Jonathan Allen on "America's Got Talent"

[The Pecman]

This is a really emotional story: Jonathan Allen, a gay kid who came out to his parents in Tennessee, then they immediately threw him out (on his birthday!), so he's basically been homeless for the last year or so. He sang on America's Got Talent last night, and though opera is not my kind of music, I thought he was incredibly good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpeAnjyeUUQ

He seemed very down-to-earth, confident, and (like the show title suggests) talented, but the thing that impressed me the most was the audience's reaction to his story. I found the whole segment to be very moving, even as familiar as I am with the gimmicks and manipulation of the editing and nature of the show. I really hope Jonathan makes it through to the finals.

[Cole Parker]

That's very moving. Exceptional.

C

[The Pecman]

And as I was watching, I thought, "man, will he be able to hit the high note?" And he did!