Mandy Harvey’s first performance on “America’s Got Talent” went viral and inspired one viewer after another. As she prepared to perform live for viewers Tuesday, she shared her personal story with WPTV NewsChannel 5 anchor Ashleigh Walters.
Harvey of St. Cloud, Fla., had dreams of making a career of music since childhood, but while in a college music program, lost her hearing. She persevered, learning to overcome the challenge and sing again.
“I've also been fascinated by its ability to tell stories, in a way that created a different picture for every person so if you listen or you play a different song you can kind of create your own play, your own picture. And somebody else is experiencing something very different in their life that they can create something else. And so you can have one song that speaks to many, many different people on many, many different levels and I’ve always just loved that,” she said.
Her personal story is full of perseverance, acceptance and inspiration.
“You have to be comfortable with failure. And I think that's something that society has told us, that if you can't succeed, you will fail at something. Then don't try. And for me, I fail every day. And every time you fail you learn something about yourself, and you grow and you change, and you adapt. And if you're not willing to fail, you're not willing to succeed either,” she said.
Wednesday night, the results will be in from America’s vote, and viewers have a final chance to send a final performer to the next round with the “Dunkin’ Save.”
