Branden James

Branden James Smith (born June 19, 1978), known as Branden James, is an American tenor who has performed as a soloist with American symphony orchestras. James came to prominence as a contestant on America's Got Talent during the show's eighth season.

James has been a "regular soloist" for the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California and has also performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" for the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Whitesox in Chicago, Illinois. He also sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 2014 Gay Games held in Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. He also performed for Nelson Mandela's family in South Africa,

As a judge on the eighth season of America's Got Talent, Heidi Klum praised James: "I love Branden James. I feel like he has that natural gift, you know, he has that beautiful, beautiful voice that gives me chills." His grandfather was country music artist Jimmy Smith; Smith collaborated with Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. James' interest in performance began at the age of 17 when a friend heard him singing along to an Amy Grant Christmas album and suggested he audition for choir. He attended Irvine High School in Irvine, California, where his audition led to part with The Irvine Singers. At Irvine High School he was also active in theater. While a student at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, James worked as a singing waiter in Switzerland during a summer break.

In the summer of 2012, James was given the opportunity to headline a production: David King's "The Spirit of Dance" at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada During the second week of semi-finals (season eight, episode 822) he sang Heart's song "Alone." James advanced to the finals during this season of America's Got Talent (episode 823). During the top 12 finals (episode 824), James performed Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" but did not advance to the season finale.

In the time James participated as a contestant on America's Got Talent, he addressed a number of personal issues. James' parents (Lynda and Jim Smith) "found out he was gay while he was in college" and "disapproved," unable to reconcile "his sexuality with their Christian values" but finding common ground with their son.

Present James returned to Chicago to perform at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on September 24, 2015.

James was featured in the lineup for Tim Janis' "The American Christmas Carol" on December 4, 2015, at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The event, which featured a full orchestra and a 200 voice choir, was held in celebration of the show's 10th year at Carnegie Hall. In September, James memoir "Lyrics of my Life" was released. In sharing all the details of his life, James hopes to continue the example for healing for young gays that he began with his honest conversations on America's Got Talent. As stated by WGN Radio "The book : "Lyrics of My Life: My Journey with Family, HIV, and Reality TV,” is Branden’s life story but it is so much more. It's filled with inspiration for so many others who may be struggling with similar issues while being raised in a very conservative religious environment."

Personal life Currently, James is based in New York City. James had once stated one of the toughest things about being on the road is missing his dog, which he acquired while living in Chicago, Illinois. James stated: "I formed a major complex about what people would think of me. I kept it a deep dark secret to everyone except the trusted few."

Discography

David Conte – Gift of the Magi (2001) Repo! The Genetic Opera (2002) Songs of Freedom and Inspiration (2007) The Voice of Christmas (2013) Crossover (2015) Hallelujah duo Branden & James (2018) Chasing Dreams duo Branden & James (2020)