Dr. Brandon Rogers auditioned for "America's Got Talent" and was killed in a car accident before the episode was aired. At the request of the 29-year-old doctor's family, the NBC show aired his performance on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, exactly one month after his death. The family was pleased with his performance and with the talent show that honored his memory.
On June 10, Rogers was a passenger in the front seat of a car driven by his friend when they were on their way to a family event in Maryland. The car ran off the road and crashed into a tree.
After the crash, the driver admitted to the police that he had fallen asleep at the wheel after working a long shift. Rogers died from his injuries in a local hospital a day later. The driver and another one of Rogers' friends who was in the back seat survived the crash.
The performance
Dr. Rogers, a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, did so well that he received a standing audience after singing Stevie Wonder's 1995 classic song "Ribbon in the Sky." Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Simon Cowell gave him a "Yes" that sent him to the next round.
Simon Cowell told Rogers that his voice was stunning. Heidi said there was something so special about his voice. Mel B remarked to Rogers that he was great and was the complete package.
America's Got Talent Airs Late Contestant Brandon Rogers' Audition One Month After Tragic Death https://t.co/zZxuymNGKH
— People Magazine (@people) July 12, 2017
About the doctor
Before his performance, Rogers related to the judges that he became a family doctor to help others because he saw how a team provided medical attention to his mother which saved her life when he was just six years old.
He decided, then, that he wanted to become a physician. He dedicated his life to paying it forward because of what he had seen the medical team do. Brandon explained that he used music as a stress reliever at times when things got tough and he became stressed. It is unusual to see a singing doctor, especially one with a voice like that of Brandon who was combining his passion for medicine and music.
The young doctor had a strong connection to Virginia. He was a 2009 graduate of the University of Virginia and was in his residency at a medical center in Newport News, Virginia, when he was encouraged to audition for the show. This came about after seeing him on Instagram. Boyz II Men also invited him to sing with them after seeing him on YouTube.
Many people responded to the doctor's death on social media. Even the singing group Boyz II Men expressed condolences on Instagram.
Hopefully, the tribute brought comfort to the family. It commendable that "America's Got Talent" aired the performance because the show was not obligated to do so.
