Va. police officer gets standing ovation for America’s Got Talent performance

By Joanna Putman
Police1

RICHMOND, Va. — Police Officer Mervin Mayo captivated the audience and judges on America’s Got Talent with his moving voice, Billboard reported.

Trending

Police1 Grants

Minn. PD’s nonfatal shooting unit’s success prompts statewide funding push

St. Paul officials say a focused investigative unit nearly doubled clearance rates and helped cut nonfatal shootings by 40%

May 08, 2026 06:23 PM

Mounted Police

NYPD Mounted Unit officer promoted after nabbing paroled killer in pursuit

Officer McLaughlin credited his horse partner, Kelly, with helping close the distance on the fleeing suspect, who was already on lifetime parole for killing a livery cab driver during a botched robbery

May 09, 2026 07:47 AM

Bizarre Beat

Mass. man driving front-end loader leads police on ‘slow-speed’ pursuit

The driver fled erratically at 15mph while ignoring Worcester Police officers’ instructions to stop the vehicle

May 09, 2026 07:00 AM

Officer Safety

Wash. deputy survives shooting 32 years after brother’s line-of-duty death

Detective Travis Feldner was shot twice while responding to a burglary call, 32 years after his older brother, an Idaho police officer, was killed investigating a stolen car

May 09, 2026 08:25 AM

Mayo, who serves with the Richmond Police Department, received four enthusiastic yeses and a standing ovation for his rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” according to the report.

Mayo shared his personal story before performing, speaking about his challenging upbringing in Richmond’s housing projects and how a police officer named Curtis Simmons helped steer him away from a life of crime, according to the report.

“I’ve seen more murders as a child than I have as a police officer,” Mayo revealed, explaining his motivation to become a police officer and mentor.

Encouraged by his wife Michelle, who is the director of school counseling for Richmond Public Schools, Mayo decided to audition for America’s Got Talent. His performance was not just a song but a tribute to his wife and their shared journey, according to the report.

To follow Mayo’s journey on America’s Got Talent, tune in on Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC or stream the next day on Peacock.