"Love your version" — America's Got Talent's Simon Cowell reacts to Benjamin Hightower's cover of Pink Pony Club

America's Got Talent season 20 aired another episode of auditions on June 10, 2025. The segment featured a diverse lineup of variety acts, each vying to impress the panelists and avoid getting buzzed off the stage. Among the contestants was Benjamin Hightower, a military veteran, whose rendition of Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club wowed the judges.

Simon Cowell, while reviewing his act, reacted positively, saying:

"I love that song. Love your version, and I don't know, I just-- There's something about you I really like. I think you've got a great heart."

He continued praising Benjamin, moved by his story, song choice, and overall stage presence. The America's Got Talent contestant left a lasting impression on the other three experts as well, managing to secure four nods and advancing to the next round.

An emotionally overwhelmed Benjamin walked off the stage while the audience gave him a standing ovation and cheered for him.

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"That's gonna go viral" — America's Got Talent expert Simon Cowell shares his opinion on Benjamin Hightower's performance

After stepping on stage and introducing himself to the judges, Benjamin revealed that after seven years of active duty in the Air Force, he decided to take a chance on himself. Consequently, he left the military and started pursuing his dream of becoming a performer.

Soon after, the America's Got Talent contestant sat behind a keyboard and started singing Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club, a song choice that pleasantly surprised the judges. The audience in the auditorium cheered and clapped to the rhythm of the track, and so did Sofia Vergara. Meanwhile, Howie Mandel nodded in approval.

As soon as Benjamin finished his set, the panelists were on their feet, clapping for him. While sharing his opinion on the act, Howie said:

"A great choice of music. Chappell Roan, that song is great, but I think that also could be a hit, your rendition of her song. It was beautiful. It was great."

Benjamin stated he was from Tennessee and added that he sang the song for his mother, who was present in the audience.

America's Got Talent judge Sofia was equally moved by Benjamin's act, saying she "loved it." She called his performance the "perfect audition," and opined that the act suited Benjamin and that's what he should be doing.

"I mean, they loved you, I loved you. I think everyone here on the table love you. I think America's gonna love you," she remarked.

Spice Girls member Mel B echoed a similar sentiment, as she complimented the "raspiness" and "vibrato" in the America's Got Talent auditionee's voice. She called the tone of his voice unique and added that his "whole look and energy" was "fire."

Simon also applauded him while commenting:

"I really like you. I really do. I think your whole story is like really interesting. When I saw the keyboard, I thought, 'Oh God, it's gonna be something, like, Stand By Me, or something we've heard a billion times, you know.' And it wasn't. When you do somebody else's song and you make it your version, that's smart."

The panelists took a vote, and with four yeses, Benjamin advanced to the next round of the competition.

While speaking to America's Got Talent host Terry Crews, Benjamin stated that if the "little kid who grew up in Tennessee," his younger self, could see him now, he would be "so proud." Meanwhile, Simon again praised Benjamin's act as he spoke to someone in the audience.

"That, I really honestly, I think that's gonna go viral. That was, like, unexpected. And when that happens, you've got a really good shot of doing well. If you do the obvious, it's like, everyone does the obvious," he remarked.

In the meantime, an emotional Benjamin hugged his mother, saying he could not believe what had happened.

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America's Got Talent episodes are currently streaming on Peacock.