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Reina P. Cunningham

Staff Writer

The three Bell County natives who recently made a trip to Atlanta, Ga. to audition for the hit television show, The Voice, have now chased their dreams all the way to the Big Apple.

Brothers Jimmy and Chris Rose, along with their friend Joseph Letendre, made the trip to New York City for first-round auditions for America’s Got Talent on Saturday.

Once the boys made it to the auditions, they had to stand outside in 12 degree weather for over three hours. Once inside, the group prepared for their auditions alongside various types of talent.

Unlike their auditions for “The Voice,” the men had the options of playing their instruments and singing original music. They were also allowed an additional 30 seconds of performing time.

Jimmy plays guitar and writes his own music, so he decided to take advantage of these opportunities.

He had planned to sing his hometown hit “Coal Keeps the Lights On” but became ill just hours before his audition. His illness led him to sing another original, “Living Lonely,” because it was better suited for his voice during his illness.

Jimmy was recently asked to perform at the Mountain Laurel Festival in May.

Chris performed the current country hit, “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line. He chose this song both for its popularity and its’ upbeat tempo that allowed him to showcase his skills on the guitar.

Letendre sang “Midnight in Montgomery,” a country classic by Alan Jackson. In addition to singing, Letendre plays drums but performed a cappella due to show set up rules.

In addition to performing for producers, the boys performed on a subway filled with strangers who welcomed the country trio to the big city.

The next step for the group is to head to New Orleans for one last chance at being heard. America’s Got Talent producers encouraged the trio to audition again to increase their chances at making it through to the live show.

Producers will be doing callbacks for the live show until the end of March, so now the men will just wait for the call.

The men all agreed that even if they do not receive a callback, the trip was well worth it for the experiences.

Jimmy and Chris, both veterans, were overwhelmed by visiting the 9/11 memorial.

Jimmy was serving in the U.S. Marine Corps when the tragic events of 9/11 took place. Chris served in the U.S. Air Force as a Security Specialist from 1995-99.

Reina P. Cunningham can be reached via email at rpcunningham@civitasmedia.com or by phone at 606-248-1010, ext. 205.