Branden James Smith (born June 19, 1978),[1] known as Branden James, is an American tenor who has performed as a soloist with American symphony orchestras.[2][3][4][5] James came to prominence as a contestant on America's Got Talent during the show's eighth season.[6]
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."[6]
While a member of The Irvine Singers, a "choir mentor" suggested James' voice had a "natural, classical sound" and recommended a teacher, suggesting he fine-tune his voice and recommending that he make singing his "craft."[14] This same mentor suggested a focus on classical music, which James took up as a professional foundation until later, when he eventually embraced a "crossover" presence as a performer in New York City.[14][15]
James had been nudged by friends to audition for America's Got Talent but had not seen the show when the opportunity to test in Chicago presented itself.[12] Despite jet lag, (having flown in from a performance in Sydney the night before), James auditioned for season eight of America's Got Talent, during episode 805, and sang "Nessun dorma" (the aria in the final act of Turandot, the Giacomo Puccini opera), receiving an affirmative vote from all four judges (Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel).[12] On his success with America's Got Talent relative to American Idol and The Voice, James stated: "I consider myself very lucky and grateful that people paid attention this time around and realized that there was something that they could do with me."[14]
Having advanced to the Las Vegas, Nevada round (season eight, episode 808), James coasted into the New York City quarterfinals without performing. During the quarterfinals (season eight, episode 810), James performed "You Raise Me Up" (the Josh Groban piece) and advanced to the semi-finals (season eight, episode 811).[19] 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.[6] Having grown up "in a very conservative and traditional family," Branden was forthcoming about the struggles he faced due to his sexual orientation; although his mother, Lynda Smith, disapproved of his sexuality she has been openly supportive of James' efforts and attended his America's Got Talent audition and performances.[3][20] 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.[3]
Regarding social media comments in response to his openness and to his performances, James stated: "Here’s something where I also changed my thinking. I stopped reading them... I just stopped reading them because I realized that, even though I can kind of laugh some things off — there’s a lot of controversial things in there — I don’t need that to be in my subconscious, and I feel like it is whether you choose to acknowledge it on a conscious level or not. It’s still in your subconscious and it can really play games with you. It gets in the room artistically. So honestly, I don’t know what’s out there right now and I’m kind of happy just to be in my own zone."[6]
During the competition, Howard Stern praised James "for his 'emotion, power, (and) talent.'"[21]
James is co-host of Afterbuzz TV network.[4] He also plays in a vocal and cello duo with James Clark; the duo's name is a combination of both musicians' names: Branden James.[4] The duo has now partnered with Scott Page, of Supertramp, Toto, and Pink Floyd fame in Page's Ignited Network; through the Ignited Network partnership the duo is recording a full-length album.[4] He is also a regular solo performer on Crystal, Princess, and Holland America Cruise lines.[4]
James is founding an organization called "You Belong" to nurture "the common principle that we're all the same."[9] James has explained the effort will emphasize the concept that everyone "has a place in this world because we're all human and one day we'll find that place through love and acceptance."[9]
In April 2020, responding to the isolation of the coronavirus pandemic, James & his partner James Clark began live-streaming concerts directly to their followers.[25] 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."[26][27][28][29][30]
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.[6]
In the early part of 2015, James disclosed he was diagnosed HIV positive in his mid-20s.[31] 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."[31] Regarding the response to this news, he stated "It was liberating actually, and I was shocked to see that people took it a lot less harsh than I ever anticipated."[31] James had planned to go public about being HIV positive when he competed on America's Got Talent in 2013 but his partner at the time was afraid of the backlash.[31]
James remains very close to his family, including extended relatives: "Since James started singing, music has become a bigger part of his extended family," according to his uncle Fred de Avila: "a change of pace for the sports-centric de Avilas/Smith's."[3] James has 3 siblings in total, 2 brothers and a sister. Ashley Smith, James sister who shares a passion for singing and is also fond of singing with him; she has followed him into music, learning the piano and singing from him.[3] His cousin, Joe de Avila, 23, plays guitar and piano and was also influenced by James.[3]
Since 2012, James’ extended family has gathered every year at William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine, California to host the "De Avila Dash," which consists of a one-mile walk or run "honoring the memory of the de Avila patriarch, Fred de Avila Sr."[3]
James is newly married to cellist James Clark. They play together in the duo Branden & James, named after both musicians.[32][33]
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