Thirty-nine seconds into Lamont Landers’ audition on “America’s Got Talent,” Simon Cowell abruptly cut the singer/guitarist’s performance short.
In front of a theater full of fans, Cowell told Landers, “I’m just wondering whether we should just come up with a different song, because your problem is that you don’t take risks.”
This all aired during the June 25 episode of NBC’s hit TV talent show.
In his Bond-villain-cold British accent, Cowell derided Landers’ audition song choice, 1972 Al Green soul-ballad “Let’s Stay Together,” as “a very safe what I would call wedding song.”
Awk-ward.
After Landers told Cowell that Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" was the other audition song he'd prepped, a tense exchange between the singer and TV personality followed.
Cowell, who became famous in America in the early-2000s as the host of "American Idol," said, "Lamont, you are getting on my nerves right now, because I actually like your voice, so I would suggest you think about what I'm saying and I'm going to give you another shot. Don't be cocky, OK?"
A Decatur native based in Huntsville, Landers walked off stage. Cameras followed him into a rehearsal room as he struggled to find the right new song to work up.
Other competitors on “AGT” this episode include knife throwers, dancers, a youth choir, animal act and opera singer.
When Landers reemerged later in the broadcast, he told the judges and crowd he'd learned the song he was about to perform "like in the last 30 minutes."
The corduroy-voiced singer began an acoustic version of Robyn’s 2010 synth-pop hit " Dancing On My Own."
But after only about 20 seconds into that song, Cowell stopped Landers again. He told him to loosen up and suggested slowing tempo and “make it feel like you’ve just written the song.”
Despite the curt delivery, Cowell’s notes were right on.
A sultrier second pass at the Robyn tune was significantly more interesting, and soon Landers was feeling it. His tasteful melisma had “AGT” host Terry Crews stank-facing, off stage-left. Two-minutes later, after Landers brought the tune to a close, Cowell stood up and clapped. The entire theater audience did the same. Probably more than a few viewers at home did too.
All four “AGT” judges - seated at a table dotted with product-placed Dunkin’ Donuts cups - gave Landers a “yes.” That means he’ll advance to the next round. “America’s Got Talent” airs 7 p.m. Mondays.
You can watch Landers’ “AGT” debut in the below YouTube clip.
Landers’ ability to stand up to a skyscraper-sized ego like Cowell’s may have benefited from prior TV experience. Last year, he and his band dazzled on Fox’s “Showtime at the Apollo.” Landers also released one of the best albums (a self-titled EP) and best songs (slinky single “Into The Fold”) in 2018 by any Alabama musician.
Around Huntsville, he can be found gigging at local spots like The Bar at 805, SideTracks Music Hall, A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard and The Camp. The Lamont Landers Band (featuring keyboardist Kevin Canada, drummer Bowen Robertson and drummer Jaraven Moe Hill) also hits the road, for shows at venues like The Maple Leaf in New Orleans. Earlier this year, they opened for Grammy-winner Jason Isbell at a Tuscaloosa Amphitheater concert also featuring Rolling Stones support act St. Paul & The Broken Bones.
More: facebook.com/LamontLandersOfficial, nbc.com/americas-got-talent
