Amanda Mammana: 5 Things About The Talented Singer With A Speech Impediment On ‘AGT’

Amanda Mammana has one of the most touching 'AGT' auditions ever. Learn more about this 19-year-old standout.

The America’s Got Talent season 17 auditions continue during the July 19 episode, and Amanda Mammana will be taking the stage. The singer’s audition was released ahead of the episode, giving fans a glimpse at this incredible performance .

After her amazing audition, you’re going to be asking: who is Amanda Mammana? The 19-year-old’s audition makes her a force to be reckoned with as the show nears the finals . HollywoodLife has rounded up 5 key things to know about Amanda.

Amanda Mammana

1. Amanda sings an original song for her audition.

Amanda tells the judges that she’s chosen an original song to perform for her AGT audition . She explains that the song is about “hard times and if I could go back and change those things I wouldn’t because they made me… me.” She cries a little before her performance, but it doesn’t hold her back whatsoever.

All the judges give Amanda a standing ovation. She admits that there were times when she was a kid that she felt like she “could never do anything like this.” Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum tear up over Amanda’s emotional performance.  “I thought that was so authentic. Thank you for having the guts to follow your heart,” Sofia tells Amanda.

2. Amanda has a speech impediment.

Amanda tells the judges before her performance that she has a speech impediment. “It was definitely something that caused me to shy away and to hide, but I found that I don’t stutter when I sing,” Amanda says. On her official website , Amanda reveals that she developed a speech impediment when she was 10.

“Once an outgoing kid, I became very shy and insecure. I picked up guitar as a way to escape and singing a couple months later. Music became my safe place,” she said.

3. Amanda has a single that’s out now.

Amanda’s single is titled “Prove You Wrong.” She noted that her song is about “dreaming big. Some people might think you’ll fail. Some might think you’re not good enough. Some might try to tell what’s best. They might tell you no. What you do after, speaks volumes. Will you give up on your dreams or will you prove them wrong?”

4. Amanda now writes songs about the “human condition.”

Amanda initially sang covers, but she wrote on her website that she soon began writing her own material. “I was able to take the pain and turn it into something real and beautiful. Because of the struggles I went through, I was given inspiration to write songs about the human condition,” she said.

Amanda Mammana

5. Amanda is from Connecticut.

Amanda hails from Trumbull, Connecticut. She’s currently a student at Liberty University, according to her LinkedIn profile. She’s majoring in music production.

Amanda Mammana Conquers Speech Impediment, Sings Original Song on ‘America’s Got Talent’

Tina Benitez-Eves

Updated: 

Before auditioning for America’s Got Talent , singer Amanda Mammana told the judges about her speech impediment. “As you can probably tell, I have a speech impediment,” said the singer. “It was definitely something that caused me to shy away and to hide, but I found that I don’t stutter when I sing.”

Videos by American Songwriter

The 19-year-old Connecticut resident went on to perform one of her original songs. “I will be singing a song that I wrote, and it’s just about some hard times,” shared Mammana, “and if I could go back and change those things, I wouldn’t because they made me, me.”

Ready with her acoustic guitar, Mammana began performing the self-reflective ballad, singing, But what if I could go back in time / And change the way, I felt about my life / Oh, but then would I, still have inside / Everything that brought me back to life .

Following her performance, Mammana began crying as she received a standing ovation from all four judges, who were all visibly moved by the singer, along with the studio audience. Judge Howie Mandel noticed Mammana crying and asked her what she was feeling. “There was a time when I was a kid when I thought I could never do anything like this,” shared Mammana. “I’m not good enough.” An audience member yelled to Mammana, “You are good enough.”

Mandel continued, “Good enough doesn’t explain what we just heard. It’s not only good. It’s great. And look how you’re moving this audience, and I believe you’re moving millions of people right now, at home. I just want to say thank you.”

Judge Heidi Klum added, “I really love your voice. There’s a fire inside of you, and I want to see more of it.” Sofía Vergara then stated, “I thought that was so authentic. Thank you for having the guts to follow your heart.”

Simon Cowell also praised the singer’s vocals and songwriting ability. “Your voice is so pure, so beautiful, and you’re a good songwriter,” said Cowell. “I think you’re an incredible person. I’m so happy you came here.”

speech impediment singer

Currently a student at Liberty University majoring in music production, Mammana grew up in Trumbull, Connecticut, and revealed that she first developed the speech impediment when she was 10, on her official website . “Once an outgoing kid, I became very shy and insecure,” said the singer on her site. “I picked up guitar as a way to escape and singing a couple months later. Music became my safe place.”

Initially singing covers, Mammana soon started writing her own songs and has released three singles, including “Prove You Wrong” in 2021 and “Bigger Man” and “Worth the Waiting,” both released in 2022.

“I was able to take the pain and turn it into something real and beautiful,” said the singer on her website. “Because of the struggles I went through, I was given inspiration to write songs about the human condition.”

Photos: Trae Patton / NBC

Leave a Reply

Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.

More From: Latest Music News & Stories

Darius Rucker Receives Sentence Following February Drug Arrest

Darius Rucker Receives Sentence Following February Drug Arrest

Carly Pearce Opens Up About Booting Heckler from Her WE Fest Set: “I Wanted to Stand Up for Myself”

Carly Pearce Opens Up About Booting Heckler from Her WE Fest Set: “I Wanted to Stand Up for Myself”

Inside George Strait’s Private Nashville Album Release Party

Inside George Strait’s Private Nashville Album Release Party

Lukas Nelson Reveals His Favorite Guitars to Play During His Acoustic Sets

Lukas Nelson Reveals His Favorite Guitars to Play During His Acoustic Sets

Luke Combs Playfully Calls Out Post Malone For “Bootleg” Merch

Luke Combs Playfully Calls Out Post Malone For “Bootleg” Merch

New England State of Mind: Billy Joel Schedules First Public Show in Connecticut Since 2008

New England State of Mind: Billy Joel Schedules First Public Show in Connecticut Since 2008

You may also like.

Nashville Sibling Duo Bring Howie Mandel to Brink of Tears on ‘America’s Got Talent’ with  Mental Health Awareness Ballad

Nashville Sibling Duo Bring Howie Mandel to Brink of Tears on ‘America’s Got Talent’ with Mental Health Awareness Ballad

Watch Prison Nurse Dee Dee Simon Take Off Her Shoes and Bring Simon Cowell Near Tears on ‘America’s Got Talent’ With an ‘American Idol’ Alum’s Hit

Watch Prison Nurse Dee Dee Simon Take Off Her Shoes and Bring Simon Cowell Near Tears on ‘America’s Got Talent’ With an ‘American Idol’ Alum’s Hit

‘America’s Got Talent’ Ventriloquist Darci Lynne Launches Music Career with Debut Single “Push Our Luck”

‘America’s Got Talent’ Ventriloquist Darci Lynne Launches Music Career with Debut Single “Push Our Luck”

Hans Brings Pure Joy With Electric Elton John Cover, Exchanges Words With Frenemy Simon Cowell on ‘AGT: Fantasy League’

Hans Brings Pure Joy With Electric Elton John Cover, Exchanges Words With Frenemy Simon Cowell on ‘AGT: Fantasy League’

Trailer Flowers and Gabriel Henrique Stun on ‘America’s Got Talent’

Trailer Flowers and Gabriel Henrique Stun on ‘America’s Got Talent’

Lavender Darcangelo Braves Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” on ‘AGT’

Lavender Darcangelo Braves Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” on ‘AGT’

America’s Got Talent: Meet Amanda Mammana, the singer with a speech impediment

Amanda Mammana on Instagram

Tuesday night’s episode continues the Season 17 auditions on America’s Got Talent , and fans were given a sneak peek at one singer’s incredible performance.

Taking the stage is 19-year-old Amanda Mammana. She stands with her guitar as she introduces herself to the judges.

Before her performance, she tells the judges about her impediment, revealing, “It was definitely something that caused me to shy away and to hide, but I found that I don’t stutter when I sing.”

Viewers could see some skeptical looks come across the judge’s faces before she began, particularly Simon Cowell, as he said, “I hope she’s good.”

Sofia Vergara seemed to have more confidence, and Amanda was cheered on by audience members as she began her touching and magical performance.

Who is Amanda Mammana on America’s Got Talent?

Amanda told the judges that she is 19 and from Connecticut, but her website tells much more of the story.

Her website tells readers that she first developed her speech impediment when she was ten years old.

While she had been a rather outgoing child, the impediment caused her a lot of insecurity, and she began to shy away from others and even experienced anxiety and depression.

However, she found herself through music throughout the years as she joined her school’s worship band in seventh grade and later joined her church’s band as well.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanda Mammana (@amanda_mammana)

Right now, she has a single out called Prove You Wrong. She says the single is “about dreaming big. Some people might think you’ll fail. Some might think you’re not good enough. Some might try to tell what’s best. They might tell you no. What you do after, speaks volumes. Will you give up on your dreams or will you prove them wrong?”

She writes her own original songs and shares music and videos on her website.

She admitted during her audition that she still struggles with feelings of not being good enough— but she proved to the judges on AGT that she’s more than good enough.

Watch Amanda Mammana’s touching performance on America’s Got Talent

In the sneak peek of her audition, viewers see her emotional introduction and beautiful performance of a personal song about going through some of the hard times in her life.

At the end, viewers watch Amanda walk away with four yeses from the judges.

America’s Got Talent airs on Tuesday nights at 8/7c on NBC.

guest

Distractify

'AGT': Amanda Mammana, a Singer-Songwriter With a Speech Impediment, Blows Away the Judges

Leila Kozma - Author

Published July 19 2022, 11:43 a.m. ET

A 19-year-old from Connecticut is about to make her debut on Season 17 of America's Got Talent .

Amanda Mammana is a singer-songwriter who discovered a while ago that she can sing without having to manage the symptoms of her speech impediment. A talented composer and guitar player, Amanda is now ready to show the world just how skilled she is on America's Got Talent .

Season 17, Episode 8 of 'America's Got Talent' introduces viewers to performers like Amanda Mammana.

Amanda will make her first appearance in Season 17, Episode 8 of America's Got Talent , alongside a large group of seasoned performers. As a promo released ahead the episode airing on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, suggests, it took Amanda less than the span of seconds to impress the judges, proving that she has everything it takes to become a real star.

During the initial interview, Amanda told judges Simon Cowell , Sofía Vergara , Heidi Klum , and Howie Mandel that her speech impediment caused her to feel ashamed — and then she discovered singing.

"As you can probably tell, I have a bit of a speech impediment. And, it was definitely something that caused me to shy away and to hide. But I found that I that I don't stutter when I sing," Amanda told the judges before she performed.

She later added: "I will be singing a song that I wrote. It's just about some hard times and if I could go back and change those things, I wouldn't, because they made me me."

For the audition, Amanda chose a song recounting the ambivalent experiences she has had because of the speech impediment. With the lyrics, she alludes to the complications she has managed to overcome. The lyrics include metaphors like opening a door and losing the keys to a box, for instance. With the song, she celebrates her ability to tackle self-doubt, among other things.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanda Mammana (@amanda_mammana)

"I still remember that kid wanting to be more. But now she knows she is worth more than what she has been told. She tried her best to be the best and just forget the rest," Amanda sang. "But the rest is the best and it's what you get, so just let go. But what if I could go back in time and change the way I felt about my life? Oh but then would I, still have inside, everything that brought me back to life?"

"There were times when I was a kid when I was like, like I can never do anything like this, like I'm not good enough," Amanda told the judges.

"Good enough doesn't explain what we've just heard," Howie said. "It's not only good, it's great. Look how you are moving this audience. I believe you are moving millions of people, right now."

Amanda impressed every one of the judges. She received four yeses, allowing her to join the competition. Just how far will she go? Catch new episodes of AGT Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on NBC to find out.

Grace VanderWaal Won Season 11 of 'AGT,' and She Hasn't Slowed Down Since Then

Avery Dixon Is the First Star to Snatch Up a Golden Buzzer on Season 17 of 'AGT' — Meet the Saxophonist

Latest America's Got Talent News and Updates

  • About Distractify
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Connect with Distractify
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Instagram
  • Contact us by Email

Distractify Logo

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 Engrost, Inc. Distractify is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.

  • Liberty Online
  • Residential
  • Request More Information
  • (434) 582-2000
  • Academic Calendar
  • Bachelor’s Degrees
  • Master’s Degrees
  • Postgraduate Degrees
  • Doctoral Degrees
  • Associate Degrees
  • Certificate Programs
  • Degree Minors
  • Registrar’s Office
  • Degree Completion Plans (DCPs)
  • Course Catalog
  • Policy Directory
  • Academic Support (CASAS)
  • LU Bookstore
  • Research at Liberty
  • Eagle Scholars Program
  • Honors Scholars
  • Quiz Bowl Team
  • Debate Team
  • Student Travel
  • Liberty University Online Academy (K-12)
  • Tuition & Costs
  • Net Price Calculator
  • Student Financial Services
  • Scholarships
  • Undergraduate
  • International
  • Apply for LU Online
  • Online Admissions
  • Online Tuition & Fees
  • Military Students
  • School of Law
  • Osteopathic Medicine
  • Convocation
  • Campus Community
  • LU Serve Now
  • Liberty Worship Collective
  • Office of Spiritual Development
  • Online Engagement
  • LU Shepherd
  • Doctrinal Statement
  • Mission Statement
  • Residence Life
  • Student Government
  • Student Clubs
  • Conduct Code & Appeals
  • Health & Wellness
  • Student Affairs Offices
  • Campus Recreation
  • LaHaye Rec & Fit
  • Intramural Sports
  • Hydaway Outdoor Center
  • Snowflex Centre
  • Student Activities
  • Club Sports
  • LaHaye Ice Center
  • ID & Campus Services
  • Dining Services
  • Parents & Families
  • Commuter Students
  • International Students
  • Graduate Students
  • Disability Support
  • NCAA Sports
  • Flames Club
  • Varsity Club
  • Williams Stadium
  • Vines Center
  • Liberty Baseball Stadium
  • Kamphuis Field
  • Ticket Information
  • Flames Merchandise
  • LU Quick Facts
  • News & Events
  • Virtual Tour
  • History of Liberty
  • Contact Liberty
  • Visit Liberty
  • Give to Liberty
  • Student Life

Budding musician with speech impediment shares about life after ‘America’s Got Talent’

Search news archives, filter news articles.

Additional Navigation

February 14, 2023 : By Ryan Klinker - Office of Communications & Public Engagement

speech impediment singer

In the months since she surprised the judges and audience of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” with her abilities as a gifted singer-songwriter who has overcome a speech impediment, Liberty University sophomore Amanda Mammana has continued to be an example of how God can use what we perceive as weaknesses for His glory.

speech impediment singer

Mammana has a stutter, but like many people like her, the stutter isn’t apparent when she sings, as singing involves a different section of the brain. She was drawn to music as a helpful means of communicating her thoughts and feelings.

Last April, after flying from her hometown of Trumbull, Conn., to her audition in Pasadena, Calif., Mammana sat backstage as the realization hit her of what was about to happen.

“I did some interviews and B-roll for the show, and the whole time I was realizing, ‘This is really happening. I’m here,’” she recalled. “When I was backstage, I could hear the audience, I could hear (host) Terry Crews talking, and then I walked out on the stage and saw the four judges there. It felt crazy.”

With her guitar hanging on her shoulder and her father watching backstage, Mammana answered the judges’ questions with her natural pauses and speech disfluencies. But that all went away when she began to perform her original song, “Back to Life.” By the end, every person in the room was on their feet cheering, a moment that Mammana said confirmed to her that her stutter should not hold her back.

“For so long, because of my speech, I always felt ashamed and like I could never be anything or do anything,” Mammana said. “When I finished and they all stood up, it made me realize that my speech doesn’t have to be a handicap if I don’t let it. My whole perspective of myself and on God changed. I used to shake my fist at God because He was allowing me to have this speech impediment, but (being on the show) opened my eyes and allowed me to see that He has allowed it for good reasons.”

Her audition for the show has been seen by over 7 million people on YouTube and countless others on other platforms. She reached the semifinals, which aired in August, and made it to the top five of her episode before being eliminated.

speech impediment singer

Mammana enrolled at Liberty in the fall semester of 2021 and switched to online classes in the Spring 2022 leading up to her audition. She took the Fall 2022 semester off from Liberty to open herself up to opportunities after the show and spent the rest of 2022 performing at a variety of venues. Just a few days after her time on the show ended, Mammana performed in her home state at CityFest, a Christian music festival, on the same lineup as Liberty graduate TobyMac. along with Lecrae, We Are Messengers, and others. She later performed at halftime of the Miami Dolphins game on Oct. 16 and during a FOX News broadcast in December. She has also released multiple singles and an instrumental EP available on all major music streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music .

Most recently, Mammana spent a weekend opening for Christian artist Jason Gray — a stutterer himself — and plans to perform at two festivals with him this summer.

Mammana has received countless messages from people online who have speech impediments and saw her on the show, and she was invited to perform at the National Stuttering Association’s conference this summer.

Her speech impediment and passion for music both developed at the age of 10. After performing in a school talent show and later receiving positive feedback when she posted a video of her playing an original song on social media, Mammana said she started seeing music as a potential career.

“I signed up for my school’s talent show to sing, and up on the stage I felt so free,” she said. “When I saw the people saying they liked my video, I thought that maybe it could be something I could do for a career, and I also thought I could encourage people with my music.”

This led Mammana to eventually choose to study music and, after hearing from friends about the high caliber of Liberty’s School of Music programs, enroll at Liberty in the B.M. in Commercial Music – Recording, Engineering, and Producing program.

speech impediment singer

When she’s not on Liberty’s campus, Mammana has had a variety of opportunities to perform her music and work on an album that she plans to release at the start of next year.

Since “America’s Got Talent,” Mammana said she has learned to trust in God’s plan for her life and career.

“I’m someone that likes to try and control the future, but it never works out when we try to do things on our own,” she said. “I think being on (the show) helped me learn to let things go and to surrender them to the Lord, and having that time to myself helped me to trust God more. I had to lean on Him and know that He is in control.”

Related Posts

speech impediment singer

Liberty gears up for a ‘Homecoming through the years’ this weekend

speech impediment singer

Liberty welcomes over 600 international students to campus, offers support as they transition to life in US

speech impediment singer

A Big, Warm Welcome: Full week of activities set stage for success on the mountain

Main Content

  • Season 17 Accepted Acts
  • Female Singers
  • Season 17 Male Singers
  • Instrumentalists
  • Season 17 Instrumentalists
  • Semifinalists
  • Season 17 Semifinalists

Amanda Mammana

Amanda Mammana was a singer and guitarist from Season 17 of America's Got Talent . She finished in the Top 5 of her Semifinal week.

  • 1 Background
  • 3 Deliberations
  • 4 Semifinals
  • 5 External Links

Background [ ]

Amanda is from Trumbull, Connecticut and attends Liberty University. She suffers from a speech impediment.

Audition [ ]

Amanda Mammana's audition in Episode 1707 consisted of playing the guitar and singing an original song telling the story of her difficult childhood. All 4 judges voted "Yes", sending her to the next round.

Audition

Deliberations [ ]

Amanda was selected to advance to the Semifinals.

Semifinals [ ]

Amanda Mammana's Semifinals performance in Episode 1714 consisted of singing her original song "Worth Fighting For". She received enough votes to enter the Top 5 of the night in Episode 1715 instead of XOMG Pop and Funkanometry , but did not receive enough votes to enter the Top 3, eliminating her from the competition along with Hayden Kristal instead of Nicolas RIBS , Celia Muñoz and Sara James .

Semifinals

External Links [ ]

Instagramicon

  d   Season 17 Auditions

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • (GB) • • • • • • (GB) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • (GB) • (GB) • • (GB) • • • • • • • • • • • • (GB) • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
  d   Season 17 Semifinals

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • •
  • 1 Solange Kardinaly
  • 2 Richard Goodall
  • 3 Season 19

Talent Recap

TOP SHOWS right now America's Got Talent Dancing With The Stars The Voice The Masked Singer

Simon Cowell Hits Golden Buzzer as ‘AGT’ Quarterfinals Wrap Up

Meet the 2024 cast of ‘dancing with the stars’, katy perry responds to backlash over working with dr. luke, blake shelton leaves his longtime record label, announces new tour dates, katy perry shares throwback video from after daughter daisy’s birth, meet the 2024 cast of ‘dancing with the stars’ celebrity pairs, ‘american idol’ winner laine hardy is engaged, expecting his first child, who’s performing in the ‘agt’ season 19 semifinals, former ‘agt’ contestant annie jones auditions for ‘the voice australia’.

TOP SHOWS right now

TALENTRECAP.COM Talent America's Got Talent

Amanda Mammana Leaves The Judges Jaw Dropped in ‘AGT’ Early Release

Corey Cesare

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Amanda Mammana has secured America’s Got Talent ‘s early release spot ahead of Tuesday night’s episode. This 19 year old singer moves the judges with her powerful original song.

Amanda Mammana takes the stage with her guitar in her early release audition. As soon as she’s on the stage, Amanda reveals her age and where she’s from. She then goes on to explain that she has a speech impediment that caused her to be shy, until she discovered that she doesn’t stutter while she sings. To show off her voice, she brought an original song about hard times to the stage.

Amanda’s song began lightly, but her talent clearly radiated through. Her vocals and original song had each of the judges jaw dropped throughout the entire performance. All four judges gave this singer a standing ovation. Once they sat down, Howie Mandel asked Amanda why she was emotional, in which she explained that she didn’t think she was good enough.

“Good enough doesn’t explain what we just heard, it’s not only good, it’s great,” Mandel said. “Look how you’re moving this audience. I believe you’re moving millions of people right now at home. I just want to say thank you.”

Each judge complimented her performance, explaining that she’s extremely authentic on stage. At the end of the early release audition, she earned four yeses. Amanda is moving on to the next round of America’s Got Talent . We can’t wait to see what else she brings to the stage this season.

Who is Amanda Mammana?

Amanda considers herself to be a “multi-talented free spirit” within her website. On the about page, the singer explains that her speech impediment developed at the age of 10. Around that time, she became shy and insecure. She picked up the guitar as a way to escape, but it quickly became her safe place. She noted practicing a lot until she could play and sing at the same time. While she was in seventh grade, she joined her school’s worship band and later joined her church’s worship band.

RELATED POSTS:

Why Isn’t ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 19 on Tonight?

Why Isn’t ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 19 on Tonight?

Who’s Performing in the ‘AGT’ Season 19 Semifinals?

She picked up songwriting later in life to once again battle her demons. While she enjoyed performing covers, the singer notes that she enjoys writing her personal experiences into songs. At this time, Amanda has three singles released to streaming. She currently has 20 monthly listeners on Spotify, 212 subscribers on YouTube, and 1,004 followers on Instagram. I think it’s only a matter of time until her social media accounts blow up. She was breathtaking on the America’s Got Talent stage, so I’m sure she will earn a loyal following very soon.

Tune into America’s Got Talent to see Amanda’s audition and more this Tuesday.

Nick Cannon Releases Music Video for Song ‘Eyes Closed,’ Showing Fake Engagement

Nick Cannon Releases Music Video for Song ‘Eyes Closed,’ Showing Fake Engagement

Talent Recap Comment Policy

What do you think we welcome your insight and opinions, but keep them clean comments are monitored, and abusive content will be removed..

guest

A talent competition where participants possessing some form of talent from the US and abroad, aim to impress the audience and judges, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara.

Why Isn’t ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 19 on Tonight?

All Claim to Fame Season 3 Relatives Revealed

speech impediment singer

Calling all Talent Enthusiasts!

  • All Talent News
  • America's Got Talent
  • Dancing With the Stars
  • Celebrity News

talent recap logo

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. You can view more details on Privacy and Policy

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Free Online Christian Videos

  • BROWSE TOPICS X
  • Devotionals
  • Newsletters

Crosswalk.com

Singer with Speech Impediment Leaves Crowd Inspired

Singer with Speech Impediment Leaves Crowd Inspired

  • Published Aug 01, 2022

Auditioning is an intimidating and scary experience for anyone, but especially for Amanda Mammana. As she introduces herself on the stage, she slowly shares that she has a speech impediment. Clearly nervous, the crowd holds their breath as she prepares to sing an original song. She tells the judges that it's a song about hard times and that if she could go back and change those things, she wouldn't because they made her who she is today. Everything about her performance is flawless, from her guitar playing to her meaningful lyrics to her silky voice. 

One viewer commented, "I love artists like this young lady that come on the show with their original material. She explained her speech issue and sailed through her song like a beautiful swan. Well done, Amanda." Another said, "It's the mystery of stuttering. As a speech therapist, we can teach relaxation techniques and strategies to help decrease dysfluency... But singing taps a part of the brain that allows the person struggling to be fluent. The power of music." The power of music indeed! God gave us the gift of music to express ourselves and touch others.

Amanda is a stunning example of growth, bravery, and not regretting the past. As her song comes to a close and she witnesses a standing ovation, she tearfully shares she never thought she would be "good enough" to do something like audition for America's Got Talent. A woman in the crowd yells out, "You ARE good enough!" What a powerful moment and truth we need to speak to ourselves every day. We are enough, not because of anything we have done, but because of the perfection of Christ in our place. He is our Heavenly Father who adores us, who tells us to run to Him even when we feel unworthy. He emboldens us to do scary things and trust Him all the way. 

Photo credit: ©YouTube

Leah Arthur is the Family Editor of Crosswalk.com. She graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in English and minors in Creative Writing and Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication.

Recently Featured Crosswalk Video

'Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)' - Alan Jackson

Editor's Picks

12 Fun Fall Activities for Your Life Group

Popular Today

speech impediment singer

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Crosswalk App
  • California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • California - CCPA Notice

speech impediment singer

speech impediment singer

America’s Got Talent singer with stutter blows judges away with “inspiring” audition

Americas got Talent Amanda Mammana

Singer-songwriter Amanda Mammana blew the minds of America’s Got Talent judges with her recent audition despite suffering from a speech impediment.

Auditioning in front of thousands of people, combined with knowing millions more will be watching at home is one of the hardest things a budding performer will do.

Imagine being that performer… but you have a speech impediment that prevents you from saying your own name… and you have to say it in front of millions of people.

That’s the story of 19-year-old singer-songwriter Amanda Mammana, who deals with a stutter, and left America’s Got Talent judges blown away after her audition.

Amanda leaves judges windblown

On July 18, Amanda took center stage for her audition for America’s Got Talent and immediately was met with a speech block.

As she conversed with Howie Mandel, Amanda explained that she suffers from a speech impediment, and found out that she doesn’t stutter when singing.

This intrigued the judges, but they were blown away as soon as she began singing a song that she created.

🎸Give it up for @amanda_mammana for an unforgettable audition #AGT #AGTauditions https://t.co/nccinyI1QB — AGT Auditions (@AGTAuditions) July 18, 2022

As soon as her song ended, the crowd erupted in applause before the judges took over. Howie Mandel was the first to comment and asked what she thought about her performance.

“It’s crazy, there were times when I was a kid where I was like ‘I could never do anything like this, I’m not good enough,'” Amanda commented.

Mandel replied: “Good enough doesn’t explain what we just heard. It’s not only good, it’s great. Look how you’re moving this audience and I believe you’re moving millions of people at home. I just wanna say, thank you.”

Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and even host Terry Crews echoed Howie’s thoughts, complimenting Amanda on her courage to audition.

Simon Cowell added: “Amazing, Amanda. I mean come on. You spoke to us very honestly about the issues you have with your speech. It’s terrifying auditioning when you don’t have an issue like that, and then you’re amazing.

“Your voice is so pure, so beautiful. And also, you’re a good songwriter. You’re an incredible person. I’m so happy you came here.”

This writer has a stutter as well, and gives major kudos to Amanda for having the courage to audition in front of millions of people.

  • Today's news
  • Reviews and deals
  • Climate change
  • 2024 election
  • Newsletters
  • Fall allergies
  • Health news
  • Mental health
  • Sexual health
  • Family health
  • So mini ways
  • Unapologetically
  • Buying guides

Entertainment

  • How to Watch
  • My watchlist
  • Stock market
  • Biden economy
  • Personal finance
  • Stocks: most active
  • Stocks: gainers
  • Stocks: losers
  • Trending tickers
  • World indices
  • US Treasury bonds
  • Top mutual funds
  • Highest open interest
  • Highest implied volatility
  • Currency converter
  • Basic materials
  • Communication services
  • Consumer cyclical
  • Consumer defensive
  • Financial services
  • Industrials
  • Real estate
  • Mutual funds
  • Credit cards
  • Balance transfer cards
  • Cash back cards
  • Rewards cards
  • Travel cards
  • Online checking
  • High-yield savings
  • Money market
  • Home equity loan
  • Personal loans
  • Student loans
  • Options pit
  • Fantasy football
  • Pro Pick 'Em
  • College Pick 'Em
  • Fantasy baseball
  • Fantasy hockey
  • Fantasy basketball
  • Download the app
  • Daily fantasy
  • Scores and schedules
  • GameChannel
  • World Baseball Classic
  • Premier League
  • CONCACAF League
  • Champions League
  • Motorsports
  • Horse racing

New on Yahoo

  • Privacy Dashboard

'AGT' Contestant Who Stutters Puts On Emotional Performance

A teenager who stutters put on a performance for the ages on “America’s Got Talent.”

Amanda Mammana, 19, performed an original song while playing the guitar after she informed the judges about her speech impediment while filling them in on her name, age and where she lives.

“As you can probably tell, I have a bit of a speech impediment and it was definitely something that caused me to shy away and to hide, but I found that I don’t stutter when I sing,” the Connecticut native said in a clip of the performance that was released by NBC ahead of Tuesday’s episode.

“I will be singing a song that I wrote, and it’s just about some hard times, and if I could go back and change those things, I wouldn’t because they made me, me,” she said.

Her performance of a slow song earned her a standing ovation from the audience and the judges, while she was moved to tears. After Mammana finished her audition, she explained that there were times she felt like she wasn’t good enough while growing up.

“You are good enough,” someone from the audience shouted, prompting a round of applause.

The judges couldn’t have agreed more.

“Good enough doesn’t explain what we just heard,” Howie Mandel said. “It’s not only good, it’s great. And look how you’re moving this audience. And I believe you’re moving millions of people right now at home. I just want to say thank you.”

“You have a really, really beautiful voice. I love your voice,” Heidi Klum said. “There is a fire inside of you, and I want to see more of it.”

“I loved it. I thought it was so authentic. Thank you for having the guts to follow your heart,” Sofia Vergara said.

Simon Cowell was equally impressed.

“You spoke to us very honestly about the issues you have with your speech, and it’s terrifying auditioning when you don’t have an issue like that,” he said. “And then you’re amazing. Your voice is so pure, so beautiful. And also you’re a good songwriter. And I think you’re an incredible person.”

After feedback like that, it was no surprise to hear each judge gave her a “yes.” You can see Mammana’s performance on Tuesday’s episode at 8 p.m. ET.

  • Daily Soaps
  • Sports Fashion
  • POP Culture News

Who is AGT contestant Amanda Mammana? Singer with a speech impediment moves judges to tears in Episode 8

follow icon

Amanda Mammana blew the judges away with her singing skills on Season 17 of America's Got Talent ( AGT ). The singer-songwriter performed her heartwarming original song and moved the judges to tears as she sang about the struggles she has had to face. Her audition aired on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at 8.00 PM ET on NBC. The artist was among the many talented contestants featured in Episode 8.

The AGT contestant revealed upon making her debut on stage that she had a speech impediment due to which she faced many obstacles in life. However, once she started performing, there was no sign of a speech delay. This came as a shock to judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Heidi Klum as well as to the live audience who gave a thunderous applause after witnessing her talent.

AGT contestant Amanda Mammana receives standing ovation from judges

As soon as Amanda stepped on stage and was asked her name, it was evident to the audience and viewers back home that she struggled with a speech impediment. But what was commendable was the fact that her confidence remained unaffected as the contestant presented herself.

The 19-year-old Connecticut native revealed that she struggled with a speech impediment and shared the problems she faced while dealing with it from a young age. She said:

"It was definitely something that caused me to shy away and to hide. But I found out that I don't stutter when I sing."

The AGT contestant then revealed that she had chosen to perform her original song which talks about the hard times she endured. However, the singer confessed that if she could go back in time and change her life, she wouldn't because that's what made her who she is today.

Amanda wowed the judges and the audience with her song, and received a standing ovation. The judges complimented her perseverance and strength, which not only moved the live audience but also the television viewers. The singer then earned her spot in the next round.

About Amanda Mammana

She describes herself as a "multi-talented free spirit" on her website. Amanda was just 10 years old when she developed the speech impediment. Her outgoing nature was severely affected following the diagnosis . She had to deal with bouts of insecurity, but eventually found solace in picking up a guitar and practicing music, which became her "safe space."

The AGT contestant practiced until she could sing and play the guitar at the same time, and soon realized that she wasn't stuttering while she sang. Amanda joined her school's worship band in 7th grade, and her church's worship band a year later. Singing and sharing her voice with people helped her feel free.

However, Amanda continued to battle insecurity and self-doubt as she grew older. She was embarrassed by the way she spoke and could not voice her feelings. Although known to express powerful messages, she no longer felt that her voice mattered. But, she picked up songwriting after battling a "really hard summer of anxiety and depression," which changed things for the better.

The AGT contestant nurtured her interest in songwriting as she was able to "take the pain and turn it into something real and beautiful." Her website bio describes her well-articulated thoughts on bringing awareness to the medical condition through music. She says:

"Because of the struggles I went through, I was given inspiration to write songs about the human condition. Everyone faces trials and tribulations but music is such a powerful catalyst for positive change. When words fail, music speaks!"

Amanda has been active on Instagram since 2020 and has over 3.4K followers. Her musical singles include Prove You Wrong , Worth The Waiting , and Bigger Man . She has also recorded a few cover songs. Viewers can check out her website which is linked on her Instagram account.

America's Got Talent ( AGT ) has been renewed for the 17th year in a row owing to the tremendous success of its previous installments. This season, the show has seen some incredible talent showcased across a variety of art forms, and there's much more to come.

Keep watching America's Got Talent on NBC .

speech impediment singer

  • Clickbait / Misleading
  • Factually Incorrect
  • Hateful or Abusive
  • Baseless Opinion
  • Too Many Ads

Quick Links

comments icon

Your perspective matters! Start the conversation

speech impediment singer

  • Brainbuster🆕
  • Money in the bank
  • NXT Heatwave
  • SK Shorts⏱️
  • WWE WrestleMania XL
  • Seth Rollins
  • Roman Reigns
  • Cody Rhodes
  • PPV Schedule
  • Team Name Generator
  • Depth Charts
  • Player Guessing Game
  • Stat Leaders
  • Patrick Mahomes
  • 2024 Fantasy Football
  • Fantasy Football Guide
  • Basketball Home
  • NBA Draft Simulator
  • Trade Rumors
  • Top NBA Queries
  • Players and Roster 2023
  • Injury Updates
  • World Baseball Classic
  • Top MLB Picks
  • Predictions
  • New York Yankees
  • Shohei Ohtani
  • Alex Rodriguez
  • Derek Jeter
  • Free Agency
  • NHL Predictions
  • NHL Power Rankings
  • Stanley Cup Final
  • Tennis Home
  • Cincinnati Open 2024
  • US Open Tennis 2024
  • Novak Djokovic
  • Rafael Nadal
  • Roger Federer
  • Jannik Sinner
  • Carlos Alcaraz
  • Serena Williams
  • Iga Swiatek
  • Aryna Sabalenka
  • ATP Rankings
  • WTA Rankings
  • ONE Championship
  • UFC Fight Night
  • UFC Fights Tonight
  • ONE Championship Results
  • ONE Championship Schedule
  • ONE Championship Rankings
  • Football Home
  • Newsletters
  • Copa America
  • Champions League
  • Nations League
  • The Open Championship 2024
  • Tiger Woods
  • Phil Mickelson
  • Paige Spiranac
  • The Masters 2024
  • The US Open
  • Travelers Championship
  • Canadian Grand Prix
  • Max Verstappen
  • Lewis Hamilton
  • Red Bull Racing F1
  • Mercedes F1 AMG
  • F1 World Champions
  • College Football Home
  • Standings ⚡
  • 2024 Recruitment Ranking
  • College Football Playoff Predictor
  • Mock Draft Simulator
  • College Basketball Home
  • Cricket Home
  • Duleep Trophy
  • Vitality Blast
  • KFC Max T20
  • Metro Bank One Day
  • Esports Home
  • Call Of Duty
  • Wuthering Waves
  • Gaming Tech
  • Word Game Solvers
  • Black Myth: Wukong
  • Wiki Guides
  • Fortnite Home
  • Fortnite Item Shop
  • Fortnite Shop Predicted
  • Fortnite Chapter 5 Season 3
  • Fortnite Updates
  • Creative Codes
  • Deathrun Codes
  • Skins & Characters
  • Zone Wars Codes
  • Prop Hunt Codes
  • Horror Map Codes
  • GTA 6 Leaks
  • GTA 5 Cheats
  • GTA 5 Cheats Xbox One
  • GTA San Andreas
  • GTA Vice City
  • GTA 5 Songs
  • GTA V Cheats PS4
  • GTA 5 Cheats PS3
  • GTA 6 Price
  • GTA 3 Cheats
  • GTA San Andreas Car Cheats
  • GTA 5 Cheats PS5
  • LS Tags GTA Online
  • Minecraft Home
  • Minecraft 1.21 Seeds
  • Minecraft 1.20 Seeds
  • Minecraft Villager Jobs
  • Minecraft Diamond Level
  • Minecraft Farms
  • Minecraft Dungeons
  • Minecraft Guide
  • Minecraft Championship (MCC)
  • Netherite in Minecraft
  • AEW Dynamite
  • AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door III
  • AEW Rampage
  • Dragon Ball
  • Jujutsu Kaisen
  • Demon Slayer
  • Tokyo Revengers
  • Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 262 Spoilers
  • One Piece chapter 1117 Spoilers
  • My Hero Academia chapter 426 spoilers
  • Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 263 spoilers
  • Olympics 2024 Home
  • Connections Hints
  • Today's Wordle Answer
  • Wordle Solver
  • Word Unscrambler
  • Spelling Bee Solver
  • Minecraft Wiki
  • Naruto Wiki
  • TikTok Wiki
  • Youtube Wiki
  • Terraria Wiki
  • One Piece Wiki
  • Community Hub
  • Motorsports
  • Battlegrounds Mobile India
  • College Baseball
  • High School Sports
  • Fantasy Cricket
  • Indian Football

Trending American

Meet AGT singer Amanda Mammana who moved Judges to tears

Young Amanda Mammana performed superbly on American Got Talent during the July 29 episode. Her performance brought tears to all four judges. Amanda is extremely authentic on stage and she delivered a really powerful original song with an emotional feeling. Even though Mammana has some speaking issues, she did her audition with a great passion. Here we will touch on her biography, family, relationships, net worth, and other facts.

Amanda Mammana biography

Amanda’s full name is Amanda Mammana. She is 19 years of age. Her birthplace is Trumbull, Connecticut. She does not reveal her birthday at anywhere. She is an American. AGT Amanda is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter. AGT Singer Amanda’s height is 5 feet 5 inches. Mammana’s weight is approximately 50kg. Her Zodiac sign is Scorpio.

She went to Christian Heritage School. In her childhood, she became shy due to her speech impediment. But then she begins to play the guitar and it changes her mind and all. Now AGT singer Amanda Mammana is a student at Liberty University. Mammana’s marital status is unmarried.

Does Amanda Mammana have some speech impediment?

AGT singer Amanda Mammana has some trouble releasing words due to a speech impediment. But she revealed that when she sings, her impediment goes away. Her speech impediment developed at the age of 10.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanda Mammana (@amanda_mammana)

Family and relationship

There is not enough information about her mother. Nevertheless, nobody knows what her mother’s name is. But there is a person who came to the AGT stage with her. Surely he should be her father according to his behaviors. AGT Amanda’s father’s name is Micheal Mammana. She has an elder sister. Amanda has an uncle called Gary Mammana. Singer Amanda Mammana has posted some of their family photos on Facebook.

What happened at America’s Got Talent audition?

When she is going to introduce herself to the judges, she had some communication challenges. “As you can probably tell, I have a bit of a speech impediment,” Singer Mammana said to the judges. Then, Amanda revealed that when she sings, her impediment goes away.

She sang her original song for her audition. Also, the song was written by herself. Her performance impressed the judges and the audience. AGT Amanda received a standing ovation from all four judges for her surprise audition. She also got emotional with tears in response to the judges. Eventually, AGT singer Amanda received four yeses and got the chance for the next round.

What happened to Amanda Mammana in the AGT semi-finals?

On AGT live semi finals week 3, Amanda delivers a amazing performance to her original song “Worth Fighting For”.

“You really deserver it,” said Simon Cowell. “It was heroic and beautiful,” added Howie Mandel.

“It was beautiful,” said Heidi Klum . “you are a very inspiring beautiful girl,” added Sofia Vergara.

She was selected to live AGT semi-finals week 3, top five acts. But she was unable to get enough votes to select the top two acts for semi-final week 3. She was eliminated from the semi-finals and magician Nicolas Ribs and singer Sara James were week 3 finalists.

AGT Amanda started to be with the guitar in seventh grade. She has practiced a lot to be a guitarist. Then she joined her school’s worship band. Later she got the chance to join her church’s worship band. Though she has some speaking issues, finally she could play and sing at the same time.

Her dedication was superb and should be highly appreciated. Then she started to write songs to express her difficulties and personal experiences. At the moment, singer Amanda Mammana has three singles that have already been released.

Amazing talent, and resilience @amanda_mammana ! Thank you for sharing your talent with us on #AGT ! pic.twitter.com/bWldJUal3i — terry crews (@terrycrews) July 20, 2022

Social Media                                       

AGT singer Amanda currently has 20 monthly listeners on Spotify. Her performance on AGT is getting viral on YouTube. It has passed 1.2 million views within a single day. Mammana has 804 subscribers on her own YouTube channel. She has dropped so many covers on her YouTube channel.

Singer Mammana has 3722 followers on Facebook. AGT Amanda is following Shawn Mendes, Fairview Tree Farm, and Sight and Sound Theatres on Facebook. But she has only 240 friends on her Facebook account. Amanda has posted a photoshoot on Facebook with her sister. She has captioned it as “ I think Anna was tired of us after this shoot.”

Mammana has 3527 followers on Instagram. She has uploaded 12 posts to it. She has already dropped her performance of AGT on Instagram. It received 34750 likes so far. It shows that her breathtaking performance on the  AGT stage will help to amass her followers on social media very soon.

Singer Amanda Mammana in America's Got Talent

Amanda Mammana’s Net Worth

There is no exact figure for her net worth. Her approximate net worth is $ 50K. She may earn a considerable amount of money by performing as a musician.

There is nothing much about AGT Amanda’s family, and net worth. No information about her mother. But most of Amanda AGT’s social media facts and career facts are here in this article. She has a little number of followers on social media. But surely, Singer Mammana will earn a loyal following very soon.

How old is Amanda Mammana AGT?

Where is amanda mammana from, where is amanda mammana studying.

also read: Meet Singer Wyn Starks at AGT 2022 + Net worth and Biography

Mayura Rajapaksha

Mayura Rajapaksha is a skilled author and writer with a sharp focus on the latest American trends, social media, TV shows, celebrities, and intriguing conspiracy theories. In addition to crafting compelling articles, Mayura is a passionate traveler, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and experiences.

Similar Posts

Mochi-Trending-American-AGT

Where Is Mochi Now? Here is his Net Worth & Latest Update After AGT.

Post Views: 167 Mochi is a Multimedia Diabolo Act featured on America’s Got Talent in 2018. He got eliminated from the quarter finals. Now he lives in Shizuoka in Japan. Nothing is known about his current assets. Here are some updated facts about him. Known as Mochi Real name Yusaku Mochizuki Age 29 years old…

Trending American - AGT 2020 - Carmen Carter

Where Is Carmen Carter Now ? Here is her Net Worth & Latest Update After AGT.

Post Views: 232 Carmen Carter is a singer featured on America’s Got Talent in 2019. She got eliminated from the quarter finals. Now she lives in Los Angeles in the USA. Currently Carmen Carter has a whopping 100K to 1M USD net worth as of 2023. Here are some updated facts about her. Known as…

Duo Aero

Where Is Duo Aero Now? Here is their Net Worth & Latest Update After AGT.

Post Views: 228 Duo Aero are trapeze aerialists featured on America’s Got Talent in 2011. They got eliminated from the quarter finals. Now they live in the USA. Nothing is known about their current assets. Here are some updated facts about them. Known as Duo Aero Real name Samson Finkelstein and Shannon Maguire Age 23,…

Kelsey and Bailey

Where Are Kelsey and Bailey Now? Here is her Net Worth & Latest Update After AGT.

Post Views: 234 Kelsey and Bailey is a dog act featured on America’s Got Talent in 2013. She got eliminated from the quarter finals. Now she lives in Michigan in the USA. Nothing is known about her current assets. Here are some updated facts about her. Known as Kelsey and Bailey Real name Kelsey Huxford…

Smage Brothers Riding Shows

Where Are Smage Brothers Riding Shows Now? Here is their Net Worth & Latest Update After AGT.

Post Views: 163 Smage Brothers Riding Shows is a stunt motorcyclist team featured on America’s Got Talent in 2011. They got eliminated from the finals. Now they live in the USA. Nothing is known about their current assets. Here are some updated facts about them. Known as Smage Brothers Riding Shows Age 18-25 (When appearing…

Timber Brown

Where Is Timber Brown Now? Here is his Net Worth & Latest Update After AGT.

Post Views: 288 Timber Brown is an acrobat featured on America’s Got Talent in 2013. He got eliminated from the semi finals. Now he lives in Nevada in the USA. Nothing is known about his current assets. Here are some updated facts about him. Known as Timber Brown Real name Timber Brown Age 28 (When…

How James Earl Jones conquered crippling childhood stutter to become Hollywood's most iconic voice

Celebrated for his booming baritone voice and imposing screen and stage presence, James Earl Jones triumphed over a childhood of poverty and hardship to becoming an icon of the moving picture

Actor James Earl Jones passed away Monday at the age of 93

  • 23:08, 10 Sep 2024
  • Updated 23:11, 10 Sep 2024

Virtually mute as a child due to a trauma-induced stutter, James Earl Jones would rise to become one of Hollywood’s greatest-ever voices. Before his death on Monday, aged 93, his booming tones helped create one of the world ’s most versatile actors on stage, film and television in a career that bridged race relations, Shakespeare and Darth Vader.

Agent Barry McPherson confirmed his death at home in Dutchess County, New York. The cause was not immediately apparent.

Leading the tributes, Star Wars creator George Lucas described Jones as an “incredible actor”. He said the star had “a most unique voice both in art and spirit”.

“For nearly half a century, he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being,” the director added. “He gave depth, sincerity, and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of us... friends and fans alike.”

Mark Hamill, who played Vader’s son Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy, called him “one of the world’s finest actors” . He signed off with “RIP Dad” on X, adding a broken heart emoji. Jones famously delivered the bombshell “I am your father” line as Vader to Luke in The Empire Strikes Back.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said: “The menacing baritone he brought to Darth Vader will forever be beloved by fans and regarded as one of the great villainous performances in cinema.”

Sadly, Jones had experienced the dark side of a poverty-hit childhood. He was born in a shack in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on January 17, 1931. His father Robert Earl Jones left his mum before he was born to pursue life as a boxer and an actor.

When Jones was six, his mother Ruth took him to her parents’ farm near Manistee, Michigan. His grandparents adopted the boy and raised him. “For me, it was a heartbreak, and not long after, I began to stutter,” he wrote in his 1993 autobiography. He was too embarrassed to speak, so he remained mostly mute for years, communicating in school with notes.

Jones’ ordeal was compounded by being raised by a racist grandmother, who was part-Cherokee, part-Choctaw and part-Black. In 2011, he said: “She was the most racist person, bigoted person I have known.” She blamed white people for slavery and Native American and Black people “for allowing it to happen”.

Friendless and depressed as a child, Jones endured years of silence and isolation. Through the kindness and patience of his English teacher Donald Crouch he discovered a talent for poetry and was encouraged to read his work when it was written. He ultimately led him to begin speaking again and overcome his stutter.

Jones failed a pre-medical school examination at the University of Michigan and switched to drama. He also played four seasons of basketball and served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. But from working in a diner and living in a £14-a-month cold-water flat, Jones climbed from poverty to Broadway and Hollywood stardom.

In New York, he moved in with his father and enrolled with the American Theatre Wing programme for young actors. Although he was never active in the civil rights movement, Jones said he admired Malcolm X and might have been a revolutionary had he not become an actor. He said his contributions to civil rights lay in roles that dealt with racial issues.

Jones worked into his 80s and won many awards including two Emmys, a Golden Globe, an honorary Oscar, the National Medal of Arts and a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 2022, a Broadway theatre was renamed in his honour. He prodigious body of work covered scores of plays, nearly 90 TV dramas and episodic series, and 120 movies.

In 1994 he roared to success by voicing Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King and a 2019 remake. Matthew Broderick, who voiced Simba in The Lion King, said: “I’m so lucky to have had a chance to work with James Earl Jones. To have had him play my father, my king.”

Jones also starred as reclusive writer Terence Mann in 1989’s Field Of Dreams alongside Kevin Costner, and a South African minister in Cry, The Beloved Country. Costner said: “That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams.”

Jones turned to comedy in 1988’s Coming To America, starring Eddie Murphy, and a 2021 remake. He also appeared in 1982 epic Conan the Barbarian, with Arnold Schwarzenegger. His leading TV role may have been as author Alex Haley in 1977’s Roots. But Jones will be best remembered for his role in “a galaxy far, far away”. Lucas had hired him to dub over British Darth Vader actor David Prowse’s strong West Country accent.

Jones married his first wife, actor and singer Julienne Marie, in 1968 after meeting during an Othello performance. They divorced in 1972 with no children.

Jones also hit Broadway as Shakespeare’s Othello in 1981, opposite Christopher Plummer.

In 1982 he married actor Celia Hart and had son Flynn the same year. Their marriage lasted until Hart’s death of ovarian cancer in 2016.

MORE ON Lucasfilm Inc. Mark Hamill Arnold Schwarzenegger James Earl Jones Kevin Costner Shakespeare Star Wars poverty

Celeb obsessed get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox.

James Earl Jones, legendary actor known for unmistakable baritone voice, dies at 93

One of the most famous voices of all time has gone silent.

James Earl Jones, whose prodigious acting talent was often overshadowed by his distinctive baritone over a seven-decade career both onstage and on the screen, died Monday, his representative said. He was 93.

A contemporary of Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, Jones didn’t land the same coveted leading roles at a time when there were few to go around for Black actors in Hollywood, but he earned unmatched longevity as a character actor, from his first movie credit in 1964’s “Dr. Strangelove” to his reprisal of his role as King Joffer in the 2021 sequel to “Coming to America.”

“James Earl Jones doesn’t get enough credit for being a path-blazer for actors like Denzel Washington who came after him,” said Rae Dawn Chong, his co-star in the 1986 comedy “Soul Man.”

Sheila Johnson, Madge Sinclair, James Earl Jones, and Paul Bates in "Coming to America," 1988.

It was treading the boards of Broadway and beyond where Jones forged his place at the top of the marquee. Of his turn as the title character in the 1964 production of “Othello” in Central Park,  The New York Times gushed : “Mr. Jones commands a full, resonant voice and a supple body, and his jealous rages and frothing frenzy have not only size but also emotional credibility.”

It was, of course, that resonant voice that would eventually become his trademark.

While he earned two Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, an honorary Academy Award and a Grammy over his long career, he may be best remembered for an uncredited role in “Star Wars” — supplying the voice for Darth Vader, which has reverberated far beyond that galaxy far, far away.

Darth Vader, as voiced by James Earl Jones, in "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back," 1980.

“I’m a journeyman,” Jones told “TODAY’s” Al Roker in a 2017 interview. “I wandered into some interesting situations.”

Making his journey all the more remarkable is that one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood history had to overcome a severe stutter during his childhood in Mississippi and Michigan before he could take the first step.

Jones, born Jan. 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, said he grew up as a shy and quiet child, wary of speaking and drawing attention to his speech impediment. With his father, Robert, a boxer turned actor, having left home to establish a theater career in Chicago, Jones was shipped to his maternal grandparents’ farm in rural Michigan at age 5.

There, the trajectory of his life changed in high school, when an English teacher taught him how to sound out each word carefully. “I [could] now say things that great writers wrote. I would never have thought of it myself,” Jones told “TODAY” years later.

Jones discovered a love of acting at the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1955 after a two-year tour of duty in the Army.

That’s when he moved to New York City, as his father had years earlier, to break into acting. He worked as a janitor part time to pay the bills while he studied at the American Theatre Wing,  according to Biography.

Actor James Earl Jones at the Longacre Theatre in New York on Sept. 16, 2014.

With his booming baritone and stage presence, Jones didn’t have to wait long to get noticed, making his Broadway debut in the late 1950s in the play “Sunrise at Campobello.”

In 1961, he gained acclaim for the U.S. premiere of Jean Genet’s  “The Blacks” at the St. Mark’s Playhouse , which co-starred a cast of then-unknowns, including Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou and Louis Gossett Jr.

Having reconnected with his father, the younger Jones appeared in several stage productions with him in New York, including “Infidel Caesar” and “Moon on a Rainbow Shawl” in 1962 and “Of Mice and Men” five years later.

The younger Jones became a regular in the Shakespeare in the Park program in 1962, with his lauded performance in “Othello” two years later catapulting him to stardom in the New York theater scene.

James Earl Jones as Othello and Jill Clayburgh as Desdemona in a Los Angeles stage production of Shakespeare's "Othello" at Mark Taper Forum in 1971.

The production earned him more than critical accolades: Jones would ultimately marry his Desdemona, co-star Julienne Marie. The marriage, which lasted from 1968 through 1972, caused a mild stir at the time given the era’s racist taboos surrounding interracial marriage.

Being in New York, then also the center of the TV universe, had advantages for a working actor. Jones scored his first Emmy nomination in 1964 for a guest-starring turn in the drama “East Side/West Side.”

But national audiences would get their first exposure to him the same year in a small role in “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.”

Jones hit the pinnacle of any Broadway veteran’s career with the play “The Great White Hope,” in which he starred as a fictionalized version of the real-life boxer Jack Johnson. His performance earned him the Tony for best actor in a play in 1969, breaking the color barrier of the most important acting awards in theater.

“When he was ‘The Great White Hope,’ it was shortly after [Martin Luther] King’s assassination, and there were riots in the streets of the United States,” said Dominic Taylor, a professor of African American theater at UCLA. “And here is this Black man who wins for this role in which he’s Jack Johnson, basically. I don’t think people today are aware of how earthshaking that was.”

Jones would go on to star in the 1970 cinematic adaptation of the play, a turn that would earn him a Golden Globe and his only Academy Award nomination. Jones would lose the best actor Oscar to George C. Scott (“Patton”).

Playwright D.L. Coburn, James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson and director Leonard Foglia during the Broadway Opening Night performance Curtain Call for 'The Gin Game'

That early success, however, didn’t seem to translate into many more high-profile film roles in the 1970s, although he did star opposite Diahann Carroll in the 1974 dramedy “Claudine.”

“Hollywood back then only had room for a certain number of Black actors,” said Wilson Morales, the founder and editor of blackfilmandtv.com. “He never really got the big roles compared to Sidney Poitier.

“Almost all the roles that he had over the years, they were largely supporting roles,” Morales said of Jones.

Jones would win a Grammy for best spoken word recording in 1977, an early sign of the recognition for his voice.

His most visible on-screen role may have been playing author Alex Haley in the landmark 1977 television miniseries “Roots,” based on Haley’s family history.

Despite  the estimated 130 million viewers  who tuned in for “Roots,” it would turn out to be just the second-highest-profile gig he booked that year.

Director George Lucas tapped Jones to do some voiceover work for a quirky space opera called “Star Wars” to dub over Darth Vader actor David Prowse’s heavy British accent, made worse by the muffle effect of the mask.

Jones later said he asked to keep his name out of the credits because Prowse did all the work, but such humility wouldn’t keep him from being enshrined as part of the biggest pop culture phenomenon in modern history.

Jones married the actor Cecilia Hart in 1982, the same year he starred opposite budding action star Arnold Schwarzenegger as an evil sorcerer in “Conan the Barbarian.” The marriage would produce a son, Flynn, the same year, and it would last until Hart’s death of ovarian cancer in 2016.

James Earl Jones with his wife Cecilia Hart at the Governors Ball following the 84th Academy Awards on Feb. 26, 2012, in the Hollywood, Calif.

Now a father, Jones continued to work steadily through the 1980s.

Chong remembered the first day she met Jones on the set of “Soul Man,” then intimidated as a girl who grew up with “Star Wars.”

“All the cast was a little afraid of him, not just because he was this towering great of an actor who was Othello in New York and his history,” Chong said. “But in fact, he [turned out to be[ a gentle giant, extremely generous. He’s very kind and soft-spoken.”

Settling into his 50s and past the expiration date for the leading man parts of the era, Jones piled together an impressive run of supporting parts, including roles in “Field of Dreams” (1987), “Matewan” (1987) and “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), a role he would reprise for two sequels.

Perhaps his most famous role of the decade — not counting “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” (1983), of course — was as Eddie Murphy’s father in the 1988 comedy “Coming to America.”

“You have to remember ‘Coming to America’ was the biggest Black film of its time,” Morales said. “It was the ‘Black Panther’ of the era.”

He also kept one foot on the boards, earning his second Tony award in 1987 for August Wilson’s “Fences” — a role that Denzel Washington would play in a movie version 29 years later.

In 1990, Jones was cast as the lead in the TV drama “Gabriel’s Fire,” the type of signature role that might have been better appreciated had the series run on a premium cable network two decades later. At the time, however, TV execs considered the material too dark and canceled the show after one season.

James Earl Jones played Gabriel Bird in "Gabriel's Fire" on Sept. 12, 1990.

Show co-creator Jacqueline Zambrano remembered being called to meet with Jones about a script during a break in shooting. In most cases, that meant the star would have diva-like demands for rewrites. “I sat down and immediately opened my notebook and I had my pen poised,” Zambrano said. “He started talking about a particular scene and asking me questions. Then we went on to another scene, and, you know, we talked as long as we could until they were ready for him on set.

“We both left, and I looked down at my notebook, and I had nothing written down. He didn’t have any notes. He didn’t want to tell me, ‘I want to fix this.’ He just wanted to understand the text. He just wanted to understand the character better.”

Jones shined enough in that limited time to earn his first prime-time Emmy for outstanding lead actor. (He won a second Emmy that night for his supporting turn in the TV movie “Heat Wave,” about the 1965 Watts race riots.)

In 1994, Jones lent his voice as Mufasa in Disney’s animated blockbuster “The Lion King.” He would return to the role in the live-action version 25 years later, the only actor from the original voice cast to return.

Over the ensuing three decades, Jones continued to work continuously — even after he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1995. He racked up Emmy nominations with guest-starring appearances on “Picket Fences,” “Under One Roof,” “Frasier” and “Everwood.” On Broadway, he notched two more Tony nominations — for a 2005 production of “On Golden Pond” and for a revival of Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man” seven years later.

In 2011, Jones was awarded an honorary Academy Award for his career as a whole. That he never won an Oscar for a specific movie role, denying him the coveted EGOT, is a lingering symbol of just how much he was underappreciated over a prolific and profound career.

Taylor, the UCLA professor, always includes a clip of Jones in the 1987 production of “Fences” in his master class on acting.

“He was a gargantuan presence but such a fine, precise, attuned actor onstage,” Taylor said. “It was beautiful to watch him work.”

CORRECTION (Sept. 10, 2024, 10:25 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the name of “The Lion King” character. It was Mufasa, not Mustafa.

Ethan Sacks writes for NBCNews.com.

A black and white portrait of a young James Earl Jones sitting on a wooden bench and leaning forward and smiling with his hands on his left knee.

James Earl Jones, Whose Powerful Acting Resonated Onstage and Onscreen, Dies at 93

He gave life to characters like Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King,” and went on to collect Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys and an honorary Oscar.

James Earl Jones in 1980. He climbed to Broadway and Hollywood stardom with talent, drive and remarkable vocal cords. Credit... M. Reichenthal/Associated Press

Supported by

  • Share full article

Robert D. McFadden

By Robert D. McFadden

  • Sept. 9, 2024

James Earl Jones, a stuttering farm child who became a voice of rolling thunder as one of America’s most versatile actors in a stage, film and television career that plumbed race relations, Shakespeare’s rhapsodic tragedies and the faceless menace of Darth Vader, died on Monday at his home in Dutchess County, N.Y. He was 93.

The office of his agent, Barry McPherson, confirmed the death in a statement.

From destitute days working in a diner and living in a $19-a-month cold-water flat, Mr. Jones climbed to Broadway and Hollywood stardom with talent, drive and remarkable vocal cords. He was abandoned as a child by his parents, raised by a racist grandmother and mute for years in his stutterer’s shame, but he learned to speak again with a herculean will. All had much to do with his success.

So did plays by Howard Sackler and August Wilson that let a young actor explore racial hatred in the national experience; television soap operas that boldly cast a Black man as a doctor in the 1960s; and a decision by George Lucas, the creator of “Star Wars,” to put an anonymous, rumbling African American voice behind the grotesque mask of the galactic villain Vader.

A black and white portrait of Mr. Jones wearing glasses and looking away from the camera with a serious expression on his face.

The rest was accomplished by Mr. Jones himself: a prodigious body of work that encompassed scores of plays, nearly 90 television network dramas and episodic series, and some 120 movies. They included his voice work, much of it uncredited, in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, in the credited voice-over of Mufasa in “The Lion King,” Disney’s 1994 animated musical film, and in his reprise of the role in Jon Favreau’s computer-animated remake in 2019.

Mr. Jones was no matinee idol, like Cary Grant or Denzel Washington. But his bulky Everyman suited many characters, and his range of forcefulness and subtlety was often compared to Morgan Freeman’s. Nor was he a singer; yet his voice, though not nearly as powerful, was sometimes likened to that of the great Paul Robeson. Mr. Jones collected Tonys, Golden Globes, Emmys, Kennedy Center honors and an honorary Academy Award.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Advertisement

IMAGES

  1. Singer With Speech Impediment Gets Standing Ovation From AGT Judges

    speech impediment singer

  2. Singer with Speech Impediment Leaves Crowd Inspired

    speech impediment singer

  3. Singer with Speech Impediment Soars

    speech impediment singer

  4. singer with speech impediment part 1

    speech impediment singer

  5. Singer with Speech Impediment Moves Audience to Tears with Original Song! AGT 2022 #agt

    speech impediment singer

  6. AGT Singer With Speech Impediment Gives Glory to God: 'By The Grace of

    speech impediment singer

VIDEO

  1. This singer has a speech impediment but sings amazing

  2. Wasted Vocal Talents?

  3. Meet disabled comedians, Shivangi and Sweta

  4. Speech Impediment vs Impairment

COMMENTS

  1. Who Is Amanda Mammana? About The 'AGT' Singer With Speech Impediment

    Amanda Mammana: 5 Things About The Talented Singer With A Speech Impediment On 'AGT' Amanda Mammana has one of the most touching 'AGT' auditions ever. Learn more about this 19-year-old standout.

  2. See Why Singer Amanda Mammana Made the AGT Judges Cry During Her ...

    Amanda Mammana | Singer with Speech Impediment Moves the Judges to Tears | AGT 2022. It's not often that an America's Got Talent Audition garners emotion from everyone on the judging panel. It ...

  3. Amanda Mammana Conquers Speech Impediment, Sings Original Song on

    July 20, 2022 10:08 am. Before auditioning for America's Got Talent, singer Amanda Mammana told the judges about her speech impediment. "As you can probably tell, I have a speech impediment ...

  4. America's Got Talent: Meet Amanda Mammana, the singer with a speech

    Tuesday night's episode continues the Season 17 auditions on America's Got Talent, and fans were given a sneak peek at one singer's incredible performance. Taking the stage is 19-year-old ...

  5. Amanda Mammana INSPIRES The Crowd With Original, "Worth ...

    Amanda Mammana from Trumbull, Connecticut returns to the AGT stage with an inspiring original song, "Worth Fighting For."» Get The America's Got Talent App: ...

  6. Amanda Mammana 'AGT': All About the Singer-Songwriter

    A 19-year-old from Connecticut is about to make her debut on Season 17 of America's Got Talent. Amanda Mammana is a singer-songwriter who discovered a while ago that she can sing without having to manage the symptoms of her speech impediment. A talented composer and guitar player, Amanda is now ready to show the world just how skilled she is on ...

  7. Budding musician with speech impediment shares about life after

    In the months since she surprised the judges and audience of NBC's "America's Got Talent" with her abilities as a gifted singer-songwriter who has overcome a speech impediment, Liberty ...

  8. Singer With Speech Impediment Gets Standing Ovation From AGT Judges

    July 19, 2022 by FaithPot Amazing Stories. An inspiring performance from 19-year-old Amanda Mammana, a singer with speech impediment gets a standing ovation from judges and audiences as she sings an original song on the America's Got Talent 2022. This talented woman with speech disorder gets out of her comfort zone and proves to everyone that ...

  9. Watch America's Got Talent Clip: Amanda Mammana

    Watch America's Got Talent highlight: Amanda Mammana | Singer with Speech Impediment Moves the Judges to Tears | AGT 2022 - NBC.com

  10. Early Release: Amanda Mammana

    I know that feeling that you're you were talking about course I do not stutter but I had a lot of issues myself that I was going through you're a brave young woman with a beautiful voice I dearly wish you the very best and I believe that's what you're going to get

  11. Amanda Mammana

    Amanda Mammana was a singer and guitarist from Season 17 of America's Got Talent. She finished in the Top 5 of her Semifinal week. Amanda is from Trumbull, Connecticut and attends Liberty University. She suffers from a speech impediment. Amanda Mammana's audition in Episode 1707 consisted of playing the guitar and singing an original song telling the story of her difficult childhood. All 4 ...

  12. Amanda Mammana Leaves The Judges Jaw Dropped in 'AGT' Early Release

    On the about page, the singer explains that her speech impediment developed at the age of 10. Around that time, she became shy and insecure. She picked up the guitar as a way to escape, but it quickly became her safe place. She noted practicing a lot until she could play and sing at the same time. While she was in seventh grade, she joined her ...

  13. Singer With Speech Impediment Wows 'AGT' Judges

    A singer just completely floored the America's Got Talent judges in a moving moment that only happens once in a grand while.. Amanda Mammana, 19, suffers from a speech impediment, but that hasn't ...

  14. Singer with Speech Impediment Leaves Crowd Inspired

    Singer with Speech Impediment Leaves Crowd Inspired. Published Aug 01, 2022. Leah Arthur. Auditioning is an intimidating and scary experience for anyone, but especially for Amanda Mammana. As she ...

  15. America's Got Talent singer with stutter blows judges away with

    Singer-songwriter Amanda Mammana blew the minds of America's Got Talent judges with her recent audition despite suffering from a speech impediment.

  16. 'AGT' Contestant Who Stutters Puts On Emotional Performance

    Amanda Mammana, 19, performed an original song while playing the guitar after she informed the judges about her speech impediment while filling them in on her name, age and where she lives.

  17. Amanda Mammana Overcomes Her Stuttering and SLAYS Her ...

    Hey, if you hadn't had a chance to watch HERE are the best AGT 2023 auditions 👉 https://youtu.be/V55xv4zaXL8 📣 What?! Did you see these famous contestan...

  18. Trumbull teen overcomes speech impediment to sing on 'America's Got

    At a young age, Amanda Mammana not only wanted to play guitar, she also wanted to sing. But it was harder than it sounds. Amanda Mammana has a stutter.

  19. Who is AGT contestant Amanda Mammana? Singer with a speech impediment

    Singer with a speech impediment moves judges to tears in Episode 8. By Varsha Narayanan. Modified Jul 20, 2022 00:24 GMT. Follow Us. Share. 0 Discuss. Follow Us. Share. 0 Discuss. 0 Discuss.

  20. Meet AGT singer Amanda Mammana who moved Judges to tears

    When she is going to introduce herself to the judges, she had some communication challenges. "As you can probably tell, I have a bit of a speech impediment," Singer Mammana said to the judges. Then, Amanda revealed that when she sings, her impediment goes away. She sang her original song for her audition. Also, the song was written by herself.

  21. How James Earl Jones conquered crippling childhood stutter to become

    Virtually mute as a child due to a trauma-induced stutter, James Earl Jones would rise to become one of Hollywood's greatest-ever voices. Before his death on Monday, aged 93, his booming tones ...

  22. LEAKED! Singer with Speech Impediment Moves Audience to Tears with

    Hey, if you hadn't had a chance to watch HERE are the best AGT 2023 auditions 👉 https://youtu.be/V55xv4zaXL8 📣 What?! Did you see these famous contestan...

  23. Early Release: Amanda Mammana

    YOU are MORE than good enough, Amanda Mammana! | singing, speech

  24. James Earl Jones, legendary actor known for unmistakable baritone voice

    Jones, born Jan. 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, said he grew up as a shy and quiet child, wary of speaking and drawing attention to his speech impediment.

  25. James Earl Jones, Whose Powerful Acting Resonated Onstage and Onscreen

    The speech impediment subsided. He joined a debating team and entered oratorical contests. By graduation, in 1949, he had largely overcome his disability, although the effects lingered and never ...

  26. Singer With Speech Impediment Makes The AGT Judges CRY!

    Singer With Speech Impediment Makes The AGT Judges CRY! | singing, speech