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

Shots Fired Podcast

‘Shots Fired’ podcast: Why the Afroman lawsuit struck a nerve with cops

“Shots Fired” hosts broke down the lawsuit tied to a 2022 search warrant at rapper Afroman’s Ohio home, weighing search warrant tactics, privacy expectations and why the case became a viral punchline

March 23, 2026 12:33 PM

 · 

Sarah Roebuck

Airway and Transit Policing

2 police officers injured after jet crashes into fire truck at LaGuardia Airport, killing pilot and copilot

A fire truck responding to a separate incident was struck by a passenger jet as it landed; the pilot and copilot were killed, and two Port Authority Police officers were treated for broken bones

March 23, 2026 09:46 AM

Officer-Involved Shootings

BWC: Naked man fleeing from Calif. officers tries to attack them with shovel before OIS

Video from the incident shows the suspect initially surrendering to Yuba City officers before resisting, fleeing and arming himself with a shovel

March 23, 2026 10:39 AM

Ambush

U.S. Park Police officer wounded in ambush, agency states

Park Police Chief Scott Brecht said in a press briefing that the officer was ambushed by two gunmen who fired at the officer as he drove by in an unmarked vehicle

March 24, 2026 09:55 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.