Teen performs “Perfect” perfectly, immediately earning himself first place

An unassuming, guitar-wielding student stumbles onto the mic at the high school talent show of Central Davidson High School in Lexington, North Carolina. The students were in for a surprise as Peyton Littleton mustered his courage. All his practice paid off as he sang his way through Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.”

His version was nothing but “perfect”. He walked away with cheers from his peers and earns the first place.

Youtube Screenshot Source: Youtube Screenshot
Mark Kent/flickr Source: Mark Kent/flickr
Sheeran explains his motivation for the song in an interview with Zane Lowe,
“I need to do it 100% me, so everyone will listen to that will be like, “Ah! He can actually do it!” Sheeran said.
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Nikolay Frolochkin from Pixabay Source: Nikolay Frolochkin from Pixabay

Everyone in the crowded stadium practically knew the song, they were all singing along with the boy. Of course, the song is just as popular as songs can get. It reached number one on the pop music charts and stayed there for 57 long weeks, according to Billboard.com.

Currently, the song “Perfect” is number 91 on the all-time Billboard US Hot 100 list.

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Free-Photos from Pixabay Source: Free-Photos from Pixabay
“This is harder than going on the Voice or any other show. This kid has to see his peers everyday.”
Youtube Screenshot Source: Youtube Screenshot
Open Mic Uk has some great tips for performing on stage. It mentions some tips like learning the lyrics really well and to practice signing with emotion. It also warns performers of things to avoid like, “Let your ego get in the way of a great performance.”

Peyton leaves his ego behind and nails it to deliver this memorable performance.

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SplitShire from Pixabay Source: SplitShire from Pixabay

Ed Sheeran has figured out exactly what it takes to record a hit and become a pop sensation. “Perfect” is the perfect example, it is such a crowd-pleasing hit. Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran’s long time producer, explains in a New York Times interview what it takes to produce a hit song,

“I couldn’t sit down and play a concert for you or really wow you on any instrument,” Mr. Blanco said. “What I can do is meet an artist, know what type of song I think we should make and be their therapist, make everyone feel comfortable.”

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William Iven from Pixabay Source: William Iven from Pixabay

“Perfect” is great to cover with an acoustic guitar. This boy Peyton breaks the song down to its essence: guitar strings and a velvet voice. The shy young performer works the guitar miraculously and his voice moves along the melodies with finesse and charm.

Ed Sheeran’s voice is fresh. Peyton brings out his own voice and puts a smile on the faces of his peers across the gymnasium.

Youtube Screenshot Source: Youtube Screenshot

The crowd even shows their gratitude by waving their cell phone flashlights. Peyton is surrounded by the lights giving the impression of a stage show production.

In the past, the audience would use butane lighters at concerts during slow ballads, but as noted in a Los Angeles Times article,

“Now, the ubiquitous glowing gadgets have all but replaced cigarette lighters to set the mood at concerts.”

Youtube Screenshot Source: Youtube Screenshot

Whether you’d like to sing along, or you just love seeing new talent rise to the occasion, click the video below, sit back and be prepared to smile.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Jeff Littleton, itunes, Billboard.com, Open Mic Uk, New York Times, Los Angeles Times

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