Wellington Latter-day Saint, Kurt Mueller, was dubbed "harmonica hero" for his high energy performance in the auditions for New Zealand's Got Talent.
The father of four is appearing in semi-final five of New Zealand's Got Talent on Sunday, 17 November. He performs with the stage name, "KurtX."
After playing the harmonica for years as a teenager, and living as a hermit for over a year in the Swiss Alps, Kurt learned about and embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ. He set his harmonicas aside to get an education, marry a Kiwi, emigrate to New Zealand, and raise a family.
A friend of his family, Latter-day Saint educator Sheryl Butters, encouraged him to share his talents.
Kurt started playing in his Mormon congregation's annual variety shows, but didn't otherwise use his harmonicas, until ten years ago, when his two-year-old son Thomas died. The gospel was a mainstay in his family's life during this difficult period, which helped Kurt to realise that he needed to fulfil his dreams while they were still within his grasp.
"The gospel gave our family hope and the knowledge that we'll see Tommy again," Kurt says, "but playing the harmonica helped me to relax and express my feelings. It filled some of the empty space left behind when Tommy died."
"I want to share my talents with others and bring them enjoyment, the way Sheryl encouraged me to, years ago. I hope New Zealand loves what I play."
KurtX is one of 30 contestants vying for 12 places in the Grand Final of New Zealand's Got Talent. For more information, go to TVNZ's website.
Read an article on Kurt and his family in New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Photograph courtesy of TVNZ.