In a heartwarming and unexpected turn of events, 13-year-old Chase Varnes from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, captivated audiences and judges alike during his audition on the 20th season of America’s Got Talent (AGT), which aired on June 17, 2025. Performing a stirring rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Life Goes On,” Varnes turned a rocky start into a breakout moment, earning praise that has propelled him into the spotlight as a rising star. As of 2:20 PM +07 on Friday, June 20, 2025, this young talent’s performance has sparked widespread admiration, trending online and igniting discussions about his potential to follow in the footsteps of music icons. This audition not only showcased Varnes’ raw talent but also highlighted the unpredictable magic of AGT, leaving viewers eager to see what’s next for this Canadian prodigy.

The Audition: A Rocky Start Turns Triumphant

Chase Varnes stepped onto the AGT stage with a nervous energy, introducing himself as a self-taught guitarist who began drumming at age four and picked up the guitar just two years ago. Hailing from a farm on the Saanich Peninsula, Varnes shared his dream of bringing joy to audiences on a big stage, a goal supported by his parents. His initial performance was an original composition, a heartfelt but unpolished tune that failed to impress judge Simon Cowell. Midway through, Cowell interrupted, saying, “I hate to do this… I didn’t love the song; however, I like you. Have you got another song?” The abrupt halt drew boos from the audience, a rare moment of defiance against the notoriously tough judge.

Undeterred, Varnes showcased his resilience by pivoting to a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Life Goes On,” a poignant ballad originally featuring Luke Combs, released in 2023. The shift transformed the atmosphere. His clear, emotive voice and confident strumming filled the Pasadena, California, studio, earning an immediate eruption of applause. The performance, taped in March 2025, aired on NBC at 8:00 PM ET, captivating both the live crowd and the at-home audience with its sincerity and youthful vigor.

The Judges’ Response: A Mix of Praise and Caution

The judges’ reactions underscored Varnes’ potential while reflecting their diverse perspectives. Howie Mandel was the first to chime in, beaming, “You know, you remind me of a young Justin Bieber,” drawing a parallel to the Canadian pop star’s early career. The compliment lit up Varnes’ face, highlighting his connection to Bieber’s journey from busking to global fame. Sofia Vergara added, “I know it’s nerve-wracking to be on this stage, but I thought it was better the second song,” acknowledging his growth within the audition. Simon Cowell, softening his earlier critique, conceded, “You, I actually do believe you have something. I can tell how much you love music… and the audience loved you,” signaling his approval despite the initial rejection.

Mel B, however, offered a more reserved take. “You’re a diamond in the rough, you have so much potential,” she said, “but I can see your nervousness. You’re not quite there yet for me.” Her lone holdout vote contrasted with the others, but her comments were framed as encouragement rather than dismissal. The final tally—three “yes” votes from Mandel, Vergara, and Cowell—secured Varnes’ advancement, a testament to his ability to win over the panel despite the rocky start.

The Performance’s Impact: A Viral Sensation

Varnes’ audition has become a standout moment of AGT’s 20th season, trending alongside a lineup of quirky acts like Moshow, the cat-rap enthusiast, and Loco Pop Familia, a feline-themed dance troupe. His cover of “Life Goes On” has racked up over 500,000 views on YouTube within days, with fans praising his emotional delivery and stage presence. Posts found on social media platforms highlight the performance’s authenticity, with one user noting, “That kid’s got soul—Ed Sheeran would be proud!” Another remarked, “Chase turned a no into a yes—pure talent shining through.”

The comparison to Justin Bieber has fueled excitement, given Bieber’s rise from a YouTube discovery to a global icon. Varnes himself acknowledged this influence in a post-audition live video, expressing admiration for Bieber’s story and suggesting a potential collaboration. He also cited country star Luke Combs as an inspiration, appreciating his songwriting approach, which aligns with Varnes’ own original compositions. This blend of influences has positioned him as a versatile contender, blending pop and country sensibilities.

A Glimpse into Varnes’ Background

Chase Varnes is no stranger to performing, having honed his craft at the Sidney Market on Vancouver Island, where he busked last summer. The 13-year-old, a Grade 8 student at Pacific Christian School, began his musical journey with drums before teaching himself guitar, a skill he’s mastered in just two years. His local fame grew with a CHEK News feature in October 2024, when his recorded music hit streaming platforms for the first time. The AGT stage, a far cry from the market’s modest crowds, tested his nerves, but he told the outlet, “It’s about the same number of people as the Sidney Market,” reflecting his grounded perspective.

Varnes’ audition was taped in March 2025, kept under wraps until the June 17 airing, a secrecy he found challenging. “It’s been difficult,” he admitted to CHEK News, “I want to tell people how I did.” His excitement post-broadcast was palpable, with his phone “blowing up” with messages from friends and family, many unaware of his success until the episode aired. This grassroots support has bolstered his confidence as he prepares for the next rounds.

The AGT Journey Ahead

Varnes’ advancement marks the beginning of a potentially long run on AGT, which continues with audition episodes in the coming weeks, culminating in live shows leading to the August 20, 2025, finale. His next appearance remains unannounced, but his youth and potential suggest a strong showing if he builds on this momentum. Plans to perform at the Sidney Market throughout the summer and at Sunfest in Lake Cowichan in late July demonstrate his commitment to his local roots, even as he eyes broader horizons.

Post-audition, Varnes is heading to Austin, Texas, to collaborate with his producer and lawyer on new music, a move that could refine his original songs and capitalize on his AGT exposure. His promise to “give so much more” in future performances reflects a determination to overcome the nervousness Mel B noted, positioning him as a contender to watch.

The Cultural Context

Varnes’ rise coincides with a vibrant 2025 AGT season, featuring diverse acts like the Golden Buzzer-winning Funkateer Dancers and the innovative Boston Dynamics robot performance. His audition stands out for its emotional authenticity amid novelty acts, resonating with viewers seeking genuine talent. The show’s 4.5 million average viewers provide a massive platform, and Varnes’ Canadian roots add an international flavor, echoing Bieber’s cross-border success.

The performance also taps into Ed Sheeran’s enduring appeal. With Sheeran’s 2025 album Play and his status as a global icon—selling 200 million records—his song “Life Goes On” offered Varnes a familiar yet challenging canvas. The choice highlighted Varnes’ versatility, blending Sheeran’s folk-pop with his own youthful energy, a combination that won over the judges and audience.

Why This Moment Matters

Chase Varnes’ audition is more than a feel-good story; it’s a testament to resilience and talent. His ability to recover from Cowell’s critique and deliver a show-stopping performance showcases a maturity beyond his years, earning him a place in AGT’s legacy of discovering young stars. The audience’s boos, turning to cheers, reflect a public hunger for authentic moments, a sentiment amplified by the show’s live format.

The Bieber comparison has ignited dreams of stardom, but Varnes’ grounded approach—planning local gigs and citing Combs—suggests a focus on growth over instant fame. This balance could define his journey, making his AGT run a narrative of potential unfolding in real-time.

Final Thoughts

Chase Varnes’ triumphant audition on America’s Got Talent on June 17, 2025, with his rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Life Goes On,” has won over judges and viewers alike, marking him as a rising star. From a shaky start to a standing ovation, his performance embodies the spirit of AGT, turning a young farm boy into a national sensation. As of June 20, 2025, the world watches with anticipation, eager to see if this 13-year-old’s talent will carry him to the season’s finale and beyond, proving that sometimes, the smallest stages lead to the biggest dreams.\

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