Military Veteran Benjamin Hightower Scores Standing Ovation From ‘AGT’ Judges With Chappell Roan Cover

Benjamin Hightower came out swinging on his recent audition for America’s Got Talent. This Tennessee-born talent made the trek to the big leagues in Los Angeles, where he left the judges slack-jawed with his rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.”

Taking the stage on Tuesday’s episode, Hightower shared his journey of leaving behind a seven-year career in the Air Force to chase his musical dreams. “I made the ballsy move to leave the military and bet on myself because I damn well believe in my ability to shine as a performer,” he disclosed.

Sporting a white shirt and ripped jeans, this unassuming artist confidently sat at the keys and belted out a killer version of Roan’s hit track. “Pink Pony Club,” originally dropped in 2020, resurfaced after Roan’s electrifying 2025 Grammy Awards show and climbed to No. 4 on the Hot 100 charts, matching her bop “Good Luck, Babe!” for the top spot.

The crowd, including his proud mama, erupted in cheers as Hightower revealed how the song resonated with his Tennessee roots. Despite Roan hailing from Missouri, the lyrics of “Pink Pony Club” struck a chord with Hightower’s journey from the South to the dreamy west coast.

Judge Howie Mandel couldn’t contain his excitement, dubbing Hightower’s spin on the track as potential hit material. “That performance was sublime, truly striking,” Mandel gushed. Meanwhile, Sofia Vergara predicted nationwide adoration for Hightower’s talent, affirming, “The whole of America is about to fall head over heels for you.”

But the grand finale came from the tough critic himself, Simon Cowell, who prophesied viral success for Hightower. “I’m digging your vibe, really am,” Cowell praised. “I was half expecting a cliché performance, like yet another rendition of ‘Stand By Me,’ but you flipped the script. When you own someone else’s song and make it entirely your own, that’s brilliance. I’m all in for your rendition.”

Overwhelmed by the positive feedback, an emotional Hightower shared a heartfelt moment with host Terry Crews, reminiscing about the path that led him to that very stage. “If that little kid from Tennessee saw me now, he’d grin from ear to ear,” Hightower reflected, visibly moved by the realization of his rockstar moment.

Witness the full-blown magic of Hightower’s show-stopping audition below. Trust us, this is one rising star you don’t want to miss.