Samantha Johnson, a young vocalist with deep family roots in the Tamaqua area, will appear on “America’s Got Talent” television show tomorrow night (Tuesday, June 30, 2015) on ABC. The show is scheduled to air at 8 PM.

Johnson, age 26, is the daughter of Denise Smulligan of Summit Hill, and granddaughter of Gloria Smulligan and the late Tamaqua councilman Kenneth “Kenny” Smulligan of Tamaqua. She also worked as a server in 2013 at Vonz Restaurant at the popular Tamaqua Railroad Station.

A high school graduate from New Bedford, Massachusetts, Johnson calls herself a traveling gypsy; noting her past trips to Australia, New Zealand, Scandanavia, Malasia, England, England and Switzerland. “I travel about 9 months out of the year,” said Johnson, who says she also frequents and sings at a number of popular Tamaqua social establishments. “Music is my passion. Wherever I go, I sing.”
Johnson said she grew up on Cape Cod before moving to New Bedford. There she attended Normandin Middle School and New Bedford High. After graduating, she returned to Normandin, where she served as the Drama Club director for several years.

This year represents America’s Got Talent 10th television season. According to its website, last summer, “America’s Got Talent” remained the number-one summer show in total viewers for the ninth consecutive year.

More information from its website reads, “America’s Got Talent,” NBC’s top-rated summer series from producer Simon Cowell’s Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America, celebrates its landmark 10th season with the hottest performers from across the country competing for America’s vote. Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel return as judges, and Nick Cannon returns as host.
With the talent search open to acts of all ages, “America’s Got Talent” has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing unique performers from across the country. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists and hopeful stars, all vying for their chance to win America’s hearts and the $1 million prize.”

Click HERE to view a sneak peek photo of Johnson performing during an audition.

Click HERE for more information about the series.

Click HERE to view Johnson’s Facebook page.

Click HERE to view a related story from a New Bedford, Massachusetts news media.

Click HERE to view a related story in the Times News.