A memorable talent-show audition needs more than a good voice. Sometimes, it takes a heartfelt song, a big dream, and an unexpected moment to make a performance stand out. For Lee Collinson, a 21-year-old singer from England, his appearance on America’s Got Talent delivered all three.
Lee traveled to the United States to pursue his musical ambitions, bringing a personal performance to the AGT stage. He chose “Better Days” by Dermot Kennedy, a song with an emotional message that gave him an opportunity to showcase his voice.
The performance impressed the judges, but the moment that made the audition especially memorable came afterward, when Simon Cowell asked to call Lee’s mom.
From Fence Builder to the AGT Stage
Before auditioning, Lee worked as a fence builder in England. Music was his bigger ambition, and appearing on America’s Got Talent gave him an opportunity to demonstrate what he could do in front of a major television audience.
Traveling to the United States for an audition was a significant step. Lee was pursuing a dream that could potentially open new doors, while taking the risk of performing in front of judges known for their direct opinions.
His story was relatable: a young man with a regular job who wanted to see whether his musical ability could take him somewhere new.
Why Lee Chose “Better Days”
Lee performed “Better Days,” originally recorded by Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy. The song carries a message of hope through difficult periods, making it a meaningful choice for an audition built around emotional singing.
Lee’s performance gave the judges a chance to hear both his vocal ability and his stage presence. Rather than relying on an elaborate production, he put the focus on the song and the way he delivered it.
The audition was a reminder that song choice matters. A familiar, emotionally resonant track can give a singer room to communicate feeling while demonstrating control and personality.
Lee’s performance earned positive feedback from the panel. The judges recognized his ability to handle the pressure of the stage, particularly as he was visiting America for the first time.
Simon Cowell Wants to Call Lee’s Mom
After the singing, Simon Cowell shared his positive impression of Lee. Coverage of the audition reports that Simon told him he might not fully realize how good he was.
Then came the unexpected moment: Simon asked if he could call Lee’s mom.
The phone call turned the audition into something more personal. Instead of ending with feedback from the judges alone, Lee had an opportunity to share the result with his mother back home in the United Kingdom.
Simon even joked with her before revealing that he was impressed with her son. The exchange added a lighthearted family moment to an audition that had already showcased Lee’s musical talent.
For viewers, the call was a reminder that behind many contestants are relatives who have supported their dreams long before a television audience ever heard them sing.
Four Yes Votes From the Judges
Lee’s performance received four “yes” votes, giving him the judges’ approval to move forward in the competition.
The positive result reflected the overall strength of the audition: a heartfelt song, a confident performance, and a memorable interaction after the final note. His appearance also showed how a contestant’s personality can help make an audition more engaging.
Receiving four yes votes is an important audition milestone, but it should not be confused with winning the competition or securing a place in the final. The confirmed story here is the audition, the judges’ approval, and Simon’s call to Lee’s mother.
A Performance With a Personal Touch
Lee Collinson’s audition stood out because it brought together music and a family moment. He arrived hoping to show the judges what he could do, performed a song with an uplifting message, and left with their approval.
The call to his mom gave the story a particularly warm ending. For a contestant traveling across the Atlantic to chase a dream, being able to share the news with family made the moment more meaningful.
It also gave the audition an emotional point of connection for viewers. Talent competitions are about performance, but the stories surrounding those performances often help audiences understand what the opportunity means to each singer.
Watch Lee Collinson’s Full AGT Audition
Lee’s rendition of “Better Days” earned four yes votes and led to a memorable exchange with Simon Cowell and his mother.
His audition is a reminder that pursuing a dream can mean stepping outside familiar surroundings, taking a chance, and letting others hear what you can do. For Lee, that chance led to a memorable moment on the America’s Got Talent stage.
