When the McMinnville family band We Three first appeared on "America's Got Talent," their story and performance brought judge Mel B to tears, and won praise from Simon Cowell, who told them, "There's something really special about you guys."

The members of We Three are Bethany Blanchard, and her brothers, Joshua Humlie and Manny Humlie. When the three performed in an audition episode of "America's Got Talent" that aired on the Season 13 premiere May 29, they performed their original, "Heaven's Not Too Far Away."

The lyrics paid tribute to the siblings' mother, who died of cancer in early 2016. Mel B, who had lost her father to cancer about a year ago, she said, was obviously moved by the We Three performance.

In a phone interview after the episode aired, Blanchard said she and her brothers were touched by the reactions of Mel B, the audience and judges Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel, who gave We Three a standing ovation following the group's performance.

"Mel B crying was the biggest compliment she could pay," Blanchard said.

We Three will be back on "America's Got Talent" in the episode that airs Tuesday, July 31 at 8 p.m. The "Judge Cuts" episodes determine which acts will move forward in the talent competition, and closer to a chance to win the $1 million prize.

-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com

503-221-8227

@Kristiturnquist