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Deadliest Catch: Josh Harris and Casey McManus has a confusing history

Published

4 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Martha Clifford

Josh Harris and Casey McManus are only two of the stars from the so-called documentary TV series entitled “Deadliest Catch,” and its spin-off “Deadliest Catch: Bloodline.” They stand out from the rest, however, thanks to being an inseparable duo with their own show – the latter title. That said, it’s not likely Casey would’ve been on the show without sheer luck, as it was meant to start with Josh only.

Like most TV shows about real-life individuals, documentary or reality, “Deadliest Catch” and its spin-off are fraught with controversy, gossip and drama. With a glance at the “Deadliest Catch: Bloodline” duo, one can find exactly that. While there’s no particular drama between Josh and Casey themselves, certain past events trail and disturb their public image to this day.

Their friendship now also comes across as odd to the broader public, not for their lack of affection or tendency to argue, but simply the way they interact, especially in front of the camera. Of course, most of that can be chalked up to spending most days together while working. Certainly, some ambiguities related to the two have left the audience perplexed.

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Josh’s rise from the cold seas

The surname Harris has definitely been big in “Deadliest Catch” from the get-go, but not because of Josh. His father, Phil Charles Harris, spent seasons two through six combating the brunt of the Bering Sea in his quest for Alaskan king crab. To this day, he remains one of the most iconic cast members in the show’s history.

A fisherman from the tender age of eight, under the guidance of his father, Phil arrived onto the screen more than prepared. His first work, aside from helping his father, was as a deckhand on a crab boat, although without a salary. Throughout his teenage years, Phil made just enough to buy his own fishing boat, becoming a captain by the age of 21, of his F/V Golden Viking in Seattle.

His most famous vessel, further glorified in the show, is the F/V Cornelia Marie, named after his wife. He sold the F/V Golden Viking and added some extra dollars to get a hold of his lifelong partner, after which he made numerous upgrades to it, and kept it in top shape throughout his career. This very same vessel is now used by his son Josh as he sails around the coasts of Hawaii, alongside Casey.

Phil lived on the edge most of his life, caring only for the most bountiful catch and not much else. This mindset brought him fame and fortune, especially in the show, as fans and producers alike have great appreciation for those willing to go the extra mile. Unfortunately, this lifestyle ultimately caught up with him, and his unhealthy habits manifested in a lethal manner.

He suffered a stroke while filming the sixth opilio crab season of “Deadliest Catch” after going to his stateroom to take pain medication, where he was found incapacitated by engineer Steve Ward. Although mentally present, he wasn’t able to move his left hand or left leg. The paramedics were immediately called, as well as his sons – in spite of what most would do in a situation like that, Phil asked the crew to keep filming regardless, as this was part of the action, staying in his goal-oriented mindset even until the very end.

As a result, he was filmed being airlifted from the area into Anchorage in Alaska, where he was rushed to the emergency room. The doctors immediately performed brain surgery so as to ease the pressure growing in his cranial vault and damaging his brain. Although the medical procedure initially seemed successful, Phil’s condition began to deteriorate a few days later. He was pronounced deceased after 11 days in the intensive care unit, on 9 February 2010.

His son Josh took over the family business and inherited the F/V Cornelia Marie, joining the show in its 10^th season to continue his father’s legacy. Thanks to the great name Phil left behind, the crowd didn’t take long to warm to Josh, which quickly turned him into a fan favorite. This boost in popularity eventually landed him a separate contract with Discovery Channel, resulting in the birth of his own spin-off series.

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The thought process behind “Deadliest Catch: Bloodline”

As the name states, the series often referred to as simply “Bloodline” is about the continuation of a family business, and its dream. The idea for the show actually popped up as a humorous assumption, according to Josh Harris’ interview with Sig Hansen from April 2020. He said ‘Well, you know, we were remodeling our boat. I found some charts underneath my dad’s bed, that we hadn’t seen in a long time, along with many other random things that were stashed underneath there, and, yeah.’

He continued the story, saying ‘I was joking around one day during lunch after we found them, I was kind of going through 50 charts there. There was a couple of them really marked up, and they were charts for Hawaii, and I was like ‘Yeah, let’s go find these spots out here and check ‘em out, you know, and it’s warm too.’’ The charts in question had remained hidden on the vessel for over 35 years, staying there since the 1980’s – his father had created them throughout his long journeys around the Hawaiian Islands.

Eventually Josh and Casey did go and visit some of the marked areas on the charts, finding really interesting spots, and discovering a brand new way of catching marine creatures. There was also the fact that Josh had only hunted crab before, so he was about to start an Hawaiian adventure without any prior knowledge. In his own words from the interview, ‘I suck at fishing, for fish, that is.’

The working of the most popular “Deadliest Catch” spin-off

Upon reaching the islands, Josh and Casey realized they couldn’t read most of Phil’s maps because they don’t actually know the area. To solve that problem, they invited a local commercial fisherman who knows the seas and oceans like they’re in his back pocket.

Profits started going up when the team realized that a lot of these marked spots contained yellowfin tuna – an exotic delicacy anywhere in the world due to how elusive these fish are. It is said that each of those sells for approximately $2,000 minimum, but Josh and Casey hunt other fish too, such as barracuda, swordfish, and whatever else they happen to get their hands on by the time the cameras go blind.

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The show was commercialized as a documentary and reality TV series, airing for the first time in June 2022, along with the first episode of the “Deadliest Catch” season two premiere. They eventually narrowed their search, and ended up settling near the Kona Coast – a great place for catching lucrative tuna.

While it’s mostly just about fishing, the show can also become really dangerous, such as this video, showcasing how veteran fisherman and show guest Johnathan Hillstrand got into a bit of trouble trying to cross the US border during COVID travel restrictions, in the middle of 2021.

The duo traversed the jungle in search of someone who could get them to the US unofficially. This is when they ran into a mysterious man holding a shotgun in the middle of an empty field, standing right next to his dog and looking around sharply. After some conversation, he promises to help the fisherman, but needs a favor first: killing wild pigs and deer.

The immediate ruination of Josh’s career

As recently discovered by radaronline.com, as of September 2022, Josh Harris will no longer be a part of the main “Deadliest Catch” show, after appearing in seasons 10 through 18. This, of course, means that Casey McManus will not be showing up either, as they co-captain F/V Cornelia Marie. Luckily for him, there’s still been no confirmation of his suspension from “Deadliest Catch: Bloodline,” which is due for a fourth season.

Through the Public Information Act, certain journalists were able to petition documents from Washington State court, which showed the trial and sentencing of Josh Harris over 20 years ago. He was apparently 15 years old when he engaged in sexual acts with a minor – a four-year old girl from his neighborhood. This violation was listed as ‘digital, vaginal and oral rape.’

According to more information, teenage Josh Harris persuaded the young girl to take her clothes off and then perform unspeakable acts with him. The girl was so young that she didn’t even understand what was going on, using childish terms to refer to both of their genitals during her testimony.

The police were called soon after the incident, and upon showing up at the residence, they found Josh’s semen at the scene. Stains with the little girl’s blood were found in the fabric of her pillow and bedsheets, as well as on the floor. This event took place on 14 July 1998, but due to lax technology at the time, DNA testing required longer procedures, causing Josh to remain free for approximately another year. He was ultimately arrested and charged with rape and other crimes in 1999.

Harris was shown lenience in court due to his age, allowing him to eventually make a plea deal. He pleaded guilty in exchange for a much lighter sentence, serving a mere nine months behind bars, and having to undergo a psychosexual exam. There have been no similar events in the known history of the fisherman, but just this fact on its own is enough to probably take him off the screen forever, meaning that now even his friendship with Casey is uncertain. As the information is still quite fresh, the true extent of the consequences remains to be seen.

Lastly, it now seems as though both of the Harris brothers have had significant trouble with the law. Jake Harris, Phil’s second son, was initially arrested for driving under the influence at 86mph (138kmh) in a 70mph (112kmh) zone. He has since then lost his license, and even upon re-obtaining it, he would need to drive a car with an ignition interlocking device on board.

He was arrested again in May 2021 for driving under the influence, with a revoked license, and without the necessary ignition installment. He said that the car belonged to a friend, and that it was lent to him for just one ride. He was found in a strange state, with pale skin, bloodshot eyes, constricted pupils and repetitive speech.

The officers requested him to undergo a sobriety test, as per protocol, which he refused. Jake was then arrested and booked into county jail. He paid a $50,000 bond for immediate release, but was later tried on the charges of driving on a revoked license, failure to have an installed ignition lock as legally required, and driving under the influence. The former “Deadliest Catch” star served 18 months after sentencing.

Josh and Casey’s strange friendship

Although now severely strained by the horrific revelations about Josh’s past, the relationship between the two captains of F/V Cornelia Marie is nonetheless peculiar. They’ve known each other since they were children, thanks to their parents captaining fishing vessels and co-operating far out at sea. Still, they didn’t interact that much at an early age.

Who is most likely not to change his underwear for two weeks? @northwesternsig and @JakeVAnderson are NOT holding back. #DeadliestCatch pic.twitter.com/UAA1Jf2f34

— Deadliest Catch (@DeadliestCatch) May 6, 2019

Casey and Josh became best friends in 2010, but still had different careers and worked separately. While attending fellow “Deadliest Catch” star Jake Anderson’s wedding, they were sitting at the bar and drinking, and Josh said his boat required a co-captain to be able to fully take on the waves.

McManus offered himself up, and has been captaining F/V Cornelia Marie ever since. The two now have inextricable careers, which does complicate things, considering recent developments. Whether they will still remain friends, or maybe even close colleagues is anyone’s guess, as the public outcry reaches unprecedented levels.

Martha Clifford

As an Author at Net Worth Post, I guide a dedicated team in the art of revealing the stories behind the world's most influential personalities. Fueled by a relentless curiosity and a knack for uncovering hidden stories, I immerse myself in the intricacies of our subjects' lives, weaving together accurate data and compelling narratives. My involvement spans the entire editorial process, from the seed of research to the final flourish of publication, ensuring that every article not only educates but also captivates and motivates our audience. At Net Worth Post, we are committed to providing thorough investigations into the net worth and life achievements of innovators across diverse sectors such as technology, culture, and social entrepreneurship. My method merges meticulous research with eloquent storytelling, designed to bridge the gap between our readers and the remarkable individuals who redefine our tomorrow. Through spotlighting their journeys to success, the hurdles they've surmounted, and their contributions to society, we aim to give our readers a deep and inspiring insight into the luminaries who are paving the way for progress and ingenuity in the modern era.

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Is “Yellowstone” based on a true story?

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Martha Clifford

Wondering if “Yellowstone” is based on a true story? What inspired the writers to produce the Dutton family drama? When part one of the “Yellowstone” season 5 was launched, viewers have been concerned about finding out whether the series is based on a true story. Fans have also been interested in learning about the Dutton family story, which some believe to be real. Read on to learn if “Yellowstone” is based on a true story, and what inspired it.

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Background

“Yellowstone” is a Western drama series about the Dutton family, which owns the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, the biggest in Montana. The drama series premiered in June 2018 and revolves around the Dutton family at the ranch, bordering a national park, the Broken Rock Indian Reservation, and developers in need of the family’s piece of land.

“Yellowstone” is centered on John Dutton III, a character acted by Kevin Costner, a sixth-generation patriarch and widowed member of the Dutton family who owns and runs the ranch. He fights to protect the ranch from those seeking to repossess his family’s land for other developments that do not align with the interests of the family.

The producer of “Yellowstone,” Taylor Sheridan believes that the drama series has been a success with the audiences, although critics have different views and reservations. He makes it clear that the series is for people who experience the life it portrays. The writer also states that the audience is expanding, because many people love westerns; they provide entertainment and different perspectives about life in the west.

People who resonate with the plot depicted in the drama series will certainly love it. “Yellowstone” flows through different genres, where it sets the stage for being campy, then becomes dramatic, and violent. It’s a blend of the old western, new western, and soap opera. While it infuriates other people, it appeals to the interests of individuals who love storytelling.

“Yellowstone” is a hit partly because its location is fantastic, it’s acted in a wicked way, and explores a world that is unknown to many people. It consists of powerhouse actors who put on an outstanding performance.

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Is “Yellowstone” Based on a True Story?

The answer is ‘no’, because “Yellowstone” is not based on true people or events that have happened in real life. However, Taylor Sheridan revealed in an interview with The Los Angeles Times in 2018 that the series explores issues that he’s witnessed, and the problems that still exist in US’s western mountain states.

For instance, “Yellowstone” explores issues related to land development, oppression, resource mismanagement, extreme poverty and inequality. These challenges still exist in other parts of the US, and the consequences are dire, especially when they happen in small rural areas with fewer people.

Taylor also added that once construction companies start encroaching on landscapes in farms and ranches, the effects are more dramatic. He reiterated that the show is based on the “gentrification” that has occurred in the western states, a process where wealthier people move to poor or less developed areas and begin to improve them by building new houses and launching other developments.

While gentrification attracts new businesses and improves the overall appearance of the place, it often displaces the current inhabitants in the process. The creator of the “Yellowstone” drama series has witnessed some of these changes in mountain states, such as Wyoming and Montana where he stays.

Gentrification mainly benefits wealthy people at the expense of the less privileged. When the place is developed, only the rich can afford the modern properties, and natives will be pushed off their land. In other words, this process creates inequality among people living in a certain area. The rich can use their influence to determine the state of affairs in a particular area, which will put other people at a disadvantage.

The creator of the drama series places the white rancher in a position of Native Americans, which was different 100-plus years before the onset of gentrification. What is taking place now in the west puts the natives at a disadvantage; for example, once the land developers move in and make improvements, they often sell that fantasy to wealthy people.

In most cases, the rich people who become the new occupants often come from affluent areas such as Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and Florida. As a result, the poorer natives end up landless because they cannot afford properties constructed on their indigenous land.

When wealthy people buy pieces of land in the western states, they often use them for weekend getaways, and in the process, the way of life of the indigenous people is impacted. Land values and other aspects such as inheritance taxes are bound to increase, which will affect the welfare and lifestyle of the people living in the gentrified places.

Sheridan revealed in an interview with CBS news in 2022, that “Yellowstone” derived its inspiration from his experience as a rancher – most of the horses used in the filming of the drama series are his. He said that the horses are not very safe, and this is why the actors are not always riding on them – the horses were specifically bought for the drama series, and the creator taught the actors how to ride them.

Called one of the most important western writers in decades, Taylor Sheridan created the hit TV series "Yellowstone" and its prequel, "1883" (along with the prequel's upcoming sequel, "1932") https://t.co/l0PtHrTZfS pic.twitter.com/xkqZTP0UtA

— CBS Sunday Morning ? (@CBSSunday) June 11, 2022

Are the Duttons a Real Family?

The Duttons are not a real family. According to the equestrian website Horsey Hooves, the family’s patriarch John Dutton could have been inspired by famous ranchers such as Bill Galt and W.T. Waggoner. Waggoner owned the 525,000-acre Waggoner Ranch in North Texas, which was founded in 1849, was once the largest ranch in the US, and was passed down through several generations.

The Waggoner family owned the ranch until 2015, when it was sold to businessman Stan Kroenke for $725 million. Bill Galt is the owner of the 248,000-acre ranch in Montana, the same ranch where “Yellowstone” is set. Horsey Hooves said Galt is also known as “The Last American Cowboy.”

Cowboy life is still common in North Texas, although it’s facing some challenges from gentrification. As a result, “Yellowstone” sought to portray a western life unknown to many people. The drama series draws its audience from people who love the cowboy lifestyle, since the practice is no longer widespread across the US.

Is the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch Real?

Although “Yellowstone” is not based on a true story, the ranch where the drama series takes place is real – Chief Joseph Ranch is found in Darby, Montana, and consists of several cabins used by guests as accommodation when they visit, and several have appeared in the show. The key areas that appear in the drama series include Rip’s Cabin also called the Ben Cook Cabin in real life, the Armory, the Trapper cabin, and Lee’s cabin also called the Fisherman Cabin.

Shane Libel and his family own Chief Joseph Ranch – when the property was chosen as the filming location for “Yellowstone”, the Libels family and the filmmakers signed a five-season contract. Apart from the 5,000-square-foot mansion and cabins, other film locations include the armory, barns, arena and corrals.

The Chief Joseph Ranch consists of a real family home, also used for vacations. When not being used for film production, the cabins around the home are available for rental for a minimum of three nights. The guests are treated to a memorable Yellowstone experience.

In “Yellowstone” Season 5, Texas’ Four Sixes Ranch featured is a real ranch, and it will be the filming venue for “Yellowstone”’s upcoming spin-off of the 6666 show. The 350,000-acre 6666 Ranch has a rich history, as it was founded in the 19^th century when West Texas was still ruled by Comanches.

The 6666 Ranch appeared in “Yellowstone” Season 4, and featured Jimmy, who was sent to Texas to become a real cowboy. In May 2021, Taylor Sheridan and a group of investors bought the ranch for use as one filming location for “Yellowstone” and will feature in future episodes.

The 6666 Ranch is real and still functioning as it has over the last two centuries, encompasses the history of the country. At this ranch, the laws of nature and the rule of law merge in a typical fashion where some of the most dangerous events take place. The 6666 is a place where world-class cowboys are made, and is synonymous with an attempt to raise the finest livestock and horses in the world, still produce high-quality Quarter Horses and Angus cattle.

Is There Going to be a Yellowstone Season 6?

Many viewers often wonder if there will be a “Yellowstone” Season 6. However, the good news is that one of the actors – Cole Hauser who plays Rip Wheeler – confirmed in November 2022 that there will be one more season. He said there’s a lot of work going on to fully utilize the talent to fulfill the needs of the audience.

According to the executive producer Taylor Sheridan, “Yellowstone” comprises a diverse crew that is concerned about producing the best result. However, he confirmed in 2021 to “The New York Times” that he doesn’t want Yellowstone to run for nine seasons, so has actually already written the ending – taking too long without preparing the end can lead to stagnation of the show, so he’s still confident that the show will not run out of steam as it nears the end. So season 6, could well be the final

Yellowstone is not based on real life or fiction, but on world events. The creator has hinted that there has to be movement and evolution toward the conclusion.

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Sheridan has already decided on the ending of “Yellowstone,” but has hinted at opening up more spin-offs after “1883,” “1923,” and “6666”; he doesn’t want to limit his creativity. More importantly, the creator has also expressed his connection to the sparseness of the west, since this is where he spent most of his lifetime.

Sheridan lived in New York briefly and enjoyed his stay, but clearly states that he cannot write about this place. Instead, he’s fascinated by outdoor events, which motivated him to write “Yellowstone”, saying that the outdoor world helps him get a clear picture of the vastness of the US.

Sheridan says that life in New York is different from living in western states, which still have many places in their natural state. It’s easier for him to observe the things that happen in these open places than in build-up areas like cities. Although Sheridan’s hinted that “Yellowstone” will come to an end, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of future episodes based on unfolding events.

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How is Sara James from “America’s Got Talent” Doing Now?

Published

3 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Martha Clifford

Table of Contents

Rise to Fame

When Sara walked onto the stage for her audition for the 17^th season of “America’s Got Talent,” everything about her screamed “star!” Unlike most contestants whose nerves show as soon as they appear, Sara was composed and had an aura of calmness around her. She owned the stage, and wasn’t intimidated by the fully packed auditorium, as she shared some lighthearted exchanges with Simon, revealing that she was just 13 years old, which shocked the judges and the audience, since she spoke and conversed with a level of maturity way above her age.

The crowd went quiet as Sara took a deep breath and calmly launched into her performance of “Lovely” by Billie Eilish. The performance embodied the classic calmness and maturity that Sara’s fans have now come to love, showing-off her excellent vocal control, as she hit and held high notes, raised and lowered her voice to capture the deeply emotional meaning the song has to her, and held the attention of her audience with her ability to pass on her emotions to them through her voice.

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Sara’s trance-like hold on the crowd was broken when she sang the last note, sending Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara to their feet with the audience, to applaud the 13-year-old musical prodigy, as a still seated Simon Cowell clapped. When the crowd calmed down, Simon talked about how coming to the US changed his life, adding that he would like to make Sara’s first time in the country memorable before crowning her musical prowess and outstanding performance with the Golden Buzzer. With one press of the button, Simon Cowell set Sara on the path that AGT musical prodigies before her have followed to stardom.

Now, every person who watches Sara’s audition on YouTube asks the question, “How is Sara James doing now?”

Early Life and Musical Foundation

Born on 10 June 2008, Sara Zofia Egwu-James isn’t yet 15 years old. She has three siblings, Michelle James, John Junior, and Jakub Dancewicz. Sara was born to a Polish mother while her father is of Nigerian descent, but grew up in the US. At her age, Sara is just in high school, holds a first degree in music from Slubice, plays the piano and the guitar. Despite gaining global success for a raw, powerful voice that she’s learned to control allowing her to hit high and low notes without straining, Sara is continuing her music education by taking vocal lessons with Edyta Kregiel, and practicing her singing and performing at the Municipal Cultural Center.

Sara gets her musical talent and interest in singing, playing instruments and performing from her parents. Her father John is a singer and performer, who has participated in some talent competitions. In 2011, he was one of the “X-factor” contestants, appeared in the “Bitwa na voices” choir singing competition as part of a choir, and half of the Polish singing duet “Loui & John”, under contract with Sony Music Poland.

Sara’s mother, Arleta Dancewicz, is equally musically talented, but didn’t pursue music professionally, although sang in church when Sara was growing up. Inspired by her mother’s passionate performances and her father’s professional musical acts, Sara joined a local children’s choir, and staged several performances across the city. She honed her vocal and performing skills through seasonal performances such as in a local Christmas Carols Festival, and entered some singing competitions for children. Although Sara’s parents are now separated, they both support Sara in her aspiration for a career in music, and have shared her confidence that she will rise to become a global music icon, since she started singing at four years and staged performances individually and as part of a group at just six years of age.

“The Voice Kids-Poland”

Sara joined her first major singing competition, “World Talent Show” in 2020, when she was just 12 years old, placing third in the competition, and was the proud recipient of the coveted Silver Microphone, and honored to receive the award at the closing performance of the Lubuski Song Festival Pro Arte. Although she didn’t win, emerging third emboldened Sara, and encouraged her to sign up for larger competitions.

In 2021, Sara entered her name for consideration for a slot on “The Voice Kids” Poland. For her blind audition, Sara chose to perform Demi Lovato’s “Anyone.” Her performance, which has gathered over 4.45 million views on YouTube, enthralled the audience, and had all coaches pressing their buttons and turning within seconds to indicate they wanted her on their teams. She chose Tomson and Baron, and embarked on a journey of musical discovery as she learned from the two rockstars.

Tomson and Baron’s mentorship was evident in Sara’s first battle on “The Voice Kids.” She battled two fellow contestants Amelia and Matylda, performing Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” Although the two girls were talented, Sara beat them easily and earned the favor of all judges as well as the admiration of the live audience. With her new status as fan favorite, Sara put on impressive performances, particularly in the finals when a whistle note in her performance of Will Ferrel and Molly Sanden’s “Husavik (My Hometown)” had the crowd on its feet clapping and screaming for minutes after she finished singing.

Sara’s ability to impress the crowd with the raw power of her voice, the passion she put into her performances, and her ability to improve on past performances under the guidance of her coaches, earned her first place in the competition. With the title of the winner of the 4^th season of “The Voice Kids Poland,” Sara set her eyes on competitions outside her native Poland, as part of a strategy to take her voice and music career global.

“Szansa na Sukces” and “Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021”

One year after winning “The Voice Kids Poland,” Sara entered “Szansa na Suckes,” a Polish talent show that offered an opportunity for its winners to participate in a European junior singing competition. For the competition’s finale, Sara sang her way into the audience’s hearts with her cover of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”, which won her the competition, receiving the most votes from both audience and judges, installing her as Poland’s representative in the “Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021.”

?? Sara James
? Somebody
? https://t.co/HiLUOtE2hJ pic.twitter.com/wxiGTv2pmO

— Junior Eurovision (@EurovisionJr) October 18, 2021

In December that year, Sara, who had never performed outside Poland, went to Paris for the “Junior Eurovision Song Contest.” Unlike her past performances where she sang covers of her favorite songs, Sara made the bold and risky decision to perform her own original song “Somebody.” Her gamble paid off, as she received a standing ovation from the audience. She emerged second in the competition, to Armenia. Although she didn’t win the competition, the audience and jury’s reaction to her song and performance gave her the boost of confidence she needed to try for a spot on “America’s Got Talent.”

“America’s Got Talent” and “All Stars”

“The Voice Kids Poland” laid a foundation for Sara’s success in her music career, while the “Junior Eurovision Song Contest” gave her a platform to take her music to the rest of Europe. She remained relatively unknown to the rest of the world until 2022, when she earned her spot on “America’s Got Talent” or “AGT” as the competition is commonly known. At “AGT,” Sara carved a spot out as a fan favorite with her first performance, which earned her a Golden Buzzer from the fastidious and fellow European record Executive Simon Cowell.

When Simon gave Sara a permanent spot in the live shows in Las Vegas, Nevada, the then 13-year-old secured a platform to showcase her voice and performing prowess to an American audience. However, the guaranteed spot didn’t lessen her resolve to continue delivering unforgettable performances that would earn her fans among the show’s global audience. In the semi-finals, her first performance after the audition, Sara sang Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” earning herself another standing ovation from the audience. The performance has over four million views on YouTube, and has attracted 4,665 comments, each expressing awe over her ability to hit, hold, and switch notes effortlessly, while maintaining control of her vocals.

In the finals, Sara impressed the audience with a cover of “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush. Her performance had all four judges on their feet celebrating with the crowd, and hoping that the emotional, well-paced, and captivating rendition of the song earned the 13-year-old the ultimate prize. However, she was not named among the top five, finishing in the bottom six of the top 11 contestants in the show. Although she didn’t win the competition, she left with a large group of loyal fans who flocked to the comment section of the video of her performance in the finals to express their surprise and disappointment that she wasn’t named the winner of “AGT” season 17.

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However, Sara was chosen as one of the contestants for “America’s Got Talent: All Stars” early in 2023, against musical prodigies and groups from past seasons such as the Bello Sisters, the Light Balance Kids, Aidan Bryant, and the Detroit Youth Choir. For her performance at “All Stars,” Sara chose “As It Was” by recent Grammy Award winner Harry Styles. Before her performance, Sara engaged in a conversation with Simon Cowell, discussing her performance in the previous competition and aspirations for the future. Her characteristic confidence and promise that she will become the first “AGT” prodigy to win a Grammy had the crowd eagerly waiting to be blown away by her performance.

Sara didn’t disappoint the judges and her audience, producing her classic powerful, moving and captivating performance, which gained 2.8 million views on YouTube in just four weeks. Her rendition of the original song included most of the notes from the original, but Sara had altered some notes, transforming the song into a masterpiece. Unfortunately, she was up against fan favorites and prodigies from other seasons of “AGT”, who staged equally remarkable performances, and once again she was eliminated, although the audience, judges and Sara’s fans are convinced that she’s on her way to becoming a global icon in the music industry.

Record Deal, Album, and Original Music

In 2017, Sara released an Extended Playlist entitled “Just Like Me” containing four songs – “Blind,” “Boys Like You,” “Just Like Me,” and “If I Ever.” She wrote and released three other original songs in 2021, including “Czarny mlyn,” “Jak co roku,” and the song she performed at her first regional competition, “Somebody.”

After a successful stint at “AGT,” Sara James was signed by Universal Music Polska. She’s since written and released six original songs, including “My Wave” and “Take Sama.” In addition, Sara has released several covers as part of her record deal, most notably Harry Styles’ “As it Was”, and Elton John’s “Rocket Man.”

Her raw, powerful, and well-controlled voice, ability to bring out the emotion in her originals and covers, and to hold long notes has earned Sara millions of listeners across all music streaming platforms. In 2022, she became the most streamed artist on Spotify’s EQUAL Global playlist, with over 10 million streams on the platform. She was honored to become the first Polish artist to earn the coveted ambassadorial role on the music streaming platform.

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The Future

Sara hopes to win a Grammy someday. In 2023, she’s planning a tour for her new album, during which she hopes to unveil a more mature sound, and present herself to the world as a seasoned artist. Sara also hopes to become a role model for young people and women from all over the world, encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

The future is full of possibilities and opportunities for Sara to stage performances all over the world, share her voice and new sound with her fans, and release more original music.