9-Year-Old Opera Singer Makes Talent Show History After Judges Bend Rules To Send Her Forward

Jul 13, 2021

Victory Brinker from Pennsylvania, age 9, stunned all four judges and host Terry Crews with her jaw-dropping opera performance on "America's Got Talent." Brinker sang "Juliet's Waltz" from the opera "Roméo et Juliette" and the little girl's powerful voice is a wonder to behold. Her incredible talent even moved Simon Cowell to do something they have never done on the show before. 

Brinker received a "golden buzzer" from all of the judges and Crews, moving her on to the next phase of the competition. She will now get the chance to join the other contestants and compete at the live shows. The girl looked shocked and beyond thrilled at the news. Brinker said before the performance that competing on "America's Got Talent" was her dream. 

When she first got on stage, Brinker told the judges that she was "ex-nervous," meaning both excited and nervous at the same time. The singer also said if she won a million dollars she would buy Cowell a rainbow colored shirt with glitter. He looked surprised by this, but still amused. Brinker told him, "You need some color!" and added that he only wears white, black and gray shirts. That day he was indeed wearing gray. 

After Brinker began singing the judges were astounded with how strong and beautiful her voice was for only being 9. Howie Mandel looked at Heidi Klum for confirmation that this was indeed really happening. After Brinker finished the song Mandel, Klum and Sofia Vergara all stood while the audience roared with applause and cheers. During the judging, Cowell acted as if he was not impressed, but he was really holding back for a special surprise. 

The judges couldn't wait to gush about how wonderful they thought the performance was. They said it was a magical experience as they all smiled at one another. "It was incredible, you are incredible!" Klum declared.

During the song you could clearly see how shocked and in awe the judges were at Brinker's incredible talent. They looked genuinely surprised at her ability. "You are a star! I think you have a powerful voice," Vergara added sincerely.

Cowell was the only one who held back his praise, but it was for a good reason. "Auditioning and turning up in terms of your career is really important," Cowell told Victory. "However, we're not going to give you a yes today." At this point, the crowd began to boo. Then, Cowell asked to speak with Crews, who was standing offstage.

This is when Cowell said, "We're going to do something else we've never, ever, ever done on the show before. We are all going to give you something special." Then all of the judges, and Crews, pressed the golden buzzer together and made Brinker's dream of competing on the show a reality.

Golden confetti fell from the ceiling and Brinker looked as if she might cry. Cowell said to her quietly, "You have an amazing voice. Congratulations."

Fans of the show were also moved by Brinker's performance. One person commented on the video and wrote, "Watch her again.... she wasn't even trying, she has no idea how talented she is. She was maybe at 50% effort ... can't wait to see what she'll do next."

Do you watch "America's Got Talent?" Were you surprised by Brinker's performance? Let us know, and be sure to send this along to your friends and family.