Johnny Manuel captivated audiences in 2017 with his powerful rendition of Whitney Houston’s timeless soul ballad, “I Have Nothing,” on the 12th season of America’s Got Talent. His performance was a mesmerizing blend of passion and precision, igniting the audience and earning rapturous applause.
This wasn’t Johnny’s first time in the spotlight. The Michigan-born singer had made his professional debut 18 years earlier. At just 14, he signed a record deal with Warner Music Group as an R&B artist. During this early phase of his career, he opened for major stars such as Jay-Z and Destiny’s Child, and toured with NSYNC. His debut single, “I Got You,” can still be found on YouTube, a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered.