I absolutely loved Cole’s performance with his mother in America’s Got Talent Season 20 auditions

Cole Swensen from America
Cole Swensen from America's Got Talent Season 20 | Image via Instagram/ @coleswensenmusic

Cole Swensen's performance with his mother, Judy, at America's Got Talent Season 20 auditions was outstanding. I've been watching the show for years, and this duet truly moved me. There was an emotional depth to seeing a 23-year-old singer-songwriter perform alongside his mother, who played the cello with him, which I believe is rare on reality TV. For me, it was more than just the music; it was witnessing a precious family moment unfold before millions of viewers.

Their performance of "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay was both moving and eerie. Judy's beautiful cello combined with Cole's quiet, reflective vocals created a grand and intimate sound. In my opinion, the fact that Judy had previously set aside her desire to pursue music and was now sharing the spotlight with her son added to its uniqueness. It resonated deeply with me; it was a full-circle moment.

Simon Cowell's early criticism heightened the suspense. I was disappointed when he suggested the performance would be better without Judy. However, he later acknowledged that he enjoyed the duet, praising their unique style and authenticity. To me, their performance was more than an audition; it showcased the power of connections, aspirations, and shared interests.


Cole Swensen and his mother in America's Got Talent Season 20 auditions: A heartfelt duet that resonated beyond the stage

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I’m going to say that Simone is wrong for claiming Cole's performance in America's Got Talent audition would have hit the roof if Judy hadn't been sharing the stage. Cole, a 23-year-old, took a bold step by performing on stage with his mother, Judy, who played the cello alongside him. Their rendition of "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay was both emotionally and musically captivating. In my opinion, this performance stood out because it conveyed a story of love and shared aspirations rather than just showcasing talent.

The backstory of this duet truly touched my heart. Cole revealed that his mother had once abandoned her dreams to pursue a career in music, and he was now reviving those dreams. This decision, in my opinion, added a deeper level of significance to their America's Got Talent performance. It was evident that their relationship extended beyond music and that they shared a strong chemistry. The audience's response, which included cries of "Judy! Judy! Judy!", highlighted the emotional resonance of their partnership.

The judges' comments further emphasized the performance's impact. Howie Mandel noted the apparent affection between mother and son, while Mel B appreciated Cole's unique tone. Sofia Vergara revealed that she cries, stating that it just goes to show how real their relationship is.

Initially, Simon Cowell made a quick remark about the performance, which encompassed a range of emotions and intensity, by suggesting it would have been stronger if it had featured only Cole. As is often the case, the America's Got Talent judge was everything in reminding the two that they did an amazing job together, and that their collaboration enhanced the song.

This audition reminded me of the importance of family and the power of shared dreams. In my opinion, Cole and Judy's performance resonated with so many people because it perfectly represented what America's Got Talent is about: real talent with real-life stories. Their story serves as motivation, showing that it's never too late to follow one's passions, especially with the support of loved ones.


Watch more auditions on America's Got Talent Season 20 on NBC.

Edited by Yesha Srivastava