Blind Vietnam Veteran Robert Finley Delivers a Powerful Original Song on AGT
Robert Finley arrived on the America’s Got Talent stage with a story unlike most contestants.
At 65, Finley was a blind Vietnam veteran pursuing a lifelong passion for music. During his Season 14 audition, he performed an original song called “Get It While You Can,” combining a soulful voice with an energetic stage presence.
His performance quickly captured the attention of the judges and audience, leading all four judges to vote yes and send him through to the next round.
Who Is Robert Finley?
Robert Finley is a singer and songwriter from Louisiana who had maintained his connection to music throughout his life.
Before appearing on America’s Got Talent, Finley had served in the Vietnam War. Contemporary profiles reported that he served at age 19 before returning home and working as a carpenter while supporting his family.
Music, however, remained an important part of his life.
His eyesight later deteriorated because of glaucoma. By the time he appeared on AGT, he was legally blind, but he continued pursuing music rather than abandoning his longtime dream.
Robert Finley Performs “Get It While You Can”
For his AGT audition, Finley chose an original song titled “Get It While You Can.”
Rather than performing a familiar cover, he brought his own material to the competition. The upbeat performance showcased his soulful voice and energetic personality.
As the performance continued, the audience responded enthusiastically. Contemporary reports described the crowd getting on its feet, while coverage from Inside Edition noted that the judges and audience were immediately engaged by Finley’s performance.
The audition also gave viewers an opportunity to see Finley as an artist rather than simply focusing on his personal circumstances. His original material and distinctive voice became the center of the performance.
The Judges React to His Performance
Finley’s audition received strong reactions from the judging panel.
Julianne Hough told Finley that although he could not see the judges, she hoped he could feel the energy coming from the room. Simon Cowell also praised the quality of Finley’s voice, comparing it to something that had improved with age.
After the performance, Finley received the support he needed to continue in the competition.
Simon Cowell, Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union and Howie Mandel all voted yes, sending him forward to the next stage of America’s Got Talent.
More Than Just an Audition
What made Robert Finley’s appearance particularly memorable was the combination of his musical talent and the path that brought him to the AGT stage.
He had already experienced a long life before appearing on the show, including military service, family responsibilities and a career as a carpenter. Later, as his eyesight deteriorated, he returned more seriously to music.
Finley described his renewed relationship with music as a way of finding himself again. His story became an important part of his AGT introduction, but his audition ultimately gave viewers something more direct: an opportunity to hear his original music.
Robert Finley Continued His AGT Journey
Finley’s AGT story did not end with his initial audition.
During Season 14, he continued performing original songs. At the Judge Cuts, he performed “Medicine Woman,” and later performed “Starting to See” during the Quarterfinals. He eventually reached the Semifinals.
His Semifinals performance featured another original song, “Age Don’t Mean a Thing.” AARP reported in August 2019 that Finley had reached the semifinals and described him as a breakout star from the show.
He later returned to the America’s Got Talent universe for AGT: All-Stars in 2023, where he performed another original song, “Souled Out on You.”
Final Thoughts
Robert Finley’s America’s Got Talent audition remains memorable because it introduced viewers to a distinctive singer with an original sound and an extraordinary life story.
His performance of “Get It While You Can” demonstrated that he could command the AGT stage with his own music. At 65, the blind Vietnam veteran received four yes votes from the judges and continued his journey through the competition.
Finley’s story also became a reminder that pursuing a musical dream does not have to be limited by age or circumstance.
Watch the original Robert Finley AGT audition on YouTube:
