[applause] >> How are you? >> I'm chilling like a villain, whatever that means. >> I can see that.
Okay. And what's your name, please? >> My name is Ashford Sanders, and I'm from a little small town called Canton, Mississippi.
>> Very nice to meet you. And why did you decide to come on the show this year? >> Cuz I've always loved singing, and now I'm here.
And it's crazy. >> [cheering] >> And do you have like a normal job? >> Uh so, I own a little soul food restaurant in Atlanta called Ashford's Kitchen.
>> Okay. >> Yeah, it ain't healthy, but it's good. >> I believe it.
There we go. >> though. >> [laughter] >> And do you You sing to your customers?
>> Uh I sing to my customers. They be doing it. They be good [cheering] in there.
>> Love that. Okay. No more questions.
Let's do it. >> All right. >> [cheering] >> You got it.
>> I used to float. Now I'm just falling down. I used to know, but I'm not sure now what I was [singing] made for.
What was I made for? Cuz I I I don't know [singing] how to [music] feel, but I want to try. [singing] I am.
>> [music] >> Said I [singing] don't know how to feel. [music] But someday [singing] I might. When did it end?
>> [singing] >> All the enjoyment. I'm sad [singing and music] again. Don't tell my girlfriend.
It's not what she's made for. Cuz >> [singing] >> I don't know how to feel. But I don't know how to feel.
But I want to try. >> [music] >> But I want to try. What was I made for?
For >> Yeah. >> [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] [music] >> There I stand. >> [cheering] >> Taking off.
How does >> [cheering] >> that feel? I feel I'm going to feel good. >> Aw.
>> See my flow. Now. Wow.
>> Listen, you were giving me some Luther Vandross, Alexandra O'Neal, Raphael Saadiq, some Tony Toni Tone. You were giving me everything and more and the trills and the frills and the oh yes. >> Thank you.
>> You know, uh your voice is like a warm blanket. It just covers you and makes us all comfortable and want to smile. It was a beautiful It was beautiful.
>> I could listen to you forever. >> Yeah. >> [cheering] >> I didn't want to quit.
>> [applause] >> And you're very sweet. Your personality is beautiful. I'm so glad that you're here because this is where you belong.
>> I think uh you are a gifted, brilliant singer, no question. Beautiful tone. I mean, there are so many songs out there you could reinterpret and you come over as a really sweet person, as well.
>> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> So, I think this is going to go well.
Howie. Want to hear something beautiful? >> Yes.
>> Yes. Mel. >> [cheering and applause] >> Yes, yes, yes.
>> Sofia. >> Yes. >> [cheering] >> Yeah, I think it would be four yeses.
>> [cheering and applause] [cheering] >> That was beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> It reminds me of those old school performers.
They were just like just all great singers. >> And you're not and not skilled or too produced >> trying to be like recording us. >> And they're just But that's what I like.
It's like a real comfortable guy. >> It's just surreal. It's been a long time for me.
Being here on this stage is life-changing.
