One America's Got Talent star has gone through some pretty tragic things to get to where he is today. But, despite these setbacks, per 11Alive, he's going full-throttle into his singing career.
And it looks like it might pay off. Although Ashford Sanders never had voice lessons, his voice has captivated many. And now, he's facing off in America's Got Talent.
Sanders was born in the small town of Canton, Mississippi - and his small-town origins are something he's proud of.
"Just to be a young kid from Canton, Mississippi and now to have an opportunity to be on a show like America's Got Talent shows that if you just put your foot forward and believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything," he said.
He got his start in singing at church as a kid. He describes singing itself as being "more than just being about holding a tune... it was about understanding how to feel."
And he certainly has had a lot to feel - a lot of tragic stuff, at that. "I've been on dialysis now for 14 years," he explained. "In 2024, they lost me twice on the ER table." He also noted that his house had burned down a few years ago, too. How horrible!
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The 'America's Got Talent' Star Has Lots of Motivation
He was keen to note that "Giving up for me is not an option." He continued, "But, in order to mature in any way, you have to have experiences. You have to go through things. You have to battle things."
He went on to say that if he gives up, he'll "never know what that next chapter was going to be, because I ended that chapter."
The America's Got Talent star also gave a touching tribute to anyone who was struggling. He roused them, saying, "I don't care what you go through, as long as you got breath in your body, you got the activity of your limbs, you have your health and strength, get up!". Those are inspiring words!
"I'm really hoping I win the show because $1 million sounds pretty good," he concluded. Who wouldn't want $1 million, after all? In any case, he doesn't mind if he wins or loses. "If that's not the case," he mused, "I am hoping it allows doors to open that can change my life and allow me to be what I was called to be."
