‘America’s Got Talent’ video: How viral is John Hetlinger’s ‘Bodies’ cover?

One of the new things that we’re trying to do this season is chart the viral potential for several of the different acts taking part in “America’s Got Talent” this season, almost as some sort of gauge in order to determine whether or not some of these people could be genuine contenders in the live shows down the line.

For John Hetlinger in potential, we are certainly looking at someone who could be an interesting case. He’s an 82-year old who loves to apparently sing heavy metal, and in some ways, his cover of “Bodies” is similar to other acts on seasons past that have received four Xs and have been sent along their way. What makes his different, especially to the point that he has received more than four million views on YouTube for this one video below? We attribute it to a few things.

1. The element of surprise – This is clearly one of the last things that you expect to see from a man John’s age. The show has done something similar in the past courtesy of a young girl singing death metal.

2. John’s own story – This is an accomplished man with a history of doing great things for the Hubble Space Telescope and, therefore, the world. Seeing him go have a little bit of fun for himself is a nice little story, and in an odd way inspirational since he’s still trying to do some things to live life to the fullest.

3. NBC getting its social media together – It’s so much easier to isolate clips and share them than it was during the first few seasons of “AGT.” Back then, John would’ve probably just been a flash in the pan.

To get some more news on another act going viral, head over here for more on Grace VanderWaal. Also, sign up over here to score some other TV news on all we cover, sent right over to you via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfR5O2PXzfc