Working as an aerospace engineer can’t be easy. But as exciting as it may to grapple with the final frontier, nothing beats the thrill of an adoring crowd on a national stage.
Enter Broomfield retiree John Clay Hetlinger. On Tuesday, the 82-year-old maestro of metal took his case to Simon Cowell and company on “America’s Got Talent” with a flawless interpretation of Drowning Pool’s classic single, “Let the Bodies Hit the Floor.” The unexpected pair of age and music choice floored the cyber-world and turned the local resident into an overnight sensation.
We called up Hetlinger to chat about his major network television debut.
What’s your singing background?
Well, I started singing in high school and my church choir. That later turned into karaoke.
What’s your favorite karaoke spot?
I usually go to the off of 112th (a local bar in Northglenn) and that’s where you can usually find me. Singing karaoke is how I prepared (for America’s Got talent).
Do you like metal? Are you going to any upcoming shows?
I’m not particularly into metal, however, I have my tickets to see (the upcoming Grateful Dead show in Boulder at Folsom Field in early July).
