Steve Harvey gets “goosebumps” over 12-year-old Ty’s incredible R&B vocals

In the world of professional music, talent is often measured by technical precision and vocal range. However, on the stage of Little Big Shots, host Steve Harvey introduced a young performer named Ty whose connection to music goes much deeper than just hitting the right notes. For this 12-year-old singer from Vancouver, Canada, music was not just a hobby; it was the bridge that helped him connect with the world.

Ty’s story is one of profound transformation. As a young child, he struggled with communication and often felt overwhelmed by the world around him, expressing his frustration through tears. His mother, recognizing the power of melody, began singing to him to provide comfort. In a beautiful turn of events, Ty started singing back. This early interaction with music became his primary way of processing emotions and calming his spirit. “When I found singing, everything changed,” Ty shared. “I feel just amazing, I feel so confident… like I can do this.”

When Ty sat down with Steve Harvey, the two quickly established a heartwarming connection. Harvey, known for his own humble beginnings and struggles with a stutter in his youth, saw a kindred spirit in the young Canadian. “The thing that you and I have in common,” Harvey told Ty, “is we’re a couple of people where things can start off kind of rough and then all of a sudden—tada!—we’re here.”

This shared understanding of overcoming obstacles created a supportive environment for Ty to open up about his dreams. He revealed that he is a massive fan of Stevie Wonder, a choice that Harvey enthusiastically approved of. The two even shared a brief, impromptu vocal riff, though Harvey quickly joked that they had to stop before they were forced to pay for the song rights.

Ty’s vision for the future is as bold as his voice. He isn’t just looking for 15 minutes of fame; he sees himself winning Grammys, owning his own recording studio, and performing at the Super Bowl. When Ty modestly said he wasn’t ready to think about a Super Bowl setlist yet, Harvey offered some veteran advice on the power of manifestation. “You got to envision it,” Harvey urged. “It starts with the vision, man.”

The true magic happened when Ty stepped center stage to perform the Stevie Wonder classic, “Superstition.” For any singer, regardless of age, covering a Stevie Wonder track is a high-risk endeavor that requires immense soul, timing, and vocal grit. Ty delivered on all fronts.

From the moment the iconic drum beat and clavinet riff began, Ty transformed. The shy 12-year-old disappeared, replaced by a confident performer who commanded the stage with the presence of a veteran R&B star. His voice had a natural rasp and soulfulness that defied his years, hitting the high notes of the chorus with a clarity and power that brought the studio audience to their feet.

“When you believe in things that you don’t understand, then you suffer,” Ty sang, his voice carrying the emotional weight of the lyrics. He didn’t just stand and sing; he moved with the rhythm, encouraging the crowd to “clap your hands like this” and leading them through a high-energy call-and-response. By the end of the song, the entire room was echoing his energy, screaming in appreciation of the raw talent they had just witnessed.

Watching from the wings was Ty’s mother, whose eyes were filled with tears of pride. For her, this wasn’t just a television performance; it was the ultimate validation of the journey she and Ty had taken together. From the days of singing to a crying toddler to watching him receive a standing ovation on national television, the “big moment” was truly incredible.

Steve Harvey, visibly moved by the performance, led the audience in one final round of applause. “Ty from Vancouver, Canada! Show your love!” he shouted. He recognized that Ty’s talent is fueled by a desire to make people happy. As Ty himself said, “When they’re happy, I’m happy.”

Ty’s appearance on Little Big Shots serves as a powerful reminder that music is a universal language. It has the power to heal, to build confidence, and to provide a voice to those who might otherwise struggle to be heard. With his natural talent, his humble spirit, and the “vision” that Steve Harvey encouraged him to cultivate, Ty is well on his way to achieving his Super Bowl dreams.

Whether he is in a recording studio or on the biggest stage in the world, Ty’s journey will always be rooted in the simple, beautiful moment when he first sang back to his mother. He is a testament to the idea that no matter how rough the start, music can lead you to a place where you can truly “sing your heart out to everybody.”