The judges at America’s Got Talent (AGT) were immediately impressed by the refined background of eighty-two-year-old John Hetlinger of Colorado as he stepped onto the stage. Incredible as it may seem, John was the program manager for the Co-Star equipment that contributed to the repair of the Hubble Space Telescope; he is a retired aerospace engineer and a former Navy pilot. He joked that performing on American Got Talent would be more significant than the Hubble Telescope, but he still claimed that being on the show to sing would be the “high point” of his life. His gracious self-assurance won over the judges, who were hoping for a timeless, soothing tune befitting his age.
Still, John gave a performance that was decidedly neither delicate or meek. At the first note, he ripped off his air of refinement and dove headfirst into a raging, guttural performance of “Bodies,” the heavy metal song by Drowning Pool, yelling out, “Let the bodies hit the floor!” Both the judges and the audience were taken aback by the sudden and startling change, which caused them to chuckle and gasp in surprise. Mel B subsequently stated that she was “scared,” while Howie Mandel said that, given his expertise in aerospace, he had hoped for a Frank Sinatra song like “Fly Me to the Moon” to fit.
His sheer zeal and bravery won over two judges, despite the performance’s chaotic and unexpected nature. With the “utmost respect,” Heidi Klum expressed her love for him and referred to him as a “animal.” at 04:24 Totally unrelated to his career as a naval pilot and engineer, John unleashed a memorable rock and roll attack that went viral in an instant. Despite not making it through due to a lack of votes, he accomplished the pinnacle of his life he had promised thanks to his daring career shift at the age of 82 and his surprising musical selection.
