On May 22, the organizers of the America’s Got Talent contest posted on Youtube the entry of contestant Archie Charles Williams (born 1960) – a former American prisoner.

This performance immediately received the attention of a large number of online communities not only because of his singing voice but also about this man’s contradictory life story.

Appearing on the show, Archie Charles Williams said he had just spent 36 years in prison unjustly because he was accused of raping and murdering a woman in 1982 in Louisiana. At this time, police did not find Archie Charles Williams’ fingerprints or evidence of crime at the scene. However, he was still sentenced to 80 years in prison and has been in prison since January 1983 in Angola.

In March 2019, Williams was exonerated and released from prison thanks to the help of the Innocence Project New Orleans organization. Using modern technology, they proved that the fingerprints at the crime scene belonged to a serial rapist.

During the audition, Williams performed the song Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me by famous singer Elton John. All four judges and the audience were very moved, even unable to hold back their tears before this competition.

“I watched ‘America’s Got Talent’ in prison and imagined myself there. I’ve always wanted to be on a stage like this, and now I’m here. Thank God! I know this is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Williams confided.

On his personal page, judge Simon Cowel also expressed his emotions: “I think the judges and more than 3,500 spectators will agree to let Williams go to the next round. An unforgettable performance. From today, the song This brings a new meaning and story.”