Singer With Severe Anxiety Breaks Down After Passionate Performance of ‘Hallelujah’

America's Got Talent YouTube Channel

Then 20-year-old Anna Clendenin took the incredibly bold risk of stepping entirely out of her continuously adhered to comfort zone to showcase her vocal talent to the eager audience of America’s Got Talent. Upon taking the iconic stage, Clendenin informed the audience and judges of just how remarkable her journey to the spotlight had been seeing that just four months prior the girl was bed ridden. She admitted to the crowd that, at age 14, she had been diagnosed with and had been continuously suffering from anxiety and depression disorder. In tears, she told cameras,

“It felt like my mind had given up on me. I just didn’t see a future. I didn’t want to be here anymore… I felt so bad about myself. I didn’t like who I was. I didn’t know how to bring myself out of it.” 

Clendenin’s parents described the devastating diagnosis that the family endured, stating how helpless they both felt in light of their daughter’s condition and not knowing where to turn. Her dad admits that music was the gift that truly helped his daughter through those trying times. 

Judge Howie Mendel, inspired by the young singer, praised her courage and confidence while assuring her, “There isn’t anybody alive that at some time doesn’t need help in coping.” 

However, the judges would only continue to be blown away by this dedicated girl, as her vocal performance of the classic hit “Hallelujah” brought Mendel running to the girl’s side post performance to give Clendenin a much deserved hug. Clendenin broke down and, upon being asked how she somehow managed to muster up the courage to succeed and pursue her audition, she credited her parents. 

You can watch the heartwarming and undeniably inspiration performance below.