EXCLUSIVE: Edon Pinchot Talks ‘America’s Got Talent’, Justin Bieber & More

Almost two years ago, a little birdie sent me a link to 12-year old, Edon Pinchot, performing a piano medley of Top 40 hits. I was instantly a fan. Not only was the young boy adorable, skilled on the piano, charismatic, and blessed with a soulful voice way beyond his years… he was proudly wearing a kippah.

Raised in an Orthodox Jewish family in Chicago, Edon celebrates his values, beliefs, family, and community just as much as his indescribable love for music.

After gaining a viral fanbase via YouTube, Edon auditioned for Season 7 of ‘America’s Got Talent’ with a beautiful, and quite unique, rendition of ‘Good Life’. After all the judges voted “Yes”, Edon went on to Vegas to compete on a national stage.

Edon became a fan favorite- performing everything from David Guetta’s ‘Titanium’ to One Direction’s ‘What Makes You Beautiful’- making it all the way to the semi-finals. Although he didn’t win ‘America’s Got Talent’, his legions of fans continue to watch his every move.

Edon sat down with Shalom Life to chat about his current projects, his experience on ‘America’s Got Talent’, and being called “Jewish Justin Bieber”

ASHLEY BAYLEN (AB): Many people became familiar with your talent from ‘America’s Got Talent’, but you were posting videos on YouTube long before that. What prompted you to start posting your covers of Top 40 songs online?

EDON PINCHOT (EP): My sister was listening to me singing some covers I was doing of top 40 songs and one of her friends videoed it and they posted it on YouTube. I guess it just took off from there.

AB: Your YouTube videos became popular quickly, and people began calling you the ‘Jewish Justin Bieber’. Are you a fan of Justin’s?

EP: I am actually a fan of his. I think he is so talented and has tried to use his popularity and fame to improve the world around us. I think that is pretty rare, and its something I would want to do as well with my singing. Obviously, though, as an artist, I don't really want to be compared to other people so much. Everyone has their own style and own way of doing things.

AB: Why is it important for you to perform in a kippah?

EP: I think there are two kinds of artists -- those who pretend to be someone else as a stage personality and those who try to be true to themselves. I love music, but I also have a strong tradition and am committed to my religion. The kippah is something I wear when I'm not singing, it’s almost like a part of me, and it’s also a great reminder to stay true to who you are and what you believe.

AB: Many people believe you’re a great role model for Jewish youth. Is your intention to appeal to other Jewish kids your age with a specific message?

EP: Be proud of who you are and be true to who you are. Those are not uniquely Jewish messages, and they apply to everyone. But the fact that I am Jewish and have had this sudden exposure has given me the chance to promote both of those ideas to other Jewish kids and adults. I want to be able to inspire all people of all ages.

AB: How do you select the songs that you record?

EP: There's something about music that applies to everyone no matter who you are or where you are. There are certain songs and tunes that somehow get stuck in our heads and make us feel something that other songs don't. With my covers, I usually use a song that gives me ‘that feeling’ and really gets in my head, or something that I think I can really change and make my own.

AB: Why did you decide to audition for ‘America’s Got Talent’?

EP: They look for talent, and when they asked if I would be interested, I first had to make sure it worked in terms of Shabbos. I thought it would be a great platform to start a singing career.

AB: Is it a blessing to actually not win ‘AGT ‘and have freedom to do whatever you wish?

EP: It’s hard to develop a singer overnight, so I think giving myself a chance to grow and work on my own style has been a kind of blessing. But I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. They were so kind to me while on the show and I met the most interesting and amazing people.

AB: What are you currently working on?

EP: We've been taking it in stages. After the show, I worked on my performing skills, in small and some larger venues. Aside from knowing how to sing, you have to also know how to perform and interact with an audience. Now I am working on creating my own songs and my own style. It’s hard work and can feel like a lot of pressure as you write music and lyrics, but it feels so good when you come up with your own song and can take pride in something you created yourself. We are still trying to figure out the next steps and how to launch those songs.

Edon’s favorites, biggest pet peeve, and great accomplishment are just a click away on page 2!