After receiving the golden buzzer from America’s Got Talent Judge Simon Cowell in June, Peoria Native Liv Warfield has gone viral.
During her first audition, Warfield performed an original piece, leaving the audience and judges speechless and sending her straight to the live performances round.
Portland favorite Liv Warfield earns Simon Cowell’s ‘Golden Buzzer’
Judge Simon Cowell didn’t seem to know that Warfield — who moved to Portland to attend Portland State University on a track and field scholarship, and became active in the local musical scene in 2002 — has amassed an impressive resume. Her achievements include touring with Prince, recording her own albums, working with Nancy Wilson of Heart, performing on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” and much more.
“I’ve been on a lot of stages,” Warfield said. “And I’m just glad to be here to be able to do the music, and do what I love. I just want to represent that.”
Cowell asked her, “How are you finding the music business in general, as a performer?” Warfield said, “The industry is really hard, because things have changed over time,” but that “I continue to push” because “I just want to inspire people, because I haven’t quit. And I won’t.”
Then, Warfield was joined onstage by a band. They practically tore the roof off the place with a dynamic performance of an original song, “Stare.”
Cowell and his fellow judges Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum, along with host Terry Crews, all looked impressed by Warfield and the band.
After the number ended and the audience rose to applaud, Cowell said, “It was like being — in a good way — punched in the face, by your energy, the band, all these years of frustration. And you come on here, and i’m sorry, I can’t give you a yes. I’ve gotta give you one of these.”
Since then, Warfield has been receiving an out pour of support from her hometown.
She is currently in L.A. preparing for her second performance and said the best way to support her is through voting.
“It’s been crazy. I actually kind of hide, because I was so just nervous about just how explosive it was, but I’m so excited right now,” Warfield said.
