Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon is the out gay son of a pastor who works as a janitor in his dad’s church, and he just delivered one hell of an audition for American Idol.
It’s not unusual for an AI audition to tug at the heartstrings, often helped (nudged? forced? whatever you want to call it) along by skilled production techniques employed to juice up the poignancy.
Related: WATCH: Drag queen Ada Vox stuns ‘American Idol’ judges with show-stopping Radiohead cover
But Harmon’s audition didn’t need any of that.
How about we take this to the next level?
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The aspiring singer-songwriter from Catonsville, Maryland stepped before judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan to sing an original song about whether gay people like him are allowed to go to heaven.
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In an interview segment that aired just ahead of his performance, Harmon shared a bit of his own coming out story, set against his strict religious upbringing:
“I first realized I was gay when I was nine years old. I had a crush on a guy in youth camp.
I first came out to my parents and my family three years ago. The consensus seemed to be that this is not a path that I should follow.
There’s times when I do feel alone. The hardest part for me is seeing how difficult it is for my family. I’m hopeful that it’s an experience where we can learn to grow together.”
Whether you believe in heaven as an actual place or not (and, come on…), Harmon’s struggle to figure out his place in the world is one that resonates with countless LGBTQ people.
Watch him perform his original song, “Almost Heaven”, below:
After he was finished, the visibly moved judges decided unanimously to advance him to the next round of the competition. Lionel Richie told him it’s time to ditch the broom.
jcoberkrom
I usually don’t watch these “talent shows” because all the heart tugging, backstory crap is annoying.
Having said that Jeremiah is a real talent. And let’s be honest AI needs Jeremiah, Jeremiah doesn’t need AI.
Waiting for the iTunes release !!!
It’s good to see that his parents support him enough to let AI film at their church.
@HarryB at q-meet.us
I usually don’t watch these “talent shows” too.
Doug
Wow, this was beautiful.
fur_hunter
Oh My God! What a powerful song. WOW! Brought tears to my eyes. WOW! I wish him much success. He deserves it. Maybe Ellen may hear of him and invite him on her show.
Gary Q VV
Cool idea, Ellen would love to have him on.
djbear
I understand the difficulty about family – my sons are ministers. I believe God created each person. I also believe being gay is not a choice. My sons accept me as Dad but find their theology (that they were taught in schooling) to be in question and that makes it difficult.
irbaboon
djbear, what do you mean by
“find their theology (that they were taught in schooling) to be in question” ?
OzJosh
This is a portrait of the damage done by Christian f***wits. The pain drips off him and the song demonstrates the torture he’s still putting himself through. I hope a music career can liberate him.
jdr11201
Yes Jeremiah,
God has a place for you in heaven but he has placed you at american idol you’ll praise him with your music. God bless you and good luck.
Catholicslutbox
lmfao. wtf are you on?
the Constitution in an Institution
My soul my heart my life is welling up with joy heartfelt wanting to wish this Man all of what God’s promises can be because he is a Child of God one of the most high. I know your story but in knowing.this I do not claim to.know you only relate to your story. I had a very hard time when.i came out wish I hadn’t because it hurt me in the worst way imaginable so I know the pain but the truth here is your life is one of truth an honesty mine was an is but in between finding truths I found lies an that’s where I turned to christ for healing an listening because with out Jesus our father says if you wanted to know who I am you have to go through my son to know who I am. I Best wishes hope you take them in Hollywood by Strom, cause your song is one that I truly relate to. An Idol fan.
Billysees
Interesting testimony and best wishes to you too.
Daniel Lachowski
Awww he’s really cute :3
Take me to the heaven Jeremiah ?
And he’s a ginger guy ?
That’s a mega plus to me ?
djmcgamester
That was so sweet. One of those things that really tugs at my heartstrings. Even teared up. I hope he has the success he deserves.
Tombear
The kid is talented, very talented. He would probably be better off with a short stint on Idol.
Rock-N-RollHS
Love him. Adorable. (But Billy Joel, mizz Richie? More like Elton goes gospel.)
Gary Q VV
Man, that was beautifully done. How could anybody not fall in love with Jeremiah, his song, and his guts to come out. He’s an excellent model for the LGBTQ community to aspire at whatever ‘makes them truly happy’ in life. Thanks Jeremiah, you have the love and support from many of us. Peace be with you!
tony-e
No matter how far he gets in the competition there better be a recording contract waiting for him