Throughout the ultimate, which aired Wednesday, host Terry Crews instructed Williams he had a message from a particular fan earlier than taking part in the clip through which Meghan stated she was touched by his story.
Williams spent many years in jail for against the law he didn’t commit.
“I simply needed to let that we have now been so moved by your story and we have now been cheering you on each week and it isn’t simply because we’re keen on the title,” stated Meghan, making reference to her and Harry’s son who can also be named Archie.
“So a really particular message to you that I am going to in all probability be saying all of my life however on this night time, it’s particularly for you. Archie, we’re pleased with you, and we’re rooting for you, and we won’t wait to see what you do. We’re in your nook. Have night time,” stated Meghan.
The singer moved judges throughout his audition when he instructed them he had spent 36 years in jail for a rape he didn’t commit.
He stated he had watched “America’s Bought Expertise” whereas incarcerated and hoped to audition for the present in the future.
After Williams spent greater than a decade in Louisiana State Penitentiary, a most safety jail with a violent repute, the Innocence Undertaking took up his case.
The authorized nonprofit labored with Williams over the subsequent 24 years and repeatedly requested DNA testing and fingerprint comparisons that might show his innocence.
Lastly, in March 2019, he was cleared of the crime after his fingerprints had been submitted into a robust fingerprint ID system.
Spoken-word artist Brandon Leake was finally introduced the winner of Wednesday’s present.
Meghan’s message to Williams was her second current broadcast look, as on Tuesday she briefly featured within the Time 100 broadcast particular together with her husband Harry.
The couple, who now reside in California, congratulated these named on this yr’s Time 100 checklist of most influential individuals.
Harry and Meghan additionally used the chance to ship a message to voters earlier than the upcoming US election.
“As we strategy this November, it is important that we reject hate speech, misinformation, and on-line negativity. What we devour, what we’re uncovered to, and what we have interaction with on-line, has an actual impact on all of us,” stated Harry through the video.
“Each 4 years, we’re instructed, ‘That is a very powerful election of our lifetime.’ However this one is,” stated Meghan. “Once we vote our values are put into motion, and our voices are heard.”
CNN’s Scottie Andrew contributed to this story.