• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Simon Cowell starts crying during emotional tribute to late America's Got Talent contestant Nightbirde

Home> Film & TV

Updated 11:52 1 Jun 2023 GMT+1Published 11:51 1 Jun 2023 GMT+1

Simon Cowell starts crying during emotional tribute to late America's Got Talent contestant Nightbirde

The choir became the first act to be awarded the Golden Buzzer by the audience

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Simon Cowell found himself tearing up during an emotional tribute to late America’s Got Talent contestant Nightbirde.

The Mzansi Youth Choir made history when they appeared on stage to perform ‘It’s OK’, becoming the first act to be awarded the Golden Buzzer by the audience.

They took everyone by surprise with their emotional rendition of the song, which was choreographed beautifully – even if it took some of the judges a few moments to work out where they recognised it from.

When the penny dropped, Cowell turned to co-judge Sofia Vergara with a look of shock, as Heidi Klum said: “Nightbirde’s song.”

Advert

Nightbirde, aka Jane Marczewski, was a singer-songwriter who received the Golden Buzzer when she appeared on the show back in 2021, performing her original song ‘It’s OK’.

Sadly, she had to withdraw from the contest before the quarter-finals, as her health was deteriorating due to cancer.

She died on 19 February 2022 at the age of just 31.

Simon Cowell with Nightbirde.
NBC

Advert

The Mzansi Youth Choir’s performance not only prompted a standing ovation from all four judges, but also the entire room.

“What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful person,” presenter Terry Crews said to the camera, before dabbing his eyes.

After sitting down, Cowell said: “Wow. My gosh, gosh, gosh.”

Klum then explained to the studio audience: “For anyone who doesn’t know, we lost a very, very special person from our AGT family. Her name was Jane, her nickname was Nightbirde and she sang the song.

Advert

“So it has a very special meaning in my heart. It was very beautiful. Thank you.”

Vergara said it was a ‘surprise’ to hear the song, telling the Mzansi Youth Choir that their beautifully harmonised voices were ‘fantastic’.

The Mzansi Youth Choir.
NBC

Cowell struggled to get his words out as he gave his feedback, saying: “This brought back so many memories for me."

Advert

His voice breaking, he added: “I know how much this would have meant to her.”

Cowell then broke down in tears, wiping his eyes as he continued: “Right until the end, she was so passionate about sharing her music.

"This has gone all over the world, and you’ve come back here with the most amazing tribute. It was just breathtaking, honestly.”

Cowell broke down as he reflected on the tribute.
NBC

Advert

One of Mzansi Youth Choir’s members explained why they picked Nightbirde’s song for their audition, saying they wanted to honour her ‘legacy’.

“When we heard Nightbirde singing this song on this stage, we were very inspired and touched by her story, so we decided to record the song,” they said.

“To our surprise, she responded so beautifully. This song that been such a pillar of strength for us as a choir through difficult times. We just want continue her legacy.”

Cowell then turned to the audience to ask if they felt the choir should be awarded the Golden Buzzer, before the judges and Crews pressed the button.

Featured Image Credit: NBC

Topics: America's Got Talent, Film and TV, Music, Simon Cowell

Jess Hardiman
Jess Hardiman

Jess is Entertainment Desk Lead at LADbible Group. She graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

X

@Jess_Hardiman

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
3 hours ago
13 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Cult classic film removed from Disney+ over controversial scene that had it banned from TV

    The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has long expressed its concerns about the scene in the 1989 movie

    Film & TV
  • 3 hours ago

    Netflix viewers urge Ozark fans to add 'absolute must-see series' to their watchlist

    Fans of the well-loved show starring Jason Bateman are being told to watch another series on Netflix

    Film & TV
  • 3 hours ago

    Vin Diesel hints Paul Walker could be in upcoming Fast and Furious movie and it's left fans very divided

    He's desperate to reunite Dom and Brian

    Film & TV
  • 13 hours ago

    Perfect Netflix series hailed as must watch hidden gem as fans binge for 16,500,000 hours

    'Gut-bustlingly funny'

    Film & TV
  • Simon Cowell Shut Down By Heidi Klum After His Comments Towards Contestant During AGT Audition
  • Simon Cowell makes rare appearance with 9-year-old son Eric
  • America's Got Talent contestant sneaks back to do three auditions in one show after being rejected by judges
  • Dog act crowned as 'America's Got Talent' winner for first time in a decade