Thursday, June 13, 2013 11:01am ET by  
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'America's Got Talent' singer wows judges, but reveals his parents kicked him out for being gay

20-year-old Jonathan Allen from Tennessee recently auditioned for 'America's Got Talent' and blew the judges away, but revealed shocking details of his private life that encouraged the panel to declare themselves his 'new family'.

The incredibly talented young opera vocalist explained that when he was just 18, his parents kicked him out because he came out to them as a gay man: "My parents, they didn’t really support my lifestyle."

"I haven’t seen my parents in about two and a half years. I love them with all my heart. I don’t know if they still love me. It’s been difficult and music is what makes me feel like I belong."

Following his stunning audition, which was met with a crowd-wide standing ovation, judge Howie Mandel told him: "You seem like a good person and you have a dream, and a talent. Your own family disowned you. With your talent, this show has become your family and we would like to say welcome home. We love you, we accept you and we're so proud you came here."

Spice Girls superstar Mel B also acknowledged Allen's confidence and security in his own skin, adding: "You just made me melt and well done to you, standing there proud and confident in yourself."

 

 

 

Watch Allen's audition below: