‘Cowboy Carter’ Contributor Reyna Roberts Performs on ‘America’s Got Talent’

Country singer-songwriter Reyna Roberts made a grand impression on America’s Got Talent‘s Season 19 premiere on Tuesday night (May 28), when she performed her original song “Raised Right” (which she originally released in 2021) for her audition.

America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell was clearly impressed by the performance, saying, “You’re not messing around, are you?” Robert quickly confirmed, “Not at all.” 

Fellow judge Heidi Klum complimented Roberts on not only her talent, but also for her red leather ensemble, which matched her red hair. “I love when you really belt it out. I love when you hold the note,” Klum said. “I also love this look that you’re serving today. I love it.”

Cowell also asked Roberts why she wanted to audition for the talent competition. “My dream has always been to be a superstar,” Roberts replied. “I want to create music that outlives me and hopefully that inspires other people and I feel like this is the moment that is going to become reality for me.”

Roberts, of course, is well on her way, having contributed to Beyoncé’s recent Billboard 200 chart-topper Cowboy Carter. Roberts performed on a version of the Beatles’ “Blackbird” (stylized “blackbiird” on Cowboy Carter), alongside Brittney Spencer, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy, and on the song “Tyrant.”

Roberts has been showcasing her musical talent long before Beyoncé came calling. Roberts, born in Alaska and raised in California and Alabama, initially gained attention with her 2020 song “Stomping Grounds.” That same year, she moved to Nashville and shared a video of herself performing a cover of Carrie Underwood’s “Drinking Alone.” The performance drew praise from Underwood and Mickey Guyton. She released “Pretty Little Devils” in 2022 and teamed with Tayler Holder for “Another Round” in 2023. She issued her debut full-length project, Bad Girl Bible Vol. 1 in 2023. Earlier this year, Roberts got a boost from Queen Bey, who invited her to be part of Cowboy Carter.

Ultimately, Roberts received a triple yes from the America’s Got Talent judges, and will advance to the next round. A new crop of artists will audition on Tuesday, June 4, when the show airs on 7 p.m. CT on NBC and streams on Peacock.

Watch Roberts’s audition below: