Daniel Jens is a singing and guitarist from Season 3 of America's Got Talent. He was eliminated in the Semifinals.
Background[]
Singing, songwriting and performing have been woven into the fabric of Daniel Jens' life for over two decades. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Daniel performed in several successful unsigned rock bands until he found his true calling in singing and writing Christian music.
It is this shift of focus, Daniel said, that has caused his music to hold a more selfless meaning. He now sees his musical passion as a chance to glorify God, rather than a means to build himself up as a performer. This lesson was tough, and the road was filled with stumbling blocks, but a new spirit and vision led by the Lord has proven to be life-changing and more rewarding than Daniel ever could have imagined. 1
Audition[]
Daniel Jens's audition in Episode 307 consisted of singing Edwin McCain's "I'll Be" while playing the guitar. Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and David Hasselhoff all voted "Yes", sending Daniel to the Vegas Round.
Vegas Round[]
Daniel Jens was one of the Music Acts in the Vegas Round. He was sorted into the "Male Singers" category. His performance in Episode 308 consisted of singing "Home." Unfortunately, in the middle of his performance, he stopped singing after forgetting the lyrics of the song. Nevertheless, Daniel's audition was strong enough for the judges to include him in the Top 60 shortlist and to later send him to the Top 40 Quarterfinals in Episode 309.
Quarterfinals[]
Daniel Jens' Part 2 Quarterfinals performance in Episode 311 consisted of singing The Police's "Every Breath You Take" while playing the guitar. Piers thought it was a fairly good performance, but is not sure that Daniel is strong enough for Vegas. Sharon advised Daniel to work on his breathing, but praised him for a great song choice. David applauded Daniel for inspiring America. Daniel received enough votes to be sent to the Semifinals in Episode 312 instead of George the Giant.
Semifinals[]
Daniel Jens' Part 1 Semifinals performance in Episode 314 consisted of singing Lonestar's "I'm Already There". Piers Morgan buzzed the act. Piers felt Daniel wasn't in the league of the singers in the Top 20, and felt he could go back and serve his country. Sharon angered by the comments, and praised Daniel for showing likability. David praised Daniel for showcasing an inspirational heart. Daniel finished in either fifth or sixth place in America's Vote. In the Judges' Choice, although Sharon Osbourne voted for him, Piers and David Hasselhoff both did not, eliminating Daniel from the competition in Episode 316 instead of Jessica Price.
After the Show[]
As Daniel approached the end of his military commitment late 2009, he was contacted by renowned music producers David Simoné and Winston Simone. They wanted him to help create and be a part of a new military themed group to pitch to Sony Music. Through the help of Army Entertainment Director, Victor Hurtado, the group “4Troops” was born and signed to Sony Masterworks.
4TROOPS self-titled CD debuted at #36 on the Billboard Top 100, they toured nationwide, performed live on TV shows like Good Morning America, The View and the Today Show, just to name a few.
Today, Daniel is home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his family writing music, singing and playing guitar for select gigs, private parties, worship services and wedding ceremonies close to home. He and his wife, Caroline Jens started a marriage ministry in 2013 called Whole Armor Ministry. 2
Trivia[]
Daniel Jens was the last audition of Season 3 to be televised.
