Steve Ray Ladson's Audition Highlights on America's Got Talent
Steve Ray Ladson takes Simon, Sofia, Mel B, and Howie for an Unforgettable Ride
LOS ANGELES, CA | JUNE 17, 2025: Steve Ray Ladson had all the judges talking after his stellar performance of his original single “Back of My Truck” on Season 20 of America’s Got Talent. Simon Cowell noted that Ladson had “everything on point,” and the entire table gave them “four big Yeses” as well as a standing ovation not just from the judges but the entire crowd. While the judges offered incredible praise for the artist’s stage presence and musicianship, the moment that generated the most excitement was when Mel B playfully accused Sofía Vergara of having a crush on the cowboy singer-songwriter after he delivered the lyrics, “Do you wanna ride, in the back of my truck?”
Steve Ray Ladson is no stranger to the spotlight. Raised in a gospel music family, he began performing professionally as a teenager with his brother and cousins, touring in Quartet Gospel Music. His musical journey led him to writing and touring for the past decade with 6-time Grammy-award winners Blind Boys Of Alabama, and nominated for a Grammy with Robert Randolph and the Family Band, for contributing to their acclaimed album *Brighter Days* which earned a nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards.
He calls his sound “Blackgrass Brothercana,” a play on Bluegrass/Americana, and in addition to singing and writing, also plays the banjo, electric guitar and bass, keyboards, harmonica, and accordion.
Ladson’s talent and unique blend of genres position him alongside artists like Willie Jones and Shaboozey, who are in the genre-bending pop-trap-country music scene that continues to dominate American music in 2024. His humor, showmanship, and deep-rooted connection to country music are evident in every note, making “Back of My Truck” as fun as hanging out with the artist himself.
“Every man or woman needs a truck,” says Ladson. “This song is for everyone who’s ever felt the freedom of a ride in the back of a pickup, surrounded by friends, family, and the wide-open country.”
“Mel said she liked seeing things she’s never seen before and Ladson definitely fit that bill for her. “So slick, with swagger and lyrics like, ‘I’m gonna [blank] in the back of my truck,’” she said. “I loved it! Brilliant.” Mandel gushed that Ladson had a “100% hit song,” with Simon Cowell marveling that the band had only been together for a year.
“Everything was, like, on point. I love the song, I love you. I love the band,” Cowell said. “This is when I love my job.”
Steve Ray Ladson has worked with Behind the Curtains Media to record and promote previously released songs such as “Boots Like Mine” and the bluegrass single “Get Along”.
ABOUT: Steve Ray Ladson is a Grammy-nominated blues guitarist, songwriter, producer, vocalist, and banjo virtuoso from Hopkins, SC. Highlights of his career include playing the lead role in the 2024 country music-themed Cirque Du Soleil show “Songblazers”, his original bluegrass song “Get Along” landing on the Editorial Spotify playlist “New Grass”, and writing and touring for the past decade with 6-time Grammy-award winners Blind Boys Of Alabama. Raised in a gospel music family, he began performing professionally as a teenager with his brother and cousins by touring in Quartet Gospel Music. Steve Ray tours regularly with Robert Randolph and the Family Band, and was nominated for a Grammy for his contributions to their acclaimed album ‘Brighter Days’ which earned a nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards. This summer he embarks on a solo tour in Europe, performing at the Edinborough Fringe Festival, The British Country Music Festival in Blackpool, England, and the Lowther Blues and Jazz Festival in Lancashire, England to name a few.
“Back of My Truck” Credits:
Written and Produced by: Steve Ray Ladson
Recorded at: Plaughs House
Engineer: Cory Plaugh
Pedal Steel Guitar: Ray Ray Holloway
String Arrangement: Kasey Square
Violin/Fiddle: Ben Sanders
Piano: Peter Levin
Banjo, bass guitar and vocals by Steve Ray Ladson
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