Mandy Harvey performance of “What a Wonderful World,” which took place during her appearance at the Invisible Disabilities Awards Gala in October 2016, was released in July 2017 on YouTube. It has climbed quickly to close to 20,000 views on the Invisible Disabilities YouTube channel. “What a Wonderful World,” featured on Mandy’s jazz album “Smile,” was written by Bob Thiele (as “George Douglas”) and George David Weiss and first recorded by Louis Armstrong and released in 1967 as a single. Armstrong’s recording was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Another Mandy Harvey performance captured the hearts of America on AGT in June
Mandy, was the recipient of the 2015 Invisible Disabilities Inspiration Award. After returning one year later to be the keynote performer at the IDA Gala this past fall, she stayed exceptionally busy during the first half of this year leading up to her June audition for America’s Got Talent. That is when Mandy gave us all a huge thrill by capturing the coveted Golden Buzzer from judge Simon Cowell. In covering the audition, a New York Times mobile headline read, “Mandy Harvey, Deaf Singer, Finds an Audience. And Leaves It Weeping.”
The journalist, Christopher D. Shea went on to describe the moment: “A video of a deaf woman belting out crystalline notes on ‘America’s Got Talent’ picked up steam online this week as viewers celebrated it as both heartwarming and a remarkable demonstration of what a singer can accomplish without full hearing. In the clip, which aired on Tuesday night’s episode of the show, Mandy Harvey, a contestant, spoke through a sign-language interpreter to one of the show’s judges, Simon Cowell, and described becoming deaf in her late teens because of complications from a health issue.”
Thanks to Dad , Simon and fans everywhere, we gear up for the biggest Mandy Harvey performance to date
Mandy, who was a music major in school, lost her hearing due to a connective tissue disorder when she was 18. She had no idea what to do with her life, but her father encouraged her to continue pursuing her singing career. Today Mandy is a singer, songwriter and motivational speaker. She must work very hard each day to keep her voice in shape and in tune. But the hard work is paying off. She has produced three CD’s, performed for many prestigious venues, and, of course, is now a featured contender on America’s Got Talent.
Tuesday night it is Make It or Break It Night on AGT and million in America will be watching as Mandy and the 12 remaining finalists perform live on the most viewed season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent in five years. We urge everyone in Invisible Disabilities to join us in watching this important show and cast your vote for Mandy. We want to show solidarity in our cause and for Mandy’s courage to sing out and let her voice be heard, even when she herself could not hear it. We have great respect for Mandy, and are very proud of her and for everyone who rises up to meet their own challenges each day. In our book, and we know Mandy would agree, you are all heroes. Just remember, when Mandy sings, she is singing for all of us.
Visit Mandy’s website: http://MandyHarveyMusic.com
Follow Mandy on Facebook: https://facebook.com/mandyharveymusic