Greenville’s Benton Blount earns kudos on ‘Talent’ finals

Benton Blount went for the unexpected Tuesday night on “America’s Got Talent,” and the gamble paid off with judges and the live audience.

Standing on a stage lit in smoky blue, the Greenville singer performed a heartfelt, country-flavored version of One Direction’s “Story of My Life” in Tuesday’s finals of the NBC talent competition. His song drew kudos from all four judges and huge cheers from the Radio City Music Hall audience.

“You looked like a star tonight,” judge Howard Stern told Blount after the performance. “Your personal growth has just been amazing.”

Heidi Klum praised Blount’s “heart of gold,” while Mel B, who gave Blount lukewarm praise during the semifinals, told him, “This week was perfect for you.”

And Howie Mandel brought a little humor to his critique, joking that Blount looked like One Direction singer Harry Styles “with his head on upside-down.”

The winner of “America’s Got Talent” will be announced Wednesday night and will receive $1 million and a headlining gig in Las Vegas. Fans can vote for their favorites online, by phone or through NBC’s voting app, until 7 a.m. Wednesday. For more info, visit www.nbc.com.

This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Greenville’s Benton Blount earns kudos on ‘Talent’ finals."