HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. - When 21-year-old Pfc. Paul Ieti, Company A, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade was in Afghanistan, he and a friend made a video of him singing "Stay" by Rihanna. And like a million young dreamers before, they posted it on You Tube. The video went viral and has since been viewed by over a million people worldwide. Ieti never expected the video would have such an impact. He also never expected that the producers from "Americas Got Talent" would invite him to come and sing on their popular television variety show.
The rest is history and Ieti wowed the crowd and judges with a performance that has made him a very popular guy right now. He is still in the competition, with a very real opportunity to win a million dollars. That combination of fame and potential for fortune has a way of making normal people go a little crazy. The streets of celebrity are paved with young stars who couldn't handle the pitfalls that money and success can bring.
What is apparent to most who meet him is just how humble and grounded the young singer has remained.
The singing Soldier remains true to his family, his faith, and his true friends which help keep him grounded through this exciting period in his life.
Ieti said he's never understood why people change after making it to celebrity status.
"I'm still going to be Paul Ieti, the normal but hyper active guy I've been," said Ieti. "I know my talent is God-given and I just want to share it with the world."
Ieti also gives credit to his mother and father for his success and wants to share that success with them. He credits them for giving him the right perspective about his newfound fame.
"Both of my parents have told me that no matter how far I get or how famous I get, I need to remember where I'm from and to stay humble," said Ieti.
One member of Ieti's small but tight inner circle of friends is Spc. Jason Timms, Company B, 603rd ASB. When the Cypress, Fla., native, was asked why he feels Ieti is remaining so grounded throughout the experience, he didn't hesitate to answer.
"I like to think that it's a matter of humility and things that he's learned throughout the years. Basically it comes down to his family, his faith, and his friends," said Timms.
Ieti admitted that his circle of "true friends" has gotten smaller. Timms has been a friend since before the singing Soldier from American Samoa became popular. Whether or not he wins the competition, Timms is someone who will remain a true friend.
"Materialistic things aren't very meaningful to me," continued Timms. "I take value in personal relationships more than I would value any money or fame."
Ieti said that he loves to sing, and loves it even more when his God-given talent helps comfort one of his friends and fellow Soldiers.
Juliet Schwarz, another friend of Ieti who calls Dothan, Ala. her home, recalled a time during a recent deployment to Afghanistan when she was having another "Groundhog Day." Soldiers use the term "Groundhog Day" to describe the routine when every day seems just like the day before. She was taking a break from her job when Ieti came and talked to her. He asked her if he could sing for her. Reluctantly she agreed. She said listening to Ieti removed her from the war zone.
"I just didn't feel like I was there anymore," said Schwarz emotionally through her tears. "For that short time while he sang I felt elevated to a different level. It made me happy."
The reward of being able to share his gift with someone is all the payment Ieti said that he needs. However, if he wins the million dollars he plans to go a little crazy with the money. He wants to buy his mother and father a new car and a new home in Florida. After that he plans on saving what is left.
One thing's for sure, whether or not Ieti wins the competition it is clear he is already a rich man.
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