The following six short paragraphs summarize the performance of Dory Johnson from the YouTube video:
The audition began with the introduction of Dory Johnson, an 11-year-old singer from Louisville, Kentucky . Dory shared his ambitious dream of being on Broadway, starring in movies, and specifically landing roles in productions like Hamilton and Wicked . He expressed his admiration for judge Simon Cowell, calling him his favorite because “you keep it real” .
Dory then began his powerful performance of “Open Arms” by Journey, starting with the line “Lying beside you here in the dark, feeling your heartbeat with mine” . His voice immediately impressed, showcasing a remarkable range and emotional depth for his age. He continued with the song, delivering a passionate rendition while accompanied by a backing track .
After the initial performance, the audience and judges gave him a standing ovation . However, Simon Cowell had a request and asked, “Do you mind if I ask you to sing up to the chorus uh without the backing track?”. Dory enthusiastically agreed, and the music was abruptly stopped to allow him to sing a cappella.
Singing without the distraction of the music, Dory’s voice took on a new, raw clarity. His control and resonance became even more apparent, proving his ability to carry the song on his own. This unadorned version completely captivated the audience, who once again rose to their feet to give him a roaring ovation at the end .
The judges were unanimous in their praise for the a cappella performance. Heidi Klum called it “amazing” and affirmed he had a place on Broadway . Howie Mandel agreed, noting that “less is more” and that removing the track showed he was an even better singer than his initial performance suggested . SofĂa Vergara and Simon Cowell both emphasized that the backing track had been “in the way”  and Dory possessed a “distinctive, great voice” .
Simon Cowell concluded the critique by assuring Dory that his future would be “amazing” [. He then enthusiastically declared, “I’d love to be the first person to say yes,” Â kicking off the voting. With all four judges giving a “Yes,” Dory Johnson successfully secured his spot to move on to the next round of the competition .
You can watch the full video here:Â http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDXq5PYLOYQ
