Fast forward to 2019, Rowell once again brought his signature "Tequila" routine to the national stage, auditioning for America's Got Talent. While some may have expected his comedic act to fall flat with notoriously critical judges like Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel, Rowell's quirky charm and spot-on delivery won them over. His performance breezed through without a single buzzer, showcasing the unique way karaoke can combine humor and heart. Before stepping on stage, the Chicago-based comedian shared how karaoke has been a creative outlet for him, further endearing himself to the audience and judges alike.
Comedian 'sang' just one word on 'America's Got Talent' and became an instant legend
Comedian Andy Rowell became a sensation after he performed an unexpected song at his AGT audition.
Karaoke nights have long been a cherished pastime, offering people a chance to let loose and share their love for music. Whether it's a low-key evening with friends or a jaw-dropping performance that goes viral, karaoke has a unique way of connecting people. For those who shy away from the spotlight, however, there's always a safe bet like "Tequila" by The Champs—a track with minimal lyrics that still brings the house down. This simple yet iconic choice catapulted Andy Rowell to internet fame when his hilarious performance of it went viral on Vine, cementing the song as a go-to for comedy and karaoke alike.
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“When I was growing up, I was really inspired by all sorts of music but my first time really singing was at a karaoke bar. Ever since then, I’ve been singing. It makes me feel alive,” he explained according to Billboard. “Some people think, ‘Oh, it’s kind of amateur-ish,’ but it’s just as professional as a normal singer. There’s just lyrics on screen.”
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He entertained the judges and also received words of appreciation from them. "Song choice is always important on this stuff," judge Howie Mandel said, per the outlet. "Not only song choice but your exuberance and excitement. I love you," Mandel added. While the show was a hit, some viewers later accused Rowell of ripping off Andy Kaufman's SNL "Mighty Mouse" bit. Kaufman, who died in 1984, was known for playing his "Foreign Man" character, where he would sing one single line from the "Mighty Mouse" theme song. While waiting on stage, he would stand still and glance around the room. The act was extremely iconic and became a signature scene when Jim Carrey portrayed Kaufman in the 1999 biographical movie "Man on the Moon," as reported by Good Housekeeping.
Rowell's audition video, uploaded in 2019, garnered nearly 1 million views on YouTube. Not only that, viewers left their thoughts in the comments.
"Imagine practicing years of your life singing just to lose against someone saying the word 'Tequila' 3 times," joked @realkyunu. "Man, that was just hilarious! I enjoyed the whole minute. It isn't just saying tequila, his weird attitude, his gestures, the machine with the screen and its animation. The show was just to make people laugh and I think it was amazing," shared @luigiraffo1462.
"The realization that now he needs a second song because he was just going for fun and didn't expect to actually win, lmao," added @SArtisto1. "I still find it crazy that he can hit those notes with minimal strain on his vocal cords," chimed in @KINGJALLA114.
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