Avery Dixon was a saxophonist from Season 17 of America's Got Talent. He finished in the Bottom 6 of the Top 11. He returned for America's Got Talent: All-Stars where he finished the competition in 2nd place.
Background
Avery Dixon, 21, from Atlanta, Georgia, was born prematurely weighing only one pound and eight ounces, which led to various medical complications including a condition that affects his vocal cords. Bullied by his peers for sounding different, Avery found solace in the saxophone.
Audition
Avery Dixon's audition in Episode 1701 consisted of playing Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness" on the saxophone. Simon Cowell started the voting with a yes. However, extremely moved by his performance, Terry Crews pressed the Golden Buzzer, sending Avery directly to the Semifinals.
Semifinals
Avery Dixon's Semifinals performance in Episode 1710 consisted of playing Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" on the saxophone backed by a full band. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations. He received enough votes to enter the Top 5 of the night in Episode 1711 instead of Stefanny and Yeeremy, and the Top 3 instead of Amoukanama and Players Choir. He advanced to the Finals along with Drake Milligan instead of Don McMillan.
Finals
Avery Dixon's Finals performance in Episode 1720 consisted of playing "Ain't Nobody" by Rufus and Chaka Khan on the saxophone backed by a band and backing singers. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations.
Finale
For the finale in Episode 1721, Avery Dixon reprised his Semifinals performance of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" with Trombone Shorty. He did not receive enough votes to enter the Top 5, eliminating him from the competition along with Sara James instead of Chapel Hart.
All-Stars Preliminary
Avery Dixon's Preliminary performance in Episode AS03 consisted of playing Pharrell Williams' "Happy" on the saxophone backed by a band. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations. He received enough votes from the Superfans to enter the Top 3 of the night. He received more votes than Peter Antoniou and Keren Montero, advancing to the Final.
All-Stars Final
Avery Dixon's Finals performance in Episode AS07 consisted of playing Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" on the saxophone backed by his band. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations.
All-Stars Finale
In the Episode AS08 finale, Avery performed Bobby Brown's "Every Little Step" with Babyface. He received enough votes from the Superfans to enter the Top 5 instead of Mike E. Winfield. He finished in 2nd place ahead of Light Balance Kids, Ana Maria Mărgean and Aidan McCann, but behind Aidan Bryant.
Trivia
- Avery is the first ever solo act to receive Terry’s Golden Buzzer on the main show. Kseniya Simonova received it during Champions 1.
- Avery is also the first saxophonist to receive the Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent as well as the first in the entire Got Talent franchise.
- Avery is the first ever saxophonist to advance to the live shows as well as to the final.
- He is the first solo instrumentalist to reach the Finals since Tyler Butler-Figueroa in Season 14.
External Links
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||