Two-time Olympic runner Shevon Nieto wowed the audience on America’s Got Talent 2020 with a heartfelt original song she wrote for her husband.
Originally from Jamaica and now living in California, Shevon Nieto captivated the judges on America’s Got Talent with her vibrant personality and inspiring story.
In an emotional moment, Shevon shared her dream of winning the Olympics and how it unexpectedly unraveled one day. She had been a standout in the 400-meter hurdles during high school, ranking third in New York State in the 400 meters by ninth grade. “Making it to the Olympics felt like winning the lottery,” she said. She competed in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and again in 2015 in Beijing.
In 2016, Shevon’s life took a dramatic turn when her husband, Jamie Nieto, a two-time Olympic high-jumper, suffered a jumping accident while coaching Olympic hopefuls. During one of his jumps, his foot slipped, resulting in a severe injury that left him paralyzed from the chest down. This life-changing event reshaped Shevon’s world forever.
She had to retire from sports and let go of her Olympic dreams. “Jamie kept apologizing, feeling as though he had ruined our dream,” she shared.
Jamie described this as a “heartbreaking” moment because he never wanted Shevon to give up on her dream. To help them both cope with the challenging times following his injury, Shevon wrote songs for Jamie.
He encouraged her to audition for America’s Got Talent to showcase her talent. “I married the woman that storybooks talk about,” he shared. “It feels great to win your races, but the hardest ones are often the best. That win makes it all worth it,” Shevon said.
Shevon performed an original song titled “Through The Good And Bad,” which she wrote for Jamie.
Guest judge Eric Stonestreet appeared deeply moved during Shevon’s performance, nearly in tears. As it was filmed during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, no audience was present for her audition. Shevon received a standing ovation from the judges for her original song and remarkable talent. We truly hope this ‘angel’ makes it all the way to the end of the show and takes home the win.
