On Tuesday night, July 16, America’s Got Talent featured an unforgettable performance by a Virginia police officer.
Mervin Mayo, hailing from Richmond, Virginia, works as a police officer and mentors at-risk youth. Sharing his story with the AGT judges, Mayo revealed that he grew up in the projects and found support through the Police Athletic League as a child. A caring officer took him under his wing, changing the course of his life.
Inspired by this experience, Mayo dedicated himself to becoming a police officer to help kids facing similar challenges. For the past 17 years, he has been doing just that. He mentioned seeing more murders as a child than as a police officer, underscoring the dangers of his childhood environment and his motivation to make a difference.
In addition to his police work, Mayo has been singing at karaoke bars with friends. After much encouragement from his wife, he decided to audition for AGT.
The judges, already moved by his story, were eager to see his performance.
Mayo took his place behind the keyboard and began playing the intro to Ed Sheeran’s romantic ballad “Thinking Out Loud.”
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Released in 2014 on Sheeran’s album X, “Thinking Out Loud” features heartfelt lyrics about enduring love and a melody that blends pop and soul influences. The song was a commercial success, topping charts worldwide and earning Sheeran two Grammy Awards. Its accompanying music video, showcasing Sheeran in a choreographed ballroom dance routine, further boosted its popularity. “Thinking Out Loud” is celebrated for its emotional depth and remains a favorite at weddings and romantic occasions, resonating with listeners for its timeless message and soothing tune.
During Mayo’s performance, he frequently glanced at his wife, who was watching from the side stage. When he finished singing, he blew kisses to her as the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation.
Although the judges stayed seated, their admiration was clear. They all voted to send him to the next round! We can’t wait to see what he performs next!
