Simon Cowell's 8-word tribute to singing star, 29, before tragic car crash death
Simon Cowell praised Dr Brandon Rogers
Simon Cowell and his America's Got Talent co-stars were wowed by an audition from a singing doctor, just days before he was killed in a devastating car crash.
Dr Brandon Rogers tragically died at the age of 29, just weeks before his big break on the global talent show.
Known as B-Rog, he was involved in a fatal road traffic collision on 11 June 2017, leaving AGT producers uncertain about airing his episode.
The gifted singer was discovered by AGT scouts on Instagram, where he regularly posted videos of his performances. One cover, Boyz II Men's On Bended Knee, caught the attention of the R&B band who even invited him to join them on tour.
His Instagram page featured covers of hits by Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Toni Braxton, and had amassed over 50,000 followers even before his appearance on America's Got Talent.
Besides his musical talent, Brandon was also a compassionate doctor, having qualified two years previously. He had shared a photo of himself in hospital scrubs delivering flu vaccines to children.
Ultimately, the decision was taken to air Brandon's AGT audition. Viewers could see Brandon ringing his mother before going on stage, speaking about his nerves. Reassuring him, she said: "You’re going to do a wonderful, wonderful job – I know it."
Brandon went on to explain to the judges that he was inspired to become a doctor when he saw his mum face a near-death experience, when he was just six years old.
"My inspiration for becoming a doctor was born out of a tough experience when I was six years old," Brandon said. "I came home from school one day and I found my mum laying in a pool of blood. The doctors were heroes, they saved her life. It made me want to be the doctor that I am do today."
His song received a standing ovation from the crowd, with Simon Cowell also being clearly blown away, saying Brandon was: "One of the best singers we have ever had." He heaped further praise on Brandon, saying: "Your vocal is stunning. Stunning. I have never said this before to a doctor – but you’re sick."
Meanwhile, former Spice Girl Mel B said: "Mel B told him: "You’re good looking – tick, you can sing – tick, and the fact that you help people – tick. I think you’re great."
After Brandon's sad passing, his sister, Chrisiann Nicole, took to social media to share her heartache, posting a joyful image of her brother performing with Boyz II Men.
She penned: "Words cannot express the hurt and sadness that come with losing my brother."
Her message reflected both sorrow and gratitude: "They cannot express the joy and gratitude i feel for having gotten to know and love him. But the can express happiness for knowing that he touched many lives and inspired many."
She concluded with heartfelt advice: "Thank you all for your prayers and condolences. Cherish your loved ones and hold them close the way Brandon did. Life is short and Tomorrow is not promised."