Little Big Shots host Steve Harvey has a lot of fun with his kid co-stars on the hugely popular TV show. It’s usually all big laughs and awe, with a solid dose of wonder and pride, as these precocious kids wow the crowd — and millions at home — with their special skills. Harvey has an infectious smile and is quick to laugh, and he invites the kids to joke with him and participate in his unique style of no-BS repartee.
But once in a while, the mood is a little more serious — and it reminds viewers that the reason Harvey’s style works so well is because it is underscored by compassion. One of those moments happened as 7-year-old Gavin Stevens spoke to Harvey before bringing the house down with his performance of the National Anthem. Gavin has rare condition that has left him blind since birth. Harvey was visibly moved by Gavin’s appearance, and after the boy told Harvey he loved him Harvey responded in kind, saying “I love you too” and proceeded to list 3 reasons why. During Harvey’s monologue about love, Gavin’s parents were in tears.
First, Harvey said he loved the kid because he had soul. Harvey gave an eloquent description about how Gavin’s blindness gave him a special sense of people, preventing him from judging others by how they look, and that gave him more soul than most people. It was a touching moment.
Second, Harvey said he loved Gavin because of his bravery, the way the young man just came out and delivered. Harvey was impressed by Gavin’s courage and nerve, his attitude and style.
For #3, Harvey returned to his comedy chops. The adorable Gavin had revealed that his girlfriend was in the audience and that they “go on dates!” He also proudly told Harvey she was 15! So of course Harvey said the third reason he loved Gavin was because he was 7 years old, and he had a “15-year-old girlfriend!”
