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Military Veteran Benjamin Hightower Sings Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" | AGT 2025
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- Published on Jul 14, 2025
- After 7 years of active duty in the Air Force, Benjamin Hightower makes a courageous decision to leave the military and pursue music! His emotional rendition of “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan earns high praise and a standing ovation from the judges.
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Military Veteran Benjamin Hightower Sings Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" | AGT 2025
• Military Veteran Benja...
America's Got Talent
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#AGT #AmericasGotTalent 
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This guy went to my elementary school and would sing during our school performances! Ben's always had such a kind soul and I'm glad to see he's still singing
thats so cool!! great to hear
Find out if he can do backflips😊
@@louis9945 He has his own lane. I do see the similarities though.
@@louis9945im 35 and will backflip off anything. Thank high school lol
@@williamchitty6875👍thats so hot bro...no diddy😋
He looks like a child of Benson Boone and Patrick Dempsey, and his talent is absolutely unique and one of a kind. I'm so excited to hear more of his music!
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Same thoughts!
HAHAHHAAHHA
Yes!!! I can’t I see it!
Isn't Benson Boone 20/21? A child himself?
He's older than Boone. Boone is his child.
I had the privilege to be his first sgt. Incredibly talented young man. You all saw it. Great person, go get ‘em LT
This has to be my favourite audition so far this season..... so cool you knew him!!!
sure you were.
@@six3477 and you know different?? Sorry but i would believe Kevin over you anytime!
@@cynthiajones9540 I can confirm it was true, I was Kevins superior officer
Instead of the back and forth banter of who's really who... I'd just like to tell you gentlemen, thank you for your service and time that was sacrificed away from your families for our security and freedom's here at home in the Great USA!!! ❤ 🇺🇸🇺🇸❤🙏🙏
Petition to release this song in his own version & make it available on Spotify.
Duet with Chappell!
Yess
Absolutely! I felt it was better than the original song. With respect.
Apple Music Too please
I will sign 👍
That should’ve received a golden buzzer as far as I’m concerned
Nah, I'm glad they let him finish. I've had this on replay.
I think they wanted to keep listening! =)
I do as well, but one of the reasons they won’t give a golden buzzer even if the act is really good, is so they can see the artist perform and enjoy more performances before the live shows. I’m ok with that since I know I’m not the only one watching this on a loop! Lol He’s up to 2.1M views in 2 weeks just on THIS video alone!
@@KaBooMxSame! 😂
he's great but singers don't need the gold buzzer. they get far enough in the show on their own
I love all the comments from people who knew him when saying how lovely he is 🥹🥹🥹
You might like his free Substack article “My Widest Circle Yet” from last July. Fills in some of the back story of how he went from conservative Alabama family to moving to New York and singing that very gay song on national tv.
It makes my heart so happy 🖤
The laugh at the end, He's so happy to make everyone happy. I think that's what makes him great.
Absolutely! I totally noticed this too! And not to mention... He had sooo much fun! How can you not have a blast watching someone like him smile and sing and just live his dream! That's real happiness, that we heard!
@@MurphyanASLI couldn’t have said it any better! You hit the nail on the head! Throughout his whole performance, I had a massive smile on my face. I heard that song so many times, but this was the first time that it made me think about how I risked it all and suddenly moved from Honolulu to Los Angeles and lived on Sunset Blvd. and was dancing at the clubs and having the time of my life…all the while telling my dad that I was doing well & that I was happy. When I came out to him, all he asked was “are you happy?” And after I said “yes”, I knew that’s all my dad ever wanted for me…so I’d always be sure to tell whenever I was happy in life. So even though he’s been gone for 10 years, hearing Ben sing this song really brought back good memories of my dad. 🥰❤️
Awesome voice & love his personality
I think that laugh at the end could win this for him. Hear me out. Showed him having fun, felt oh so human, and drew folks right in.
I loved his little giggle at the end and watch this audition over and over.....
He’s one my classmates from USAFA and is genuinely a great person. This is just the beginning!!!
So heartwarming to see all his (ex-)classmates praise him! ❤
@@mevrouwroosit’s interesting to see so many of these people supposedly happy to see him singing this gay af song, but he didn’t feel like he could come out until years after the academy. I’m sure he would prefer them to have been supportive back then, instead of bandwagon jumping now that he’s being praised on national tv 🤨
Air Force? It all makes sense now.
@@eknmo get that hater energy outta here
jealous AF haters
This deserved a golden buzzer
Definitely! Best audition by far!
His voice is perfect
@@PeggyPearsonagree
I agree 100%!
Totally
My god, this guy must bring so much light and joy to everyone he meets. Such radiance is RARE.
That man smiles with just his eyes. It’s crazy.
Please STOP SMOKING crack
It’s like the opposite of MrBeast’s dead eyes 😅
@@Ryan-hm5mu- get counseling
I loved how you could feel his warm heart, but also that he was staying composed and professional while the adrenaline was coursing through his veins and the swell of emotion. His story is so cool to be former military and to come in singing that song choice and looking like an older Benson Boone and a modern Freddy Mercury. I hope he goes far in life!
That genuine laugh at the end…. He’s just having fun on the stage. That was awesome!
That stood out to me too. Awesome energy
If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong! He looks so joyful as he sings.
how could you not love Benjamin...the laugh at the end, the joy he has in performing ...and the crowd erupting in unbridled glee as he wrapped it all so seamlessly together
I have seriously watched this 100x, something about the authenticness of his joy while performing just makes me so happy.
Me too, the joy on his face reaches out to me. ❤
If you give off the impression that you're having the time of your life up on the stage, it's such a cheat code to winning the crowd over and this guy has that in spades
Very well said, he was having the time of his life and it came through to the audience.
This is by far my FAVORITE version of pink pony club.
same here man!
Same here!!
Same it’s better than the original I need it on Spotify
@@rebeccasaunders2359 I absolutely agree!
Yeah, the best cover by far in my opinion 🥹
That laugh at the end, he literally doesn’t know how good he is. Pure joy 🤩
The fact that this didn't get a golden buzzer is insaaaaaane
Its a gpod song
It’s not 3.1427…
Right.. and old dudes that dance got a golden VS this talent 🙄
What does this mean? I thought maybe a 3.14 referecne bht wring digits @@laurademarrais3248
Hey was LITERALLY just having fun and never stopped smiling the whole audition
I noticed that also
Yes. Him being so happy made me happy.
Oh, he's just having fun...
Reminds me of how Freddie Mercury could command an audience, even when sitting down. I wish this version was on iTunes.
I think soon it'll be everywhere.
Very gayly
As an Air Force retiree, I am super proud of this guy and expect him to go very far in the music business. Congratulations, Benjamin!
Thank you for your service, sir.
Nothing about the us forces are a +
❤️🤍💙🇺🇸
USA🎗
@@sarahgodin6212why?
Wow, I love him. I think he's gonna be a star. He's a natural. He reminds me of Benson Boone, who I also love! He should have gotten a golden buzzer!
Totally agree. I was surprised that he didn’t get one. He was that good
So Ben reminds you of Benson? Hehe. I’m not sure people have realized that they’re both named Ben too. 🥰
Exactly
I thought Benson Boone twin immediately. they should sing together, they would be great!!!
@@elizabethhabermehl4886Ben & Ben can sing together. 😁
This man is so good!! His voice is soft and powerful at the same time and those high notes came out so effortlessly. Extremely good audition, bravo benjamin!
He was having a blast performing, and as a result I had a blast watching him! Love him!
Great personality, beautiful range, his energy is fire!! He’s a star. Some people are just born to do it and he’s definitely one of them
I think this guy can sing anything. His personality and voice will make people fall in love with him. He will go a long long way...
his voice could use some improvement, but his enthusiasm really carries him. To be fair people think they can sing Chappell when she is an artist's artist for a reason, she can go places most people couldn't dream of, so its tough for an audition, he has a little bit of wobble that I'm sure could be worked out. Good stage performers connect with the audience, and he has that going for him.
@@Gee-xb7rtit’s his vibrato. he has a quick vibrato which can definitely be worked out. what does an artist’s artist mean? i was curious what you meant by that.
@@camara1194 people that appreciate Chappell Roan for her singing and writing talent, not that its just a great bop, even though she writes pop songs they aren't easy to sing. This season of AGT should be interesting, Jourdan Blu is an incredible talent, and like this guy just kind of born to be an entertainer.
@@Gee-xb7rt ah!! thank you! i understand you now. yeah i agree with you on that❤
You know sometimes you don’t get a golden buzzer cause that means ppl and the judges want to hear more of you. What an excellent performance!!!
I wish Jourdan Blue wouldn't have gotten it so I could hear more.
I agree! And I think while the Golden Buzzer is great for some acts, it doest't work for all because people need to see you & get to know you. IMO, the buzzer can be a disadvantage!
Unless you are someone like Sydnie Christmas, whoose BGT 2024 golden buzzer audition was so incredible that there was no doubt she was a generational talent, and would coast to victory. @myspencer50
I kept wondering if one of the judges (or Terry) would give the golden buzzer. Honestly I was a little surprised nobody used it, although it seems more often than not that people who get the buzzer have some sort of interesting, unique, sometimes sad story to tell. I’m not casting judgment on its use in that way, just sayin’….
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 WTF?
Please release this cover song on music platforms please!!!!!!!!! He did such a good job!!!!!
The joy he has is just infectious. Exactly what we need in the world right now!
He has what I call, “infectious energy”! He is a star in the making.
💯✨🥰
I’m calling it right now: this dude is winning AGT and going places. He has something special. Not the best voice we’ve seen in this competition, but definitely the voice of a star.
He and jourdan .... I really prefer Ben though now that I heard this....
Couldn’t agree more! Sometimes it’s not just about having the “best” voice, but about that unique spark and presence. This guy definitely has it! Who else thinks he’s got the X-factor to make it all the way? What kind of songs would you love to hear him tackle next?
Aaron rodgers?
Also he has the best stage presence 🎉
It was phenomenal audition. I actually prefer his version of the song. That being said let's be real now, he aint winning it all.
Best audition I have ever seen. Absolutely fantastic
This dudes eyes tells us he’s a performer through and through. He’s happy to perform and he’s glad everyone is enjoying the show.
His laugh of joy at the end of that song was pure joy and that’s what that performance was to watch - pure joy
I like the laugh at the end. Man been playing this 100x
Right? That laugh is everything!
Same hehe
Totally. It was the vibe of the entire song for him!
One of my favorite AGT auditions ever. I just love everything about this guy, I can't stop watching this!
Me too! I've lost count of my views. LOL
I appreciate he did not change the lyrics! He IS baby girl!
U know when Simon gets "the look" when he knows someone is very good.
I always image money signs in his eyes with that look.
@@EffRocco4evaElmobest description. Lol
He has such an infectious smile and a genuinely positive vibe/aura about him. Hope he goes far with his dream and gets the chance to sell out arenas.
He is charismatic and has an amazing voice!
Benson clone
@@dennismclaurin1487 Ben is older- veteran.. ( no jumping ) 😜
@@dennismclaurin1487Well they’re both named Ben. 😜
This should be on Spotify. Can't stop listening to this.
I agree it was such a good performance, I have tears in my eyes and not sure why, maybe pure joy in a time, where joy is so hard to find.
Amazing. What a stage presence.
A star is born. He’s so good!
That was the performance of someone who’s been touring to sold out crowds for a decade. Such pure joy and enjoyment for performing, and oozing talent to boot. More of him please.
He was born to be a performer. Amazing.
Totally!
He was AMAZING!! With everyone being so obsessed with Pink Pony Club, I had my suspicions. But he slayed and it looked like he had an absolute blast.
Did you watch Connor sing it on this past series of The Voice? I don’t listen to the radio so I never heard the song before, and Connor sang it so good that it brought a tear to my eye. Connor has an almost perfect sounding voice…but what I liked about Ben’s performance is that he has this rawness to his voice, filled with little imperfections that makes it feel so grounded and connected to his audience. His rendition of the song felt so authentic and came straight from his soul. Ben’s rendition actually made me tear up a little. It reminded me of when I just packed up my things in Honolulu and moved to Los Angeles…all while (in my case it was my dad) calling home to say I was okay and finally being myself and enjoying life.
Crazy that the song is several years old.
His version is better than Chappell’s. Love his version and I have watched it on a loop several times. Doesn’t hurt that he’s also so darn cute.
@@ProudCynicnah, CR’s voice complements better with the song. But his is a close second tho.
This is the BEST cover of this song I've heard to date.
I mean he’s energy just makes me want to smile. What a man.
Friend of a friend's daughter died this past winter. She was close friends with this guy. The daughter thought he was the nicest greatest guy. My friend sent me this link.
He sang at my daughters church in NYC (the choir)
I have watched this video many, many times. I just love how much fun he is having. It makes me have fun right along with him. Love it!
I loved this version of this song! Plus, he's absolutely adorable and you can tell he loved being up on stage performing for everyone. Great energy!
I absolutely love this version! He's amazing!
This man is pure joy ❤
Simon tried to hide that smile for a while but it was over when the chorus hit 😂😂😂
He’s so likable
I can't stop watching him love the song
Heavy Fready Mercury energy! Watching someone do what they are meant to do and something they CLEARLY love its like electricity. I was so happy for him I started crying. 😂❤
🤣🤣🤣🤣 please STOP SMOKING crack
There is something special about this man,..
As a USAF veteran, I'm always happy to see a fellow veteran follow their dreams and succeed. Great performance, good luck to Ben in his next career. Looks like he's having a blast, I'll enjoy watching him this season.
As the child of a USAAF veteran, I couldn't agree more.
His smile is truly infectious and his demeanor just radiates kindness.
There’s been a few great singing auditions so far, but this dude raised the bar to a level I don’t think anyone can touch. If there was a Golden Buzzer worthy audition, this should have been it. I wish all the best for him, he deserves success!
There have been at least four singing acts where they completely transformed the song they were performing and all of them have insanely powerful voices so its going to be extremely tough. They weren't just great, they were all phenomenal: Ben, Jourdan Blue, the guitar player who performed "Iris" by the Googoo Dolls, and the folk band with that big boy who belted out "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
I’ve watched this at least 10 times since seeing it yesterday. This man is an absolute natural performer, it’s effortless and the joy is all over his face the whole time. Love him! LOVE HIM
That laugh at the end is adorable hehe
He’s a born performer and will have a future in this industry one hundred percent
I don't think I have ever been so invested after just one performance, I absolutely LOVED him!
That smile and chuckle at the end summed up and made the perfect conclusion to the energy and vibrance of such a spectacular performance
He deserved the golden buzzer, wtf. I’ve fallen in love. I watch the video once and then I have to come back and watch it again because there’s no recording of this and it’s so much better than the original
This may be my favorite AGT audition of all time. This man just exudes joy, I can’t wait to hear more from him!
I think we all fell in love with him!! He is so charismatic ❤
This guy is so stinkin cute and his eyes just light up while performing! Hope to see more of him!
The way he was singing to his mother was full of pride and joy !!!
His laughter is incredibly authentic, I think I might just have fallen in love
He deserved a golden buzzer for sure!!!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
He was on the show in 2017 as part of a group. It was a military singing group called In The Stairwell.
They were great.
Thanks for the info. It's odd that AGT left this off his background, as others who had been on before mentioned it.
And Howie gave them a buzzer at the original audition.
@@larrycj4382Yeah, I did wonder why he didn’t mention anything about being in any Air Force musical group during his time in the service because I know they exist and it seems like something he’d want to do with his interest in singing/performing. Glad to have that question answered.
@@BriannaBanana1he didn’t come out until 4 years after that, and his Substack makes it seem like to was a rough road. I wouldn’t wanna bring up my closeted group performance right before I’m about to sing a liberating and gay af song as a solo act.
His voice is Brandon flowers ( of the killers) and Benson Boon all in one! His charisma and personality is everything! I was giggling and happy the entire time congrats to him
Even has benson Boone’s hair style & mustache 😂😂😂
The killers ahh yes I was trynna figure out who he sounded like especially when he sings “pink pony club” 😂
The song choice, the performance, his personality, and just the sheer fact that he’s just happy to make others happy! I hope he goes far in the competition
Hello from Australia 🇦🇺... 47 yr old guy here.
This kid has stage presence in spades. He took Chappell's song and brought the auditorium to its feet. And the whole while he was radiating joy, he was having a blast. Best wishes kid.
Kid? You mean grown man. He was great!
@@PracticalPerry It's all relative, I get called kid by older colleagues. Just focus on what matters. Either way he was fantastic.
Hello from Michigan. I agree wholeheartedly!
@@PracticalPerry It all depends on you perspective.
His cute laugh at the end made me cry (literally) pure joy!
I would definitely go to his concerts. What a lovely man
One of my all time favorite auditions
Wow! I can't stop listening to Benjamin Hightower sing this song. His voice and personality are absolutely amazing.
whoa he's really really great! His voice is so wonderful, and his presence is amazing! I'd buy his music!! I had to watch this performance over again, He definitely should have gotten a golden buzzer for sure!
He gives me Benson Boone vibes. Great singers that look like 70s and 80s superstars. This is what we needed 🙌🔥
What captivates me about this performance was his energy. He truly was HAVING FUN singing this song, that laugh at the end tells me that! His vocal range is amazinggg. Natural performer with an amazing voice. Bravo AGT BRAVOO
Petition for a full studio version of this. Amazing version been listening to this multiple times now
Actually, I wouldn’t want a full studio version. This live version, while not the full song, captures a certain magic and energy that only happens when a performer fires on all cylinders and performs in front of an audienc😂.
Actually, I wouldn’t want a full studio version. This live version, while not the full song, captures a certain magic and energy that only happens when a performer fires on all cylinders and performs in front of an audienc😂. But I know what you mean. I wish we had the entire song here.
That laugh at the end as he finished 🎉
Yep, to me that shows humility, like he’s so happy people liked him!
I just LOVE THIS!
I CANNOT STOP REPEATING THIS SONG BENJAMIN HAS A FREAKING AMAZING VOICE!!!!!
me either!!!
Glad I'm not the only one.
His voice is AMAZING! His energy and passion in singing this made me want to cry because of how wonderful it was and how good he was! I hope he wins!!!!
Me too
We need more of him!!! Can’t wait to see his next performance
He’s a total package. He’s genuine. Loves his Mom. Military service. Definite Benson Boone vibe!!
He is adorable, and I really hope he goes far!!!
Watching this and feeling like he’s already a celebrity- I’m like wait this guy isn’t already famous?? It feels like I’m watching a celebrity guest performance on AGT rn
"Thank you for your service!" 110% the one thing every single vet wants to hear, you should always thank them!!
Says an English woman wtaf
@hunkhk the US is not the only country with veterans you clown. They fought next to each other. Americans should learn to shut up sometimes
Wow. This gentleman has something that can't be taught: stage presence. What a great version of this song. Hope he does well!
His joy is infectious! Had me smiling through it all :)
The best part of this whole thing is his little laugh and smile as the song finishes - can tell he was just having a great time and enjoying himself. Fair play to the guy. Hope he does well.
He's a star. This is the beginning
I hope Chappell had seen this. She would be so proud.