Watch Ed Sheeran’s cover of Police Officer

Photo credit: NBC

In an episode full of stunning performances, it was Richmond, VA police officer Mervin Mayo who really caught the eye. America’s Got Talent.

His soulful interpretation of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” amazed the jury and the audience alike and earned him four enthusiastic “yes” votes and a standing ovation.

Mayo, who has dedicated his life to helping at-risk youth, told a very personal story before his performance. He talked about his difficult childhood in Richmond’s public housing and how a police officer named Curtis Simmons saved him from a life of crime.

“I saw more murders as a kid than I did as a cop,” Mayo revealed. That experience inspired him to become a police officer and mentor at-risk youth. For 17 years, he worked tirelessly to give them the same guidance he once received.

With the encouragement of his wife Michelle, the director of school counseling for Richmond Public Schools, Mayo decided to take a leap of faith and America’s Got TalentHis performance of “Thinking Out Loud” was more than just a song – it was a tribute to his wife and their journey together.

As Mayo sang, he frequently glanced upstage to see Michelle proudly watching, adding a level of real emotion to his performance.

His smooth, soulful voice captured the essence of Sheeran’s romantic ballad and his heartfelt performance resonated with everyone in the room.

The jury was visibly moved by Mayo’s story and performance. “You really have a great voice and everything you did was sincere,” praised Simon Cowell. Sofia Vergara agreed and said: “You are a beautiful couple and your voice is spectacular. Super romantic, how lovely that you love her and sing for her.”

Howie Mandel praised the couple’s commitment to their community, saying, “They are the people who keep us safe and who are in our school system. They both serve the community and that is a wonderful thing.”

Heidi Klum summed up the jury’s feelings: “You sounded great up there. You felt at home. I felt the love. It was beautiful.”

Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” was a huge hit on the Billboard charts. Released in 2014 as part of his album x (multiply)The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained in the top 10 for 23 weeks.

It was also the first song to spend an entire year in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. In addition, “Thinking Out Loud” topped the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart and earned Sheeran two Grammy Awards in 2016 for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. In his home country, “Thinking Out Loud” spent two weeks at the top of the Official UK Singles Chart.

To see how Mayo progress in the competition, tune in America’s Got Talent Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC, or watch it streaming the next day on Peacock.

You can see his entire performance here: America’s Got Talent below.