LOS ANGELES — Zion Clark of Canton is no stranger to the spotlight.
He was the focus of a 2018 Netflix documentary – Zion – that highlighted his life as a wrestler in Massillon.
“Born without legs and living in foster care for years, teen Zion Clark finds his calling when he pursues competitive wrestling,” according to the Netflix description.
He’s also been featured on Ellen and here on 3News in various interviews.
This time, he’s captured the nation’s attention with an inspirational audition that aired during Tuesday night’s episode of America’s Got Talent – and now he’s advancing to the next round of the NBC competition.
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Clark, 25, who was once the top wrestler in Massillon, was born without legs and spent his childhood in more than a dozen foster homes.
“I was able to overcome these things because I learned how to fight and wrestle,” Clark said on AGT.
As his audition began, Clark offered the following message:
My name originally was Zion Zachariah Daniels. That’s the name my birth mother gave me. I don’t know my birth parents, and I don’t know why they named me Zion – but I know that it’s a mountain mentioned in the Bible.
He then showed off his strength while lifting weights, climbing rope and more all while a recording of his voice shared the following story:
It’s where people supposedly went to protect themselves from the evils of the world. I know about the evils of this world. I survived for 16 years in the foster care system. I was abused physically and mentally by those who were supposed to protect and nurture. Society said I would never amount to anything, but I chose to walk on my two hands instead of the wheelchair they put me in. I chose to represent the Team USA wrestling team, and every time I lost a match I got back up again and became an All-American Wrestler. I chose to join Pro MMA where I won my first fight against an able-bodied opponent. I chose to earn three Guinness World Records for the fastest man on two hands, the highest box jump and the most diamond push-ups. I chose a life of no excuses. Life is going to try to make you fall, but you when you choose to climb that huge mountain, overcome the obstacles put in your way, carve your own path in order to reach the summit, you will reach the top. My name is Zion and I made it here to America’s Got Talent to show the world that anything is possible.
You can watch his full audition in the video below…
Clark got a huge response from the crowd and a yes vote from all four judges. Here’s what each judge had to say…
- Heidi Klum: You are absolutely incredible. I’m so happy that you came to audition. I’m so happy that we met. I have to say that you’re very, very handsome, too.
- Sofia Vergara: But you know what I love? It’s your smile. I mean, from the moment you arrived you look like you’re so happy. So many times we think our world and our life are hard, but I can’t imagine what it’s been to you. Still, here you come with a smile. Thank you for coming to AGT.
- Howie Mandel: We use the word amazing a lot, but I think it really applies to who you are. I want everybody to watch you, to know you, you are very, very, very important.
- Simon Cowell: I am so happy you came on our show. You have no idea. You have such an incredible personality. You define the word inspiration. I listened to everything you said. How you’ve come through this with this attitude is remarkable. Honestly, for me, this is what this show absolutely is all about, which is meeting talented people who you’re going to remember. You’re going to make a difference. I applaud you. Amazing.
Watch our interview with Clark, which originally aired in 2019 below...
Clark wasn’t the only Northeast Ohio competitor who appeared on Tuesday night’s episode. See how Brunswick singer Summer Rios also advanced by watching her audition HERE.
