🇺🇸 Paul Ieti: The U.S. Army Soldier With a Golden Voice | AGT 2014 Audition
Every season, America’s Got Talent delivers moments that surprise us. But few hit as hard as when Paul Ieti, a U.S. Army soldier in uniform, stepped on stage during AGT 2014.
What looked like a serious, disciplined serviceman quickly turned into one of the most unexpected and heartfelt performances of the night.
🎖️ From the Battlefield to the Stage
Paul Ieti introduced himself humbly. At the time of his audition, he had recently returned from serving in Afghanistan.
A member of the U.S. Army, he admitted he loved to sing in his downtime, often posting videos online from his military base.
No one expected what came next.
🎶 The Performance: "Stay" by Rihanna
Standing tall in full uniform, Paul chose to sing “Stay” by Rihanna—a bold and emotional choice.
From the first note, the audience fell silent. His voice was pure, tender, and filled with vulnerability. The emotional weight in his vocals told a story of longing and reflection—something deeper than just hitting the right notes.
😲 Judges' Reactions: Shock and Awe
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Mel B looked visibly moved: “You’ve got a beautiful voice, and I wasn’t expecting that at all.”
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Heidi Klum was impressed with his emotional depth.
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Howard Stern praised his courage—not just as a soldier, but for singing such an emotional song on national television.
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Howie Mandel gave him massive respect and said: “You’re the real deal.”
It was a standing ovation from the audience and unanimous YES votes from the judges.
🌍 Fans Connected Deeply
Paul’s audition struck a chord with viewers across the world:
“He sang with his heart, and I felt every word.”
“An Army soldier showing that strength can also be emotional.”
“One of the most touching auditions on AGT ever.”
His YouTube video quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and messages of support from fans and fellow soldiers alike.
🎤 Where Did Paul Go Next?
Paul advanced to the live shows, where he continued to showcase his soulful voice with emotional ballads.
Though he didn’t win the competition, his presence left a lasting impact.
He remains a symbol of how music can heal, express emotion, and connect us—no matter where we come from or what uniform we wear.
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