Over the last few weeks, Libertyville High School’s halls have been lined with colorful,  unfamiliar posters that have created curiosity among students. Being a sudden and a seemingly random act, advertisements regarding auditions for “America’s Got Talent” were plastered on the walls of LHS.

Keeping the posters in mind, senior Keith Wilson headed over to McCormick Place in Chicago to show off his talent of singing. “It all started in fourth grade when I was asked to perform a solo in a church production, and it has been up since then,” said Wilson. With vocal coaching and many hours of practice, he has developed his talent.

The idea for “America’s Got Talent” sprouted when one of Wilson’s family friends, Megan Adams, a former student of LHS, was shown a video of him singing. She was amazed and told him that he needed to audition. Her occupation involved working with AGT, so she thought it would be a perfect fit for Wilson. She sent posters to be hung up around LHS to gather any others who wished to share their talent like Wilson. “Once I saw the posters in the hallway, I knew that AGT is where I wanted to go,” said Wilson.

The audition process turned into a big waiting game for Wilson and his family due to the long, tedious hours of waiting in lines and filling out paperwork. He was given his audition number and wristband when he arrived and began to wait in the lines that could lead to a life-changing experience. Then Wilson found himself in a room with mirrors and practice areas. Many varieties of talents showered over him, including magicians and dancers. Everyone, including Wilson, got time to practice before their performance. He had just enough time to get ready for his act before getting called in for his audition.

“I was pulled into a room with four other people. There were girls with a dance routine and two others who were singing,” said Wilson. “I was terrified by the silence of the judge.”

Keeping his confidence strong, Wilson stepped up to sing the song that could potentially cradle his future. The lyrics to “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars began to flow out of his mouth. “I felt very good about my audition, and I was very confident in myself,” he said. After a “thank you” from the judge, Wilson stepped back, and let his performance sink in.

Still a bit nervous after the audition, Wilson felt very good about his performance and has high hopes for the call he will be receiving in late February about his audition results.

“Whether I make it or not doesn’t matter to me. It’s the experience that I was after, and I am glad I got to see what it was like,” Wilson said.

Wilson found a new confidence for his voice and learned more about the industry in which his heart belongs. In the instance of not making it, Wilson wants to continue auditioning for different shows, and he will continue to build on his talent.

Wilson plans on attending college to major in music and would like to become a choir director/teacher.