SIMON Cowell has been brought to tears after a “perfect” AGT audition.
At the end of the season 18 premiere, the last act was the Mzansi Youth Choir from South Africa.
Simon Cowell cried after an audition during the season 18 premiere of AGT
A youth choir from South Africa performed the song It’s Okay by Nightbirde
Simon, 63, asked how the group started, and a member explained that the founders created the choir to help change the lives of young people.
When the choir started to perform, their song choice shocked the judges.
They sang a song called It’s Okay by the singer and songwriter Nightbirde.
Nightbirde appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2021 for performing It’s Okay at her audition – where she received a golden buzzer.
Unfortunately, she had to leave the competition because she was struggling to win her battle with cancer.
The AGT legend passed away in February 2022 at the age of 31.
As the choir began to sing, Simon and Sofia Vergara, 50, looked at each other with pleasantly surprised expressions.
Howie Mandel, 67, looked thrilled to be hearing the song performed on the AGT stage once again, and Heidi Klum, 49, immediately recognized the melody.
By the time it was over, the host of AGT Terry Crews, 54, was wiping away tears.
LET’S HEAR FROM THE JUDGES
Sofia said it was a “surprise to hear that song,” and their voices were “fantastic.”
She also told the group that they had the “perfect AGT audition.”
Howie added, “I’ll always remember Nightbirde, and to see that it touched people on the other side of the globe – unbelievable.”
When it was Simon’s turn to speak to the group, he asked why they chose to perform It’s Okay.
One of the group’s leaders said, “When we heard Nightbirde sing the song on this stage, we were very inspired and touched by her story that we decided to record the song.
“To our surprise, she responded so beautifully. This song has been such a pillar of strength for us as a choir through difficult times.
“We just want to continue her legacy.”
At this point, the audience had begun to chant “golden buzzer” at the judges.
After that answer, Simon couldn’t continue. He stared down at his lap and started to breathe heavily while Sofia rubbed his shoulder.
He then said, “I know how much this would have…would have meant to her,” and in the middle of that sentence, he started to cry.
Everyone, including the performers, had tears in their eyes, and the audience continued to chant “golden buzzer.”
Simon then made a suggestion that would change AGT’s history.
For the first time in AGT history, the audience was given the power of the golden buzzer – and they decided to give it to the Mzansi Youth Choir.
HOW TO AUDITION
While auditions may be closed for this current season, fans are eager to know when they’ll have their next big shot on the show.
Each year, America’s Got Talent sees hundreds of amazing acts from singers to magicians.
In order to get on the show, performers will have to audition.
However, the process is more than just showing up and showing the judges what they’ve got.
According to America’s Got Talent’s website, performers can either attend an in-person or virtual open call.