Neal Boyd sings

When Neal Boyd was growing up in Sikeston, Mo., his singing talent was obvious to his classmates, teachers and his fellow parishioners at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. When he was pursuing a degree at Southeast Missouri State University, Boyd was well-known in Cape Girardeau for his commanding tenor voice and his superb performance skills. Now Boyd's talent will be showcased nationally as a contestant on NBC's "America's Got Talent," which starts its third season later this month.

Boyd will have plenty of fans rooting for him as the show's season unfolds. Boyd's success will depend on viewers who vote for their favorite performer each week. Phone lines from Southeast Missouri will likely be busy.

The ultimate prize of "America's Got Talent" is $1 million and a good shot at contracts that could launch a professional career for the winner. We can't think of a better candidate, in this season of political candidates, to be pegged as a potential winner in this contest of musical ability and showmanship.

Our vote is for Neal Boyd, "The Voice of Missouri," to make it big in the prime-time spotlight.