Ray Singleton’s America’s Got Talent Audition: A Deep Dive into His Inspiring Journey, Music, and Unwavering Love for Roslyn
The stage of America’s Got Talent is renowned for showcasing extraordinary talent, but sometimes, it’s the profound stories behind the performers that truly capture the hearts of millions. During the highly anticipated July 13 episode of AGT, singer Ray Singleton delivered a performance that transcended mere entertainment, offering a powerful testament to love, resilience, and the healing power of music. His emotional audition for the AGT judges was not just a display of vocal prowess but a window into a deeply personal journey shared with his beloved wife, Roslyn. As one of the most memorable and moving moments of AGT season 16, Ray’s story immediately resonated with viewers, setting him apart as a truly unique and inspiring contender.
Ray Singleton, accompanied by his wife Roslyn, walked onto the AGT stage, bringing with him a backstory that is as heartwarming as it is challenging. Their incredible love story, marked by profound devotion and unwavering support through adversity, has garnered significant attention even before his televised audition. Ray’s voice and his narrative promise to make him a standout figure in this season’s competition. To help audiences better understand the man behind the microphone, we’ve compiled five essential facts about Ray Singleton, shedding light on his journey and the remarkable bond he shares with Roslyn, which fuels his passion and artistry.
1. Ray’s Wife, Roslyn, is Battling Brain Cancer
At the very core of Ray Singleton’s inspiring journey is his profound love for his wife, Roslyn, who has bravely faced a formidable opponent: brain cancer. Their relationship began in 2016, and despite knowing about Roslyn’s health challenges from their very first date, Ray’s commitment never wavered. Roslyn, a decorated Navy veteran, revealed her initial diagnosis on that memorable first encounter. She had previously undergone treatment for an orange-sized tumor on her brain after returning from her service in Afghanistan. For six years, Roslyn lived cancer-free, a period of hopeful remission that allowed their love to flourish and solidify.
The couple exchanged vows in November 2018, embarking on their life together with optimism and shared dreams. However, their resilience was tested once again in 2019 when a second tumor was discovered. This recurrence brought back the immense challenges and emotional toll associated with such a serious illness. Despite the ongoing battle, their bond has only grown stronger, serving as a powerful example of enduring love and mutual support. Currently residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, Ray and Roslyn navigate the complexities of her treatment and daily life with unwavering faith and dedication to each other.
Just a week prior to the July 13 episode of America’s Got Talent, which featured Ray’s pivotal audition, Roslyn faced another hospitalization. This period of intense concern underscored the immediate and ongoing reality of their situation. Ray, a constant source of strength and comfort, diligently kept their growing community of fans updated through his Instagram account, sharing glimpses of their resilience and hope. Roslyn, in turn, also uses her Instagram platform to connect with supporters, offering her own updates and, most importantly, continuously showing her immense pride and unwavering support for her husband’s musical aspirations and his incredible journey on AGT. Their openness about their struggles has turned their personal battle into a source of inspiration for many, highlighting their incredible courage and deep affection.
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2. Ray Has Many Celebrity Fans
Ray Singleton’s heartfelt performances, particularly those dedicated to his wife Roslyn, have resonated deeply not only with the public but also with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. His ability to convey raw emotion and an inspiring message through his music has caught the attention of several notable celebrities, providing significant boosts to his growing platform and validating the universal appeal of his story.
One pivotal moment occurred in May 2020 when Ray shared one of his powerful videos on Twitter, thoughtfully tagging the acclaimed Oscar-winning musician John Legend. To Ray’s delight and the astonishment of his followers, John Legend himself responded with a simple yet profound commendation: “Beautiful!” This endorsement from an artist renowned for his soulful ballads and heartfelt lyrics was a tremendous recognition of Ray’s talent and the emotional depth of his work. It highlighted the authenticity of Ray’s music, which clearly transcended online virality to touch the soul of a fellow artist.
Beyond Legend, other prominent figures have also publicly expressed their admiration and support. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown, known for her engaging personality and philanthropic efforts, has consistently shown her support for both Ray and Roslyn, often amplifying their message of love and resilience. Her advocacy has helped draw more eyes to their inspiring journey. Additionally, the legendary hip-hop artist and producer Missy Elliott commented on one of Ray’s compelling videos on Instagram, further demonstrating the diverse appeal of his music and the genuine connection he makes with listeners across different genres and backgrounds. These celebrity endorsements not only bring wider visibility to Ray’s musical career but also underscore the universal impact of his personal story, inspiring hope and courage in audiences far and wide.
3. Ray Taught Himself to Play the Piano
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ray Singleton’s musical journey is his entirely self-taught mastery of the piano. While many aspiring musicians undergo formal training, Ray’s connection to music appears to be an innate and deeply personal one, developed through sheer passion and dedication. As he shared with The Charlotte Post, “I sat down at a piano at roughly 15 years old, and I taught myself how to play. To this day, I’ve never had a music lesson. I don’t know how to read music, but it’s in my DNA. It runs through me.”
This confession highlights not only his natural talent but also the raw, unpolished authenticity that defines his sound. Without the constraints of traditional music theory, Ray approaches the piano with an intuitive understanding, allowing his emotions to guide his fingers across the keys. This organic development of his musical skills contributes significantly to the heartfelt and often raw emotional quality of his performances, making his music deeply relatable and profoundly moving. His ability to self-teach speaks volumes about his self-discipline and an unyielding desire to express himself through sound.
Ray further emphasizes the pervasive role music plays in his life, stating, “My wife can tell you that I am singing 24/7. She has a healthy love-hate relationship with my singing, but it gets me through everything.” This candid admission reveals that music is not just a hobby or a profession for Ray; it is an integral part of his existence, a constant companion, and a therapeutic outlet. It helps him navigate life’s challenges, including the emotional rollercoaster of Roslyn’s illness. His piano playing and singing are not just performances; they are extensions of his soul, a means through which he processes joy, sorrow, hope, and an enduring love, making every note he plays and every lyric he sings imbued with genuine feeling.
4. Ray and His Wife Were on ‘Ellen’
Before captivating the judges and audience on America’s Got Talent, Ray and Roslyn Singleton had already touched the hearts of millions through a viral video that led them to an appearance on one of the most popular daytime talk shows: The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The video, which swept across social media platforms, showed Ray singing a beautiful, soulful rendition of a song to Roslyn just before she underwent surgery. This incredibly intimate and tender moment, captured and shared online, quickly resonated with people worldwide, highlighting the power of love and support during times of extreme vulnerability.
The raw emotion and unwavering devotion Ray displayed in the video were undeniable, and it wasn’t long before Ellen DeGeneres herself took notice. In 2020, Ray and Roslyn were invited as special guests on the show, where they openly shared their journey, their love story, and Roslyn’s ongoing battle with brain cancer. Their appearance on such a prominent national platform provided an invaluable opportunity to share their message of hope and resilience with an even wider audience, inspiring countless individuals facing similar challenges.
During their emotional interview with Ellen, the couple also received a heartwarming surprise: a special video message from legendary NBA star Dwyane Wade. Wade’s message was particularly poignant, recognizing their strength and serving as a testament to the broad impact of their story. To further acknowledge their courage and provide tangible support, Ellen DeGeneres presented Ray and Roslyn with a generous check for $25,000. This gift not only offered financial relief but also served as a powerful validation of their story and a public affirmation of their profound love. Their appearance on Ellen significantly amplified their public profile, setting the stage for their future endeavors, including their highly anticipated audition on America’s Got Talent, and making them household names synonymous with enduring love and strength.
5. He Attended Winthrop University
Ray Singleton’s journey to becoming an inspiring musician and public figure is underpinned by a solid educational background and deep roots in his community. Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Ray pursued higher education with a multifaceted approach, demonstrating his diverse talents and interests beyond music. He enrolled at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he achieved significant academic accomplishments.
At Winthrop, Ray earned a Bachelor’s degree in theater. This background in performing arts undoubtedly contributes to his ability to connect with an audience, command a stage, and convey deep emotion through his music and presence. His theatrical training likely honed his stage presence, vocal projection, and overall ability to tell a compelling story, all of which are evident in his powerful performances.
Further demonstrating his commitment to service and understanding of the human condition, Ray went on to earn a Master’s degree in counselor education. This advanced degree speaks volumes about his compassionate nature and his desire to help others. The skills acquired in counselor education—such as empathy, active listening, and communication—undoubtedly play a role in his personal interactions and the deeply empathetic way he shares his and Roslyn’s story. It provides him with a unique perspective on resilience and emotional support, which resonates so strongly with his audience.
Beyond his academic achievements, Ray remains actively involved in his community through his faith. According to The Charlotte Post, he serves as the minister of music at First Calvary Baptist Church in Rock Hill. This role combines his musical talent with his spiritual convictions, allowing him to lead and inspire through song within a communal setting. His dedication to his church and his academic pursuits paints a picture of a well-rounded individual whose talents and compassion extend far beyond the stage. These aspects of his life reinforce the genuine and caring persona that has captivated so many and continues to draw audiences to his powerful story on platforms like America’s Got Talent.