Even knowing that “Tomorrow,” a 1977 show tune, was potentially going to be an epic fail, Jimmie Herrod performed Simon’s least favorite song, and he ended up getting a coveted Golden Buzzer.
It’s hard to imagine anyone objecting to perhaps the most inspiring song from the beloved musical Annie, but in this video from America’s Got Talent, Judge Simon Cowell strongly states that “Tomorrow” is his “worst” song.
Simon greets Jimmie and exchanges pleasantries. He asks Jimmie how old he is and what he does for a day job. Then, he questioningly verifies that Jimmie is a singer, but unassuming Jimmie laughs slightly and says that he “hopes so.”
And, though Jimmie may seem a bit nervous or unsure, he does not change course and perform an alternative song even when Simon states that he should. Undeterred, Jimmie says that he doesn’t have another song, and he dives into his performance with a skeptical “good luck” from Simon.
Jimmie sings only a few notes before the judges recognize that his rendition of “Tomorrow” is going to be truly special. His tenor voice produces rich, goose-bump provoking strains that grow more powerful and more lovely as Jimmie sings his way through Simon’s least liked song. The expressions and reactions from all four judges and Host Terry Crews reflect how impressed they are. Jimmie ends with a note that goes on forever, demonstrating his amazing set of pipes!
As Jimmie’s final delicious note ends, three judges give him a standing ovation. And, Simon, after exclaiming “Wow” a few times, concedes that “Tomorrow” is not his worst song anymore. But, things go awry when Simon addresses Sofia for her thoughts; she was the only judge not to stand.
She surprises the panel and host when she says that she didn’t really like the performance. Alas, Sofia is faking Jimmie out. She says that instead, she loved it, hitting the Golden Buzzer button at just that moment!
Golden confetti—the very color of Jimmie’s shirt—rains from the sky