‘Singing Soldier’ to find out tonight whether he advances on ‘America’s Got Talent’
Lewiston’s Singing Soldier Isaac Atkins Performs on “America’s Got Talent,” Judges Praise While Calling for More Range
Lewiston, Maine – On Tuesday night, 19‑year‑old Isaac Atkins, the “Singing Soldier” of Lewiston’s local music scene, took the stage in the “Quarterfinals 3” episode of America’s Got Talent and delivered a stirring rendition of Kaleo’s “Way Down We Go.” The live television broadcast, which began at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, will reveal whether Atkins will move on to the next round of the competition.
A Big‑Screen Debut
Atkins, who grew up in the area and has amassed a growing fan base under his social‑media moniker, stepped onto the televised stage for the first time in front of a live studio audience. The performance, filmed on Tuesday, was recorded for the episode that airs on Wednesday evening.
The song choice, “Way Down We Go,” a blues‑rock number from the Icelandic band Kaleo, showcased Atkins’s powerful vocals and earned enthusiastic reactions from the panel of judges.
Judges’ Reactions
Former Spice Girl Mel B and actress‑model Sofia Vergara both praised the performance, noting the emotional intensity and strong stage presence that Atkins brought to the song. Actor Kenan Thompson, filling in for Simon Cowell, and judge Howie Mandel also expressed admiration but pointed out that the contestant would benefit from demonstrating a wider vocal range in future rounds.
“I think he’s got a lot of heart and the right tone, but we’d love to hear more versatility,” said Howie Mandel during a brief comment after the act.
A Humble Response
Despite the positive feedback, Atkins remained grounded. When asked about the judges’ comments, he said, “I’ll keep staying humble no matter what happens.” He emphasized that his goal is to continue sharing his music, regardless of the outcome of the competition.
Voting and Next Steps
Voting for the quarterfinals has now closed. The top three acts, based on public votes, will advance to the next round of the show. The outcome of this week’s episode will be revealed during the live broadcast on Wednesday at 8 p.m., after which viewers can expect a post‑show interview with the Singing Soldier.
The America’s Got Talent episode is being streamed on the NBC platform, with a live audience of fans from across the country. Fans in Lewiston and beyond have already taken to social media to support their hometown hero, with hashtags like #SingingSoldier and #AGTIsaac trending in local circles.
As the nation watches, all eyes will be on Atkins to see if his soulful performance secures him a spot in the next phase of the competition. For those in Lewiston, the excitement is palpable—if the Singing Soldier advances, he would be the first Maine resident to reach the America’s Got Talent finals.
