2 Moms Connected By A Heart Transplant Teamed Up For Emotional 'AGT' Performance

Jul 27, 2023

"America's Got Talent" is one of the biggest talent shows in the world. The show was created by serial entrepreneur and TV personality Simon Cowell in 2006. Since its inception, it has become one of the most loved and watched competition reality TV shows worldwide. Not only has it gained worldwide popularity, but other versions built on the show's premise have also sprung up in different countries. 

Since the show premiered in 2006, it has been the starting point for several talented hopefuls, providing them a platform to showcase their skills and expand their fan base. It has also helped many kickstart their careers in the entertainment industry. Regardless of whether they walk away with the grand prize, several participants have become stars in their own right due to their participation in the show. 

What's more, the show is not restricted to a particular talent; singers, dancers, stunt performers, comedians, contortionists, magicians, and a wide array of talented people across all genres are welcome to showcase their talents on the show.

Besides the thrilling show of talent, "AGT" has featured some of the most inspirational stories on TV. It has allowed people with disabilities, long-term ailments, and unfortunate life occurrences to become a part of something vast and rewarding. One such inspirational story featured in the auditions for the 18th season of the show. In an audition video shared by "America's Got Talent" on July 19, 2023, two moms, Holly Campbell, and Kim Scadlock, united by a heart transplant, gave a magical rendition at the "AGT" auditions. 

The "America's Got Talent" audience was treated to an emotional performance when Campell and Scadlock, who live across the country from each other, sang "For Good" from the musical "Wicked" for their audition. 

The performance was incredibly emotional due to the circumstances surrounding their meeting. Campbell, who hails from Odyssey, New York, revealed that her son, Jake, became an organ donor after he died in 2007, and his heart went to Scadlock's son, Beckham. Scadlock, who lives in Eugene, Oregon, provided more context to Campbell's story. She revealed that Beckham was 16 days old when he got Jake's heart, highlighting that she and Cambell were strangers before the surgery.   

Scadlock wrote to Campbell years after the surgery, and the moms have continued to stay in touch since then. When they eventually met physically, the moms melted into a hug, and for Campbell, that moment was one of the best in her life.

"We would love to spread the word about organ donation. If we could change the heart of one person, it's worth it," Scadlock told the audience before she and Campbell sang the song from "Wicked."

The moms, who were wearing matching green and blue color-coordinated outfits, held hands and looked into each other's eyes as they brought their performance to a close. At the end of their rendition, the audience gave the moms a standing ovation, applauding them for their emotional rendition. 

"I have never responded well to musical theater. They over-dramatize singing, so this is the first time in my life that I've felt a connection to this kind of music. That was probably the most magical moment I have ever experienced on 'America's Got Talent,'" Howie Mandel said.

The other judges commended the women for their magical performance and gave them a nod to the next round.

What do you think of Holly Campbell and Kim Scadlock's emotional story? Let us know your thoughts — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family members, and fellow “AGT” fans.