The Buzz: Kentucky's got talent

'America's Got Talent' has its own version of Susan Boyle, and he's a local! Last week, Kevin Skinner, 35, a chicken catcher from Mayfield Ky., got a taunting response when he declared his profession in his thick accent, but the judgmental crowd shut its trap when he sang 'Tomorrow Never Comes' and strummed his guitar like a country pro.

[Bonnie from Minnesota]

Kevin Skinner's talent is phenomenal. I've watched his video hundreds of times and I can't get enough of his performance--his voice is rich, his playing such a beautiful background for the deep feelings he presents. Mayfield, you have a celebrity. Take good care of him. I'm in line for his first CD, his second, etc. Kevin, thank you! Let's hear some of what you've written. Congratulations, and I looking forward to you winning the contest. Regardless, you have a career and a huge following, based on what I read on the 'net. God Bless You!

[Susie Lehto]

Kevin is a very gifted singer, guitarist and I truly believe he will win on America's Got Talent. The community of Mayfield must be real proud!

Best wishes to you Kevin!
Susie

[Sandi from Canada]

I love Kevin Skinner! Mayfield Kentucky is very lucky. I've watched his video over and over, he brought me to tears the first night I saw him on tv. Still gives me shivers! I'll be watching for his first CD.:)

[Barry from Tennessee]

Kevin Skinner from your hometown is a breath of fresh air to the country music scene, and you guys should be very, very proud of him! He represented you very well and put forth an AAA=plus act on America's Got Talent couple of weeks ago. Best rendition of 'Tomottow Never Knows' since Garth Brooks! God Bless You Kevin Skinner! Go to Vegas, put your best foot forward, and once again show them that Mayfield, Ky. is a great place!

[KY GIRL]

Kevin Skinner you are phenomenal!!!!! What an awesome powerful voice....I believe you sang it better than Garth!!! Good luck and make Kentucky proud!!!!!!!

[Pam TX]

Kevin .....WE WANT TO SEE YOU MORE !!!!!! You are AWESOME !!!!!!!! Don't forget your roots. keep your image. Stay pure, clean, and give us that good ole country sincere singing.

[Hilda Morrow]

Please do a story about Kevin Skinner's Journey to America's got talent.....

[Tom from GA]

I just wanted to say that Mayfield should be proud of their son Kevin Skinner. Man, can that boy sing! I'm wishing him all the luck in the world on his journey as the next big country music star. Embrace him Mayfield and show him to the world. Brag on him. He deserves it and so do you.

[Sandy SC]

Kevin Skinner has what it takes to win. I just wish Grath brooks could hearv him sing.Kevin is wonderful

[Crazzzmomma]

Never liked Garth...too cocky for me...but Kevin blew that song out of the water!!!! Beautiful!!! Sad thing is shows like America's got talent usually picks the ones with out it! Or the fly by night one hit wonders...so I am hoping he gets past them. I honestly hate the way they treat people on those shows. Kevin wins either way...now he will have a great start for a great carreer.

[uhmmm]

Kevin got through to Hollywood!!!!

[brenda]

I sure agree that Kevin Skinner has talent. Wow..He sang that song much better than Garth Brooks...really!! Wow...Garth is a professional and did a great job..but Kevin put his whole heart in it..and what a voice Kevin has...such a sweet person...YOU GO KEVIN>.and Mayfield...be proud of him..no matter what happens...he will get a recording contract if he sings as great as the first night...God bless you Kevin...be buying your first CD...and others..Brenda from Canada

[Rob Mulligan NYC]

I've listened to country music for 30 years, and Kevin stands shoulder to shoulder with any of the singers we call "legends". He has the voice of Alan Jackson, the heart of George Strait, and the soul of Keith Whitley all in one man.
With all the silly "dance party country" on the air today, Kevin sings "pure" country. "Pure" country comes from the depth of ones soul baring the most personal and often painful and anguished feelings to the world. Often unpolished and plain, but with the ability to draw powerful pictures with its raw emotion.
Kevin has the talent to become one of the greats if he stands tall and continues to be true to himself.
Keep your values intact and your dreams simple Kevin, you've got a whole lotta people pulling for you.

[Christian woman]

Rob Mulligan NYC wrote:

I've listened to country music for 30 years, and Kevin stands shoulder to shoulder with any of the singers we call "legends". He has the voice of Alan Jackson, the heart of George Strait, and the soul of Keith Whitley all in one man.
With all the silly "dance party country" on the air today, Kevin sings "pure" country. "Pure" country comes from the depth of ones soul baring the most personal and often painful and anguished feelings to the world. Often unpolished and plain, but with the ability to draw powerful pictures with its raw emotion.
Kevin has the talent to become one of the greats if he stands tall and continues to be true to himself.
Keep your values intact and your dreams simple Kevin, you've got a whole lotta people pulling for you.

I don't know Kevin or his family, but from how they are portrayed in our town they are not well off, and I am sooooo THANKFUL for the kind words from people from all over the world. The words you just wrote are beautiful, and I am hoping one of his friends sees these posts and gives them to him.

[brenda]

Christian woman wrote:

<quoted text>I don't know Kevin or his family, but from how they are portrayed in our town they are not well off, and I am sooooo THANKFUL for the kind words from people from all over the world. The words you just wrote are beautiful, and I am hoping one of his friends sees these posts and gives them to him.

I agree with you...hope someone shares these letters with Kevin and his family as they are so encouraging and very sincere...God bless you Kevin as we love you here in Canada too...I will buy his cd's when he makes them...Glad u made it through to Hollywood...knew you would...be yourself and you will go far...I and Mayfield are praying for you ..humble man you are. Because of you I also looked up Mayfield and surrounding areas and it is a sweet little place...nice country atmosphere...may take a visit one day..Keep you in prayer..You go Kevin

[Ray from Mckee ky]

Way to go Kevin all of the small towns people in Ky is hoping you the best.

[ginny]

He is going to make it BIG

[Amy]

I'm watching this show, every week (and believe me, I don't watch ANYTHING every week) simply to watch Kevin Skinner sing. I absolutely adore him! I hope he wins this thing. He has a pure, natural talent and I feel like his soul is completely exposed when he sings. There is something very special about this man.

[brenda]

Welll...he sang a new song...on the next portion in Hollywood.. wow..so touching and so gentle. The judges all made great comments..and pierce morgan said he was the best act of the night...woo hoo..super..
going to tune in tonight for the vote results...he should make it through no problem at all...YOU go Kevin...Canada is rooting for you too..we cant vote but we can send words of encouragement..hurry and get your first Cd out...will be waiting in line to buy it...

[Kris from Washington]

I love you, Kevin Skinner....I just love you and I would buy your music today if it was available.