Sibling country music duo The Reklaws delivered a deeply emotional performance during their appearance on America’s Got Talent (AGT) 2024, moving both judges and the audience with a powerful original song dedicated to their late mother. Known for blending heartfelt storytelling with country-pop melodies, The Reklaws used the national stage to honor their family’s journey through loss and healing.
Who Are The Reklaws?
The Reklaws—Jenna and Stuart Walker—are a Canadian country music duo who have gained recognition for their chart-topping singles, heartfelt lyrics, and engaging stage presence. Originating from Cambridge, Ontario, the duo first rose to fame in the Canadian country music scene and have since expanded their reach with hits like “Long Live the Night,” “Can’t Help Myself,” and “What the Truck” (featuring Sacha).
According to Universal Music Canada, their label partner, The Reklaws are known for crafting songs that reflect youthful optimism, emotional authenticity, and tight sibling harmonies that resonate with audiences across North America.
Source: Universal Music Canada – The Reklaws
A Song Rooted in Love and Memory
During their 2024 America’s Got Talent audition, The Reklaws performed an original song written in memory of their late mother, who passed away in recent years. Though the song title has not yet been officially released to streaming platforms at the time of writing, its message was clear: a tribute to a parent’s unwavering love and the strength to carry on after loss.
The performance stood out not just for its musicality but for its emotional sincerity. The lyrics, built around themes of remembrance, family bonds, and healing, created a poignant atmosphere that captivated the entire venue.
Their ability to express grief through art mirrors a longstanding tradition in country music, where storytelling and lived experience take center stage.
Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia – Country Music in Canada
A Powerful Response from Judges and Audience
As The Reklaws sang, the energy in the room shifted. Their harmonies—polished through years of collaboration—carried raw emotion that resonated with both the judges and the audience. Although talent competition judges typically maintain composure, viewers noted that several appeared visibly moved by the heartfelt performance.
Audience members gave a standing ovation even before the final chord, a strong indicator of the connection forged between the performers and the listeners. Moments like these underscore the unique role of music in evoking empathy and shared emotion.
Source: AGT Official YouTube Channel
The Healing Power of Music
The Reklaws’ appearance on AGT was more than just a musical performance—it was a tribute to resilience, grief, and the healing power of music. In an interview prior to their performance (as aired on NBC), the siblings mentioned that their mother had been one of their biggest supporters and that creating this song helped them process the emotional aftermath of her passing.
Grief experts have long acknowledged that creative expression, including songwriting and music performance, can be therapeutic. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), engaging in artistic activities like music can help individuals work through emotions, reduce stress, and promote psychological resilience during times of loss.
Source: American Psychological Association – The Healing Arts
From Canada to the Global Stage
While The Reklaws were already established in Canada, their performance on America’s Got Talent introduces them to a broader international audience. Their appearance demonstrates how artists can use prominent platforms not only to showcase talent but also to share deeply personal stories that connect across cultures and borders.
Their AGT moment aligns with a growing trend in reality television: authentic storytelling that goes beyond competition and instead focuses on human connection and emotional resonance. As their music continues to reach new listeners, The Reklaws are helping to expand what country music can sound like—and who it can speak to.
Source: CBC Music – The Reklaws
A Sibling Bond That Elevates Their Music
The dynamic between Jenna and Stuart Walker is central to The Reklaws’ appeal. Their shared upbringing and life experiences create a strong emotional synergy, especially evident in performances like their AGT audition. Their harmonies, timing, and authenticity are sharpened not just by years of working together, but by the trust and understanding that only siblings can share.
Family duos have long held a place in country and folk music history—acts like The Judds, The Everly Brothers, and The Carpenters are all examples of how sibling harmony can add an irreplaceable dimension to a performance.
Source: Country Music Hall of Fame – Family Harmony
What’s Next for The Reklaws?
Following their emotional performance on AGT, The Reklaws are expected to gain further momentum both in the U.S. and internationally. Their existing discography has already amassed millions of streams, and new fans are likely to explore their past work thanks to the visibility from AGT.
Whether or not they continue further in the competition, The Reklaws’ moment on stage has already made a powerful impact. It’s a reminder that music can carry memory, bridge distance, and speak the words that are often too hard to say.
According to the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs), songs rooted in personal experiences often resonate most strongly with listeners. These tracks tend to find lasting relevance because they reflect shared human experiences like love, loss, and resilience.
Source: Recording Academy – Storytelling in Music
Conclusion
The Reklaws’ performance on America’s Got Talent 2024 was more than an audition—it was a testament to the emotional power of music and the enduring bonds of family. Their tribute to their late mother moved thousands and underscored why art matters, especially during life’s most difficult moments.
By bringing their story to a global stage, The Reklaws not only honored a loved one—they also invited audiences everywhere to reflect on the importance of family, memory, and healing.
Verified Sources
- Universal Music Canada – The Reklaws
- The Canadian Encyclopedia – Country Music
- American Psychological Association – Healing Arts
- CBC Music – The Reklaws
- Recording Academy – Storytelling
- AGT Official YouTube Channel
- Country Music Hall of Fame – Family Harmony