My Z News

There’s American Idol, The Voice, The X Factor … the list could go on. The point is, reality shows showcasing talented performers who want to make it big are a dime a dozen. Most people that audition on the shows are sent home with bruised egos, and even some who make it to further rounds are easily forgotten.

Then, there are contestants like Jaycob Curlee. The teenager’s gorgeous voice, positive attitude, and alternately heartbreaking and heartwarming life story made him an easy stand-out. The judges thought so, too – during his appearance on the ninth season of America’s Got Talent, he made it all the way to the second round of the semifinals! While this video elaborates on Jaycob’s inspiring background, it leaves out what’s happened in his life since his initial appearance on the show. “It’s been crazy,” he explains. “Crazy in a good way. With social media blowing up the way it did, I have tons of fans.” 

And many of those fans have been drawn to Jaycob in part because of his background, causing them to write to him about their own lives. “One thing that really struck me is that a lot of them have gone through similar situations, if not worse situations that I have,” he explains. Despite his busy schedule, Jaycob says he makes sure to personally get in touch with everyone who shares their story with him. “I make sure I write everyone back. It’s really uplifting to know that I’ve helped people through those times. Like this one girl, she tried to commit suicide six times, and when she saw my audition, she said it turned around for her.

That’s what I really want to do. I want to inspire people to try to be more than what the past has them labeled as.”

H/T: America Talent

Read more: http://www.wimp.com/jaycob-curlee-americas-got-talent/