Talent shows might get some eye rolls for being a bit cheesy, but let’s give credit where it’s due – they’ve discovered some amazing talent that might have slipped through the cracks otherwise.

American Idol is considered as one of the best at finding future stars from normal people who decide to take a shot. Stars like Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert got their big breaks here, and fans like us have enjoyed their incredible performances ever since. But it’s not just about the famous faces. These shows also give ordinary people a chance to shine, and sometimes, it leads to heartwarming moments that bring a tear to your eye.

Take Luke Bryan, for example. He’s not just a country music sensation; he’s also a judge on American Idol. In the 2019 season, he did something that touched hearts across the nation.

There was this 19-year-old kid from Texas named Colby Smith. He’d never sung in public before, never had music lessons, and hadn’t even left his home state until now. He spends his days painting fences in his hometown.

But when he stepped onto the American Idol stage and sang Freddy Fender’s “Every Teardrop Falls,” he blew everyone away, including Luke Bryan.

Bryan, who knows what it’s like to start small in the music industry, was deeply moved by Smith’s performance. And then, he did something unexpected.

He asked Colby to show him his shoes, and when he saw how worn out they were—with holes in the soles exposing his socks—Bryan didn’t hesitate. He took off his own boots and handed them to the astonished young man.

The other judges and contestants were amazed, some even moved to tears, by Bryan’s act of kindness. And when Colby walked off the stage, he was nearly in tears himself, saying he never thought he’d get a standing ovation. It was a moment that reminded everyone of the power of generosity and compassion in the music industry.