SEE IT: Viral video paved the way for D'Corey Johnson's 'America's Got Talent' performance
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Louisville's D'Corey Johnson will compete on the premiere episode of Season 18 of NBC's "America's Got Talent" on Tuesday, May 30. But before he performs for the show's judges and has a shot at the $1 million grand prize, let's take a look at the viral video that started this pint-sized powerhouse performer's career.
Before he won a part in the legendary Dionne Warwicks' touring "Hits the Musical," or performed the national anthem at the Daytona 500, NFL games, Churchill Downs racetrack, or kicked off play at the Louisville Bats, Johnson made a simple request of his Bates Elementary principal and the result set his career in motion.
It is not America’s Got Talent, it is Bates Got Talent! Give a shout out to 3rd grader Dcorey Johnson for his amazing performance singing the National Anthem.
Posted by Bates Elementary School on Friday, April 23, 2021
"Miss Dunn let me sing the national anthem and she recorded it," Johnson told the Courier Journal. "And then she asked my mom for permission to post it, that's when they just went viral. The rest is history."
More: Meet D'Corey Johnson: 'Old soul' Louisville 10-year-old with a big voice and bright future
Johnson, who is now 11 years old, was a 9-year-old third grader when Dunn recorded him singing during morning announcements. The recording led to lots of media attention, including a visit to Louisville by NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt and a feature story on the national news.
Since then, life has been a whirlwind for Johnson and his family, with the "America's Got Talent" stage as the next stop.
All four judges from Seasons 16 and 17 are returning: Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell, and Sofia Vergara. Terry Crews will also return as host for his sixth summer.
If you are new to the uber-successful variety show which airs on NBC, we'll help you out. Each act that performs in front of the judges is given 90 seconds to demonstrate their talents to the judges. If an act receives at least three "yes" votes from the judges, they are accepted to the next round.
We've got a good feeling about Louisville's contestant — Johnson is in the promos for the premiere episode dressed in a bowtie and sports jacket. We're going to take this as a good sign that the judges put him through to the next round and one step closer to his dream.
"I want to show the world my talent," Johnson said. "I'm a little boy but I'm a little boy who can go high and my (vocal) range is so crazy."
Season 18 of "America's Got Talent" kicks off Tuesday, May 30 at 8 p.m. on NBC.
Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Viral video paves way to 'America's Got Talent' for D'Corey Johnson
