A small town soul food cook wowed judges on America’s Got Talent with his emotional vocal performance of ‘What Was I Made For?’ His audition earned four easy votes to advance in the famous talent competition.
Ashford Sanders grew up in Canton Mississippi and now runs a local kitchen called Ashford’s Kitchen in Atlanta Georgia. He loves singing to his hungry customers while serving home cooked meals. So when Simon Cowell asked why he decided to audition for the 2026 season Ashford replied that he always loved music.
He chose to perform What Was I Made For which is the famous hit written by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell for the 2023 Barbie movie. From his very first note he poured his whole heart into every single line. His rich smooth tone filled the room and gave everyone chills. So he turned a modern pop ballad into a soulful classic R&B song.
The celebrity judges were amazed by his natural gift. Howie Mandel said his voice felt like a warm blanket wrapping around everyone in the crowd. Mel B even complemented his performance comparing it to legendary singers like Luther Vandross and Alexander O’Neal. SofĂa Vergara praised his beautiful tone and told him this stage is where he truly belongs. Simon Cowell called him a “gifted brilliant singer.” All four judges gave him four enthusiastic yeses.
Even though the song is a secular one, it makes us think about an important question that most of us have asked at least once in our lifetime: “What Was I Made For?”
As Christians we know the answer because God did not create us by accident. He made each of us with a unique purpose to bring Him glory and bless the people around us.
As Psalm 139:14 reassures us, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”
Sin had separated us from the Father. But through Jesus Christ, He gave us the privilege to be the children of the King. So whatever troubles come your way, do not think you have no more purpose or that you are nothing.
You are so precious to God because He paid a huge price to redeem you from your sins and give you eternal life.
WATCH: Ashford Sanders’ Breathtaking Performance of ‘What Was I Made For?’ on AGT
Join the Conversation