: After being dropped from his label at 16, his career stalled for years until his appearance on America's Got Talent .
Johnny Manuel ’s performance of during the Season 12 quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent in 2017 remains one of the show's most iconic vocal displays. The Flint, Michigan native, who was 28 at the time, delivered a rendition of the Dreamgirls classic that earned a rare standing ovation from all four judges: Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel. Performance Highlights : After being dropped from his label at
: Following his semifinal elimination on AGT , Manuel represented Bulgaria in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest as part of the group Equinox and later finished as the runner-up on The Voice Australia in 2020. who was 28 at the time
: The performance was noted for its emotional intensity and "blown-off-the-roof" power, solidifying Manuel as a frontrunner during the live shows. Johnny Manuel’s Musical Journey and Howie Mandel.