In an episode full of beautiful acts, it was police officer Mervin Mayo from Richmond, VA., who actually stole the highlight on America’s Got Talent.

His heartfelt rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” left the judges and viewers alike in awe, incomes him 4 enthusiastic yeses and a standing ovation.

Mayo, who has devoted his life to serving to at-risk youth, shared a deeply private story earlier than his efficiency. He recounted his difficult upbringing within the housing tasks of Richmond and the way a police officer named Curtis Simmons saved him from a lifetime of crime.

“I’ve seen more murders as a child than I have as a police officer,” Mayo revealed. The expertise impressed him to develop into a police officer and mentor to at-risk youth, working tirelessly for 17 years to offer the identical steerage he as soon as acquired.

With the encouragement of his spouse Michelle, the director of college counseling for Richmond Public Schools, Mayo determined to take a leap of religion and audition for America’s Got Talent. His efficiency of “Thinking Out Loud” was greater than only a tune—it was a tribute to his spouse and the journey they’ve shared.

As Mayo sang, he ceaselessly glanced towards the wings the place Michelle was watching proudly, including a layer of real emotion to his efficiency.

His clean, soulful voice captured the essence of Sheeran’s romantic ballad, and his heartfelt supply resonated with everybody within the room.

The judges had been visibly moved by Mayo’s story and efficiency. “You really do have a good voice and everything you did was sincere,” praised Simon Cowell. Sofia Vergara echoed these sentiments, saying, “You guys are a beautiful couple and your voice is spectacular. Super romantic, how beautiful that you love her and you’re singing to her.”

Howie Mandel counseled the couple’s dedication to their neighborhood, saying, “You are the people that allow us to be safe and people who are in our school system. You are both serving the community and that’s a wonderful thing.”

Heidi Klum summed up the judges’ emotions, “You sounded great up there. You felt right at home. I felt the love. It was beautiful.”

Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” achieved main success on the Billboard charts. Released in 2014 as a part of his album x (Multiply), the tune peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained within the high 10 for 23 weeks.

It additionally grew to become the primary tune to spend a full 12 months within the Billboard Hot 100’s high 40. As nicely as this, “Thinking Out Loud” topped the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart and earned Sheeran two Grammy Awards in 2016 for tune of the 12 months and greatest pop solo efficiency. In his homeland, “Thinking Out Loud” logged two weeks atop the Official U.Ok. Singles Chart.

To see how Mayo progresses within the competitors, tune in to America’s Got Talent on Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC, or catch it streaming the subsequent day on Peacock.

Watch his full efficiency on America’s Got Talent under.