America’s Got Talent sees its share of multitalented performers, but one singing cellist was so impressive that Judge Howie Mandel even called him his favorite.

BJ Griffin is a 34-year-old entertainer based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He appeared on stage with his electric cello, explaining he had good reason to audition on AGT.

“I’m done holding myself back,” said Griffin. “So, I came on to win AGT and achieve my dream of sharing healing through my music with the world.”

Griffin was born in Detroit (the birthplace of Motown) though raised in Virginia Beach, according to his website. As a youngster, he played with the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra, which took Griffin worldwide, including live performances in China and Greece.

He attended Virginia’s James Madison University, where he studied music, before moving to New York City and teaching with the Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan. He presently does solo work, blending classical, jazz, and pop, but also performs with BJ Griffin and the Galaxy Groove and The BJ Griffin Duo.

He has opened for some big names, including Lauryn Hill, Lionel Richie, Erykah Badu, Sir Sly, and Smash Mouth.

“As a performer, BJ lives to expand the boundaries of musicians of all genres to a broader audience and conjure even more possibilities to spread the joy of learning and performing music,” his website states.

For his AGT Audition, Griffin sang Al Green’s soulful 1971 hit, “Let’s Stay Together.”

Griffin belted sky-high notes while playing a standing electric cello, which even had AGT Host Terry Crews getting into the groove backstage.

He also had the live AGT audience on their feet just seconds into the song while Judges Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara sang and danced along.

Watch BJ’s unique audition in the video below!