Ben Waites' emotionally affecting rendition of the Cyndi Lauper song 'True Colors,' featured in a YouTube segment of the show 'America's Got Talent,' brought Sofia Vergara to tears just as the audience went wild.
To explain why he chose to sing this song, Waites, originally from Ball, said: The song's message can be understood by everyone irrespective of their age, race, or background.
He has studied interdisciplinary arts in music, communications, and theater arts while at Louisiana College. He graduated in 2010 with a degree from Louisiana Christian University. His primary occupation now is to sing southern gospel music and coach singers.
An upcoming episode of NBC's The Voice will feature the 32-year-old Southern Gospel artist on Tuesday night. Many Tioga High School alumni are eager to attend his performance, judging by his nationwide following on Facebook.
Bart Krause posted on Waites' Facebook page that I will watch you because you are so gifted in your voice and style. He said that many of his family are very interested in the show.
As a teenager, he discovered Chromesthesia, a rare condition in which sound involuntarily evokes color, shape, and movement. His performances are dedicated to the students he teaches, as well as to his voice lessons.
He is sure that Ben Waites is preparing to impress the AGT judges with his performance and catch the audience's attention. As a result of the judges giving him a standing ovation, he may move on to the next round of the competition.
It's so exciting to be a part of your journey, Ben. A new way to reach out to others for the glory of God. The privilege of knowing you and your precious family is truly an honor for me, Chris Gilmer wrote.
On his website, he states that he was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital, is wheelchair-bound, and that no challenge has ever been too great for him to overcome. According to his site, Ben has never met a challenge he hasn't been able to overcome.
He was introduced to Southern Gospel by his grandfather, Jim Waites. When Ben Waites performed as a guest artist, he sang tenor with his grandfather's Pine Ridge Quartet.
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