[4] In 2007, he "appeared in concert at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome for Pope Benedict XVI celebrating the occasion of his 80th birthday.

[12][13] James' interest in performance began at the age of 17 when a friend heard him singing along to an Amy Grant Christmas album and suggested he audition for choir.

"[14] This same mentor suggested a focus on classical music, which James took up as a professional foundation until later, when he eventually embraced a "crossover" presence as a performer in New York City.

[14][15] Following his graduation from Irvine High School in 1996, James was accepted and went to study at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

[15][16][17] While a student at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, James worked as a singing waiter in Switzerland during a summer break.

[3][15] Following his time at The San Francisco Conservatory of Music, James moved to New York City to pursue a career as an opera singer.

[16] In New York City, James developed a fondness for pop music and "became influenced by the styles of: Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Elton John, and Aretha Franklin.

[12] Despite jet lag, (having flown in from a performance in Sydney the night before), James auditioned for season eight of America's Got Talent, during episode 805, and sang "Nessun dorma" (the aria in the final act of Turandot, the Giacomo Puccini opera), receiving an affirmative vote from all four judges (Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel).

[12] On his success with America's Got Talent relative to American Idol and The Voice, James stated: "I consider myself very lucky and grateful that people paid attention this time around and realized that there was something that they could do with me.

"[14] Having advanced to the Las Vegas, Nevada round (season eight, episode 808), James coasted into the New York City quarterfinals without performing.

[3][20] James' parents (Lynda and Jim Smith) "found out he was gay while he was in college" and "disapproved," unable to reconcile "his sexuality with their Christian values" but finding common ground with their son.

[4][22][23] James was featured in the lineup for Tim Janis' "The American Christmas Carol" on December 4, 2015, at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

[4][24] James was joined by special guests Neil Sedaka, Sarah McLachlan, Zachary Levi, Ioan Gruffudd and other performers.

In sharing all the details of his life, James hopes to continue the example for healing for young gays that he began with his honest conversations on America's Got Talent.