Kingstree resident Willie McKnight is a big fan of “America’s Got Talent.” He never misses an episode of the hit series that airs on NBC each Tuesday. One year ago Willie McKnight and his wife, Denise, were watching “America’s Got Talent,” when Mr. McKnight made a promise. He said to Denise he was going to be on the show the next year. Twelve months later he made good on that promise.
McKnight will debut his talents when he sings his heart out to the nation on June 17. He will stand in front of Sharon Osbourne, David Hasselhoff and Piers Morgan. Morgan was so impressed by McKnight’s audition that during a conversation he asked where he lived. “When I told him I lived in Kingstree, South Carolina, he told me I’d better find a place to stay there because I was going to be there a while,” said McKnight.
The process that led to his qualifying for the spot wasn’t as difficult as one would think. As a matter of fact he didn’t need a recording studio but simply a mic and music. “I recorded the demo in my kitchen,” said McKnight. “I sang Three Times A Lady because it is simple and shows diversity of my vocal range. It also highlights intonation that goes along with singing.”
McKnight is an old hat when it comes to singing. He was taught to sing while being raised as a foster child at Springbank Retreat. As a teenager he played in a band, played percussion at Provi-dence College. Today he can be heard on Sunday morning singing with his choir at St. Ann Catholic Church.
“America’s Got Talent” talent search is open to all ages and showcases performers from across the country. McKnight will be competing for the ultimate prize of a $70 million Las Vegas contract and a million in cash.