Kylie Frey brought her country roots, rodeo background, and a deeply personal original song to the America’s Got Talent stage. Her audition centered on “Horses in Heaven,” a song she wrote for her grandfather, who had encouraged her musical ambitions. The performance ultimately earned three yes votes and moved her forward in the competition, while Simon Cowell described her as “the real deal.”
Who Is Kylie Frey?
Kylie Frey appeared on America’s Got Talent during Season 18 as a country singer from Opelousas, Louisiana. At the time of her audition, she was 28 years old and described herself as coming from a big rodeo family. She had also been a rodeo queen and explained that she had started singing the national anthem at the rodeos she attended because she loved performing.
Her musical path was closely connected to rodeo culture. Frey told the judges that her grandfather encouraged her to keep singing at rodeos, with the hope that one day she might be asked to perform the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo, or NFR. She also cited Reba McEntire as an inspiration for that dream.
The Song She Wrote for Her Grandpa
The emotional centerpiece of Frey’s audition was her original song, “Horses in Heaven.”
Before performing, Frey explained that she had written the song for her grandfather. The personal connection gave the audition a meaning that went beyond simply trying to impress the judges.
Rather than choosing a familiar country cover, Frey used her own songwriting to tell a personal story. Her rodeo background and country style were woven directly into the performance, making the audition distinctly her own.
Coverage of the audition described the performance as a heartfelt tribute, with Frey accompanying herself alongside musicians onstage.
Simon Cowell Calls Kylie Frey “The Real Deal”
Simon Cowell was particularly impressed by Frey.
After hearing her perform, Cowell told her that he really liked her and praised her as a writer and musician. He ultimately described her as “the real deal.”
The moment was especially meaningful because Frey had already revealed that she had grown up watching Cowell on America’s Got Talent. In fact, she told the judges that she had held birthday parties where she impersonated Simon.
When she demonstrated the impression during her audition, Cowell jokingly responded that it was “terrible,” while adding that he still liked her. The playful exchange helped establish a personal connection between the contestant and the judge before her song even began.
Not Every Judge Had the Same Reaction
Although Simon was strongly impressed, the judges did not unanimously agree.
Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell voted yes, while Howie Mandel voted no. Mandel explained that the song had not stayed with him strongly enough after the performance.
The three yes votes were enough for Frey to advance to the next stage of the competition.
That difference of opinion is part of what makes the audition interesting. It was not presented as a completely unanimous reaction from the judging panel. Instead, the judges offered different perspectives on Frey’s original country song.
Why “Horses in Heaven” Stands Out
Frey’s audition had several elements working together.
First, there was her identity as a rodeo queen and country performer. Her background was not simply part of her introduction—it directly influenced the story behind her music.
Second, the song was personal. “Horses in Heaven” was written for her grandfather, whose encouragement played an important role in Frey’s musical ambitions.
Finally, Frey was performing an original song rather than relying on a familiar hit. That gave viewers an opportunity to hear her own songwriting and understand more about the person behind the performance.
Kylie Frey’s AGT Journey Continued
Frey’s story did not end with her audition.
She advanced into the live rounds of Season 18 and later performed another original song, “I Do Thing,” during the competition. She ultimately did not advance to the finale.
Even so, her America’s Got Talent appearance introduced her country music to a much larger television audience and became one of the more memorable rodeo-themed auditions from the season.
Her connection to her grandfather, her rodeo background, and Simon Cowell’s strong endorsement gave the audition a distinctive identity.
Final Thoughts
Kylie Frey’s America’s Got Talent audition was about more than simply competing in a televised talent show.
She brought her rodeo roots to the stage and performed “Horses in Heaven,” an original song written for her grandfather. The personal story behind the song helped give the performance an emotional foundation, while Simon Cowell’s praise added another memorable moment.
With three yes votes, Frey advanced in the competition—and Simon’s description of her as “the real deal” became one of the defining reactions to her audition.
For fans of country music, rodeo culture, and America’s Got Talent, Kylie Frey’s audition remains a compelling example of how an original song can connect a performer’s personal story with a larger audience.
