America’s Got Talent to feature Pynk Beard: Everything you need to know about the Birmingham artist

Birmingham native Sebastian Kole is shifting from behind the pen to center stage. Under his new artistic identity, Pynk Beard, the musician recently announced that he will be competing on the upcoming season of “America’s Got Talent.”

Here is everything you need to know about Pynk Beard ahead of his appearance on AGT.

Pynk Bear’s rise from Tuscaloosa bars to Billboard hits

Born Coleridge Gardner Tillman, Kole learned music through the church before sharpening his craft in the state’s college scene. While studying as a Music Tech major at the University of Alabama, he regularly played local bars and clubs before catching his first massive break in 2012, co-writing the Jennifer Lopez and Flo Rida dance hit “Goin’ In.”

Since then, he’s amassed an impressive list of credits:

• Songwriting + production credits:
  • Alessia Cara: Co-wrote + co-produced the majority of her debut breakout album “Know-It-All,” including the massive Billboard hits “Here” + “Scars to Your Beautiful,” as well as standout tracks “Wild Things,” “Seventeen,” “Outlaws,” “I’m Yours,” “Overdose,” “Stars” + “River of Tears.”
  • Alicia Keys: Co-wrote + co-produced “Perfect Way to Die” and co-wrote “Time Machine” for her self-titled album “Alicia.”
  • John Legend: Co-wrote “Actions” for the album “Bigger Love.”
  • Brandy: Co-wrote the single “Freedom Rings.”
  • Fifth Harmony: Co-wrote “Bridges” for their self-titled studio album.
  • Halle Bailey: Authored standout music projects as a collaborative songwriter.
  • JoJo: Co-wrote “Bad Habits (Intro)” for the physical version of “Good to Know.”
  • PrettyMuch: Co-wrote the single “Blind.”
  • Samm Henshaw: Co-wrote the single “The World Is Mine.”
  • Ray BLK: Co-wrote “Mama” for the album “Empress.”
  • E^ST: Co-wrote “Friends” for the album “Life Ain’t Always Roses.”
  • Delta Goodrem: Co-wrote “Keep Climbing” for “Bridge over Troubled Dreams.”
• Film + television credits:
  • “Grey’s Anatomy”: Contributed original music featured on the soundtrack of the long-running ABC medical drama.
  • “Star” (Fox Series): Co-wrote “It’s Alright” for the Star Cast season one original soundtrack.

He’s also had a few solo releases under his own name, including:

• “Soup” (2016): Released a full-length solo R&B/Pop studio album under Motown Records.
• “Sebastian Kole EP” (2016): Released a self-titled extended play featuring the singles “Home,” “Love’s On the Way” and “Love Doctor.”

A lifelong love for country music

Despite his major pop and R&B success, Kole’s recent transition into the spotlight as Pynk Beard marks a return to his roots.

The son of a preacher, Kole grew up immersed in gospel, soul and country. Following the 2025 release of his debut country EP “Red Dirt Diaries,” Kole signed with Anzie Blue Records to pursue a genre-blending sound that offers a multidimensional take on Southern life.

His latest single, “Ice on the Road,” has already garnered critical acclaim from Forbes and Billboard, alongside millions of social media views and praise from artists like SZA and Queen Latifah.

Through Pynk Beard, Kole is focused on bringing his full artistry forward and reclaiming space in a genre that has historically overlooked Black artists.

Redemption on the national stage

The journey to the AGT stage represents a full-circle moment for the performer. Kole recalled an earlier, unsuccessful attempt to audition for the show in Nashville alongside his friend Reuben.

While some peers initially questioned whether an established, Grammy-nominated songwriter should join a talent competition, Kole remained firm, prioritizing his personal artistic fulfillment over industry expectations.

“Young me would have been so excited to be on the stage like that. Young me would have been so proud of this me. This whole Pynk Beard experience is just giving me the joy of getting back out in front of people and smiling and dancing and enjoying life with the crowd.”

Pynk Beard via Facebook

What comes next — where to watch

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The new season of “America’s Got Talent” begins broadcasting Tuesday, June 2 at 7PM. It airs on NBC, which is broadcast on Birmingham’s WVTM-TV on channel 13. 

Episodes go to NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, a day after they air on NBC. You can also watch it with a live TV streaming service, such as Youtube TV, Hulu Live TV or Sling TV.

While his exact performance air date has not yet been announced, Kole is eager to share his voice directly with the public.

“I really want to show the world that I really do have what it takes as a singer, as a performer.”

Pynk Beard via Facebook

Birmingham residents can tune in this season to support the hometown artist as he steps into the national spotlight. For more updates on future show dates and releases, visit pynkbeard.com.

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