Eric and Olivia: The College Duo That Reimagined Maroon 5 and Captivated AGT
When Eric Nicolau and Olivia Applegate, two students from the University of Texas at Austin, walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage, the conversation initially focused on their relationship status. Despite the judges’ playful prodding about “closing the deal,” the duo insisted they were strictly musical partners. However, the second they began their performance, the focus shifted entirely to their artistry. Eric and Olivia delivered a hauntingly original, bluesy arrangement of Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” that was unrecognizable in its first few notes—a creative choice that immediately won over the room.
Olivia’s vocal performance was a highlight of the night. Described as having an “unusual” and “beautiful” voice, she brought an intimate, soulful depth to the high-energy pop hit. By stripping the song down and infusing it with a lounge-like, acoustic vibe, the duo managed to do something rare on a show filled with singers: they were truly original. The performance divided the judges, with some appreciating the artistic risk while others debated whether the intimate style was “big enough” for a Las Vegas headline show.
Ultimately, the duo’s originality carried them through. Howard Stern praised them for breaking through the noise with their unique arrangement, comparing Olivia’s potential to genre-defining artists like Amy Winehouse and Adele. While Howie Mandel expressed concerns about the “loungy” feel, the majority of the panel disagreed, seeing the “twist” as a sign of true star quality. With two strong “yeses” and plenty of praise for their musical chemistry, Eric and Olivia proved that sometimes, taking a massive pop hit in “the other direction” is the perfect way to make a name for yourself.
