Convicted Man Sings His Own Version Of Adele's 'Hello' To Apologize In Court

A convicted felon sang an apology to the tune of Adele's "Hello" during a sentence hearing in court.

Brian Earl Taylor, 21, was arrested on November 9 when police found him holding a gun to a man's stomach in an apartment building in Ypsilanti, Michigan, ABC News reports.

On March 10, he appeared at Washtenaw County Trial Court to be sentenced for unlawful imprisonment and carrying a concealed weapon.

According to ABC News, Taylor announced he was "gonna start with a song" before singing an emotional apology to the tune of "Hello" with lyrics he apparently wrote himself.

The song began,

Hello there, your honor. I want to say I'm sorry for the things I've done, and I try to be stronger in this life I've chose. But I want you to know, that door I closed.

Taylor then repeatedly sang, "I'm sorry," to Judge Darlene O'Brien, as well as the victim and his own mother.

Judge O'Brien told ABC News one of Taylor's lawyers asked her before the hearing for permission for Taylor to sing the song.

She gave her approval after examining the lyrics and determining they seemed remorseful.

Washtenaw County assistant public defender Stephen Adams said his client first asked him about the song the night before the hearing.

He told ABC News,

It was the way he could most comfortably tell her how he felt.

Judge O'Brien, an Adele fan, told Taylor she hopes he puts his undeniable musical talent to good use.

Taylor was reportedly sentenced to up to 17 years in prison for the two aforementioned charges, but five other charges against him were dismissed.

He will reportedly appear in court again on March 24 to face charges for a separate case involving his alleged theft or holding of a financial transaction device without consent.

Citations: Convicted Felon Sings Adele Inspired Apology at Sentencing Hearing (ABC News)