Lachune Boyd, a master of music student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, has taken over the spotlight on “America’s Got Talent.” Boyd, who specializes in voice, received glowing reviews and a standing ovation from the four judges during her audition.
Boyd, a pastor’s daughter from South Carolina, chose a creative arrangement of Coldplay’s song “Yellow” for her audition, wowing the audience with her reinterpretation. Her performance received unanimous approval from the judges, guaranteeing her progression in the competition. Best known for his high standards, Simon Cowell praised Boyd’s vocal prowess, saying, “You have a beautiful, beautiful voice, and I am really fascinated. It was a fantastic audition.”
Judge and comedian Howie Mandel echoed Cowell’s sentiment with equally enthusiastic praise. He said, “You showed us that these walls that people feel like they’re stuck behind, you make them yourself. You tore down that wall, and luckily you did because you made your way right here, and your life is about to change.” The life-altering change he referred to was moving forward in the competition.
Judges Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum mirrored the sentiment, quickly giving Boyd the coveted “yes” vote necessary to advance. Aside from her recent “AGT” performance, Boyd has only one semester left for her graduate degree and has already made her mark at SWBTS. She’s been a prominent figure in the Cowden Hall Band and the Southwestern A Cappella Choir.
Joseph Crider, the School of Church Music and Worship dean at Southwestern Seminary, noted, “Lachune is nearly finished with her master’s in vocal performance. And not only is she gifted as a singer, but she is also a deep well in her understanding of aesthetics and the biblical foundations of her art as a singer and musician.”
Despite growing up as a pastor’s daughter in South Carolina and earning her undergrad degree from North Greenville University, Boyd initially had reservations about seminary. She said she didn’t feel drawn to the local church ministry and was more passionate about developing her creativity and pursuing her musical career.
While at SWBTS, Boyd also worked as an artist of residence in Fort Worth and even released her first recording project, “Sing Hallelujah!” She serves as a vocal coach for Shine by Carey Lewis, an intensive training program for aspiring performers. Her passion lies in nurturing singers at all levels, focusing on contemporary commercial music genres, including gospel, Christian contemporary, pop, R&B/soul, and music theater.
This recent development in Boyd’s musical journey marks a departure from her previous ensemble auditions, as she noted: “Unlike auditioning for an ensemble, you are really alone when you are auditioning for AGT. Because it is you, not a group, it was a bit lonelier of an experience for me compared to when I auditioned for a band.”