Arts & Entertainment

Watch: trans singer Brody Ray gives moving ‘America’s Got Talent’ audition

The contestant revealed his struggles as a child

Published

8 years ago

June 28, 2018

Mariah Cooper

Brody Ray performing on ‘America’s Got Talent’ (Screenshot via YouTube)

Transgender singer Brody Ray received a standing ovation and brought judge Mel B to tears during his audition on “America’s Got Talent.”

Ray shared that he would be singing “Stand in the Light” by Jordan Smith because he could relate to the lyrics about “overcoming struggles and battles.”

“What is the struggle that you’ve overcome?” judge Howie Mandel asked.

Ray then reveals that he is transgender.

“Inside, I was a man, a boy. I was never quite complete as a person until I started my physical transformation to male in 2010, finally. I started to look like the man I always had felt on the inside. It was the start of my life. And now that I’m fully transitioned, people are seeing me as to who I truly am. I’m ready to be Brody,” Ray explains.

After his performance, Ray received a standing ovation and glowing reviews from the judges including Mel B who got teary-eyed.

“America’s Got Talent” airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Watch below.

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Sports

‘Heated Rivalry’ stars to participate in Olympic torch relay

Games to take place next month in Italy

Published

20 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Staff reports

(Photo courtesy of Crave HBO Max)

“Heated Rivalry” stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie will participate in the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place next month in Italy.

HBO Max, which distributes “Heated Rivalry” in the U.S., made the announcement on Thursday in a press release.

The games will take place in Milan and Cortina from Feb. 6-22. The HBO Max announcement did not specifically say when Williams and Storrie will participate in the torch relay.

Bars & Parties

Here’s where to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ with fellow fans

Entertainers TrevHER and Grey host event with live performance

Published

22 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

Spark Social Events will host “Ru Paul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party Hosted by Local Drag Queens” on Friday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.

Drag entertainers TrevHER and Grey will provide commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party will take place on a heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space.

This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Bars & Parties

‘Queer Eye’ watch party set for Friday

DC Center to host event

Published

22 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Members of the cast of 'Queer Eye' speak at an event at Crush Dance Bar in August. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Center is hosting a watch party for an episode of the 10th and final season of “Queer Eye,” which was filmed in D.C. The screening will be held on Friday, Jan. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center.

The screening will last 45-55 minutes, with community time both before and after the episode. Drinks and snacks will be provided and organizers promise a “surprise or two.” For information on tickets, visit the DC Center’s website.