years, Mayo has worked tirelessly to mentor at-risk youth, offering them a path to a better future.

Encouraged by his wife Michelle, who serves as the director of school counseling for Richmond Public Schools, Mayo decided to take a bold step and audition for America’s Got Talent. His performance of “Thinking Out Loud” was more than just a song; it was a heartfelt tribute to his wife and the journey they have shared together.

Throughout his performance, Mayo often glanced toward the wings where Michelle watched proudly, adding an extra layer of genuine emotion to his act. His smooth, soulful voice captured the essence of Sheeran’s romantic ballad, resonating deeply with everyone present.

The judges were visibly moved by Mayo’s touching story and his performance. “You really do have a good voice and everything you did was sincere,” praised Simon Cowell. Sofia Vergara echoed these sentiments, stating, “You guys are a beautiful couple and your voice is spectacular. Super romantic, how beautiful that you love her and you’re singing to her.”

Howie Mandel appreciated the couple’s community dedication, saying, “You are the people that allow us to be safe and people who are in our school system. You are both serving the community and that’s a wonderful thing.”

Heidi Klum summed up the panel’s feelings by saying, “You sounded great up there. You felt right at home. I felt the love. It was beautiful.”

Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” has seen significant success since its release in 2014 as part of his album “x (Multiply).” The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained in the top 10 for 23 weeks. It also became the first song to spend a full year in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40. In addition to this, “Thinking Out Loud” topped the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart and earned Sheeran two Grammy Awards in 2016 for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. In the UK, the song spent two weeks at the top of the Official UK Singles Chart.

To follow Mayo’s journey on America’s Got Talent, tune in on Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC or catch it streaming the next day on Peacock.

Watch his full performance on America’s Got Talent below.

Source: NBC