A San Quentin registered nurse is moving forward after the live performance of her life on America’s Got Talent, thanks to a golden buzzer.
While the results show will air Aug. 28, singer Dee Dee Simon doesn’t need to wait to find out her fate as judges were so moved by her performance, they automatically moved her forward.
Dee Dee Simon performed Tuesday on NBC, Peacock
Simon literally sang out of her shoes during her first performance on the NBC hit talent competition on June 11. It went viral. It also created buzz and excitement throughout San Quentin for staff and incarcerated people.
The CCHCS Communications team had the opportunity to catch up with Simon at San Quentin to learn more about her passion for singing, motivation to audition, and experience on the show. The energetic nurse spoke of influential moments and challenges along her artistic journey. She also shared learned-wisdom and inspiring words of courage at every turn.
It’s been a long road for the nurse of 19 years at San Quentin, but as Simon says, “Don’t get out of the car.”
“I want to tell a story. I want to be inspirational to other people to have dreams,” she added. “Find something you love to do, and always have something to fall back on, like a good job.”
During her powerful performance on America’s Got Talent, her rendition of the Jennifer Hudson song, “And I am Telling You I’m Not Living Without You” had the audience in tears and judges in awe.
With unanimous yes votes, the four celebrity judges praised the singer and sent her on to the next round of the competition.
America’s Got Talent live performance and voting information
It’s what propelled her to the next stage of the competition, again at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. This time, it’s live.
“Now it’s for your guys to download that app. I don’t know, text, call, send a smoke signal, whatever you got to do, because now it’s up you, it’s up to America,” she said. “I hope they vote for me.”
Viewers can visit the America’s Got Talent’s official voting website (may not open on a CDCR computer). While there, they can create a free NBCUniversal profile and vote up to 10 times for their favorite act.
UPDATE: On Tuesday Dee Dee Simon performed in the AGT quarterfinals live on NBC. Her performance earned a “golden buzzer” and automatic qualification to next month’s AGT finals, skipping the show’s semifinal round. She gave a special shout-out to CDCR and San Quentin during her celebratory moment.
By CCHCS Communications
See more stories highlighting CDCR/CCHCS staff.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
Watch: Two staff graduate Innovation Fellows program
Two CDCR employees have graduated the first cohort of the Governor’s Innovation Fellows program. Samantha Kissane and Chris Siino, both…
VSP recruiters attend Fresno’s Support Blue Run
On behalf of the Peace Officer Recruitment Unit, Valley State Prison (VSP) recruiters proudly participated in the annual Support Blue…
CHCF hosts second staff promotional ceremony
California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in Stockton hosted its second promotional ceremony on Friday, Feb. 20, honoring nine staff members…
Meet Troy Tenhet, OCE associate superintendent
Troy Tenhet, associate superintendent for the Office of Correctional Education (OCE), knows exactly when he found his calling. After a…
Meet Megan Waters: Turning recreation into rehabilitation
While a game of dominoes or an art project may look like recreation, to Recreation Therapist Megan Waters, these structured…
Kern Valley hosts staff promotion ceremony
Kern Valley State Prison held its quarterly staff promotion ceremony to celebrate multiple career advancements including eight custody and six non-custody positions.