“AGT”’s Jourdan Blue Overcame Homelessness and a Near-Fatal Overdose. Now He’s a Golden Buzzer Star on the Rise (Exclusive)

AGT’s Jourdan Blue: A Story of Resilience and Hope

Jourdan Blue, a rising star on America’s Got Talent, has captured the hearts of audiences with his soulful voice and inspiring journey. From struggling with homelessness and addiction to receiving Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer, Blue’s story is one of resilience and hope. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 23-year-old singer opened up about his path to stardom and how his past challenges have shaped his perspective on life.

Blue’s love for singing was ignited in eighth grade when he reluctantly auditioned for a school musical and landed the lead role. The experience of performing on stage in front of a live audience sparked a passion in him that would eventually lead to a career in music. Despite facing setbacks during his American Idol audition, Blue found inspiration in street performers and decided to showcase his talent on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Starting with humble beginnings, Blue performed on the street with minimal equipment, using his car battery to power his speakers. His captivating performances garnered attention on social media platforms like TikTok, where he quickly amassed a large following. Through live streams and engaging with his audience, Blue honed his craft and connected with fans in a unique way.

As his popularity grew, Blue’s talent caught the eye of America’s Got Talent producers, who invited him to audition for the show. His audition on the AGT stage earned him Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer, propelling him into the spotlight and giving him a platform to share his music with a wider audience. Despite his newfound success, Blue remains grounded and focused on the present moment, embracing each opportunity as it comes.

Blue’s journey to success was not without its challenges. At 16, he found himself homeless and struggling with addiction, but the support of his grandfather helped him navigate through difficult times. A near-fatal overdose at 18 served as a wake-up call, prompting Blue to make significant changes in his life and commit to sobriety. These experiences have shaped his outlook on fatherhood and taught him to appreciate the smaller joys in life.

In the wake of a tragic event on Bourbon Street, where Blue often performed, he was reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of safety. Despite the risks associated with street performances, Blue remains committed to sharing his music and message with the world. His upcoming appearances on AGT’s live shows are an opportunity to showcase his original songs and share his personal experiences with a global audience.

Through his music, Blue hopes to inspire others to overcome adversity and embrace the beauty of life’s journey. His authenticity and passion shine through in every performance, reflecting the depth of his experiences and the resilience that has defined his path to success. As he takes the stage on America’s Got Talent, Blue’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative nature of music.

Don’t miss Jourdan Blue’s captivating performances on America’s Got Talent, airing on August 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Join us in celebrating this remarkable talent and the inspiring story behind his rise to stardom.