America’s Got Talent releases an early look at Ashford Sanders’ Season 21 Audition.

Tell everyone who watches Night 6 of Auditions for America’s Got Talent Season 21 to stick around until the end so they don’t miss the last Act of the evening, because Ashford Sanders is well worth the wait.

The Canton, Mississippi native brought an infectious energy to the stage, then turned serious to deliver a beautiful, simple rendition of a modern classic that had everyone in awe.

“I’m a huge fan of AGT” said Sanders, the owner of Ashford’s Kitchen in Atlanta, Georgia. Describing his eatery, he said, “I centered it around music because, if you’re having a party at home and it’s quiet, the energy is off. But if you just turn on a little music, something shifts in that room.” Later, he told the Judges that Ashford’s Kitchen makes soul food, saying succinctly, “it ain’t healthy, but it’s good.”

Sanders has “always loved” singing, but couldn’t believe he’d found himself on the AGT stage. “Your spirit is wonderful,” Host Terry Crews said encouragingly. “Go out there and just have some fun.” Nervous but excited, Sanders described his mental state as “chillin’ like a villain, whatever that means,” before closing his eyes and delivering a pitch-perfect rendition of Billie Eilish’s Oscar-winning ballad “What Was I Made For?” The arrangement was simple and his voice was absolutely flawless.

The Judges fell in love with Ashford Sanders

After immediately being charmed by Sanders’s humble, bubbly personality, all four Judges were delighted with his talent. “Listen, you were giving me some Luther Vandross, Alexander O’Neal, Raphael Saadiq, some Tony! Toni! Toné!,” yelled Judge Mel B, comparing him to smooth R&B singers of the past. “You were giving me everything and more, and the trills and the frills and the — ohh yes,” she continued, so happy with his performance.

Judge Howie Mandel agreed, telling Sanders, “Your voice is like a warm blanket. It just covers you and it makes us comfortable and want to smile. It was beautiful.”

Sanders ended his song out of breath with excitement, unable to say how he felt except that he was happy, and the moment was well-deserved. As Judge Sofía Vergara put it, “I could listen to you forever. I didn’t want it to end.  And you’re very sweet, your personality is beautiful. I’m very glad that you’re here because this is where you belong.”

Finally, Judge Simon Cowell told him, “I think you are a gifted, brilliant singer, no question. Beautiful tone. There are so many songs out there you could reinterpret and you come over as a really sweet person as well.” Looks like Mr. Sanders won’t be singing for his customers or chefs for a while, because with four Yes votes, he’s moving on in America’s Got Talent!