Before her audition on “America’s Got Talent” aired, Portland-based singer Storm Large told The Oregonian/OregonLive, “I hope it’s good. I hope I don’t let you guys down.” After watching Large’s performance on the Tuesday, June 15 episode, it’s safe to say Large didn’t need to worry. Her passionate take on the pop standard, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” brought “America’s Got Talent” judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara to their feet.
Portland audiences are likely familiar with Large, who has sung with Pink Martini and symphony orchestras, starred in her own one-woman show, and has also won fans around the country, thanks to tour dates with her band, and previous TV exposure in 2006 as a finalist on CBS’ “Rock Star: Supernova.”
A summer ratings hit, NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” showcases an array of performers, but Large’s experience and ability clearly impressed Cowell, who initially asked Large, “Have we met before?” Not missing a beat, Large jokingly responded, “We were so young, Simon.”
“It’s a huge honor to come cartwheeling into this massive arena,” Large said. “It’s just kind of like food for the soul.”
After her performance, the audience loudly applauded, and the judges raved. Mandel praised Large’s distinctive take on a song he associated with his mother. Vergara said, “I was mesmerized,” adding that if somebody asked her what voice she would want if she could sing, said, “I would pick your voice,” which was “super-sexy and powerful.”
Cowell, who evidently likes the word “amazing,” told Large, “You have an amazing voice, an amazing personality, and amazing energy,” adding, “Just to hear a naturally amazing voice like that...it was a really, really, really good audition.”
Large wasn’t the only entertainer with a Portland connection to impress the judges on Tuesday’s episode. Comedian Kabir Singh, who was born in Portland, scored with a routine that included jokes about such dissimilar topics as serial killers and passwords. Like Large, Singh also earned a standing ovation and four “yes” votes from the judges.
Though there are many rounds left to go, the ultimate winner of “America’s Got Talent” will take home a $1 million prize.
-- Kristi Turnquist
kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist