Cancer Survivor Brings Simon Cowell To Tears With Unexpected 'AGT' Appearance

Aug 13, 2021 by apost team

The 16th season of “America’s Got Talent” has been filled with incredible acts from all walks of life who have each proven that they have remarkable talent. From singers with beautiful voices to dancers with amazing abilities, the show has been filled with non-stop surprises highlighting the incredible acts. Back in June 2021, one act in particular especially impressed judge Simon Cowell — the bluntest and critical judge on the panel — with her original song and beautiful voice.

The woman, who is named Jane Marczewski, sings under the name Nightbirde and has been through a lot in her life; she turned to music to help her cope with all of the challenges she’s faced over the years. A fighter, Nightbirde courageously opened up to the judges about her battle with cancer and put her thoughts into a personal song that she wrote herself entitled “It's OK.” Stunning the world with her gorgeous voice and powerful song during her audition, Nightbirde has since gone on to share her story and inspire others along the way.

After receiving the golden buzzer from Cowell following her breathtaking performance, Nightbirde went on to move straight to the live rounds of the competition series. Unfortunately, she had some sad news to share with the judges and the fans of “America’s Got Talent” in early August 2021 regarding her health and her stance in the competition. During a surprise appearance on the show on Aug. 11, 2021, Cowell was choked up and overwhelmed with emotions after speaking with the heartfelt singer.

During her audition back in June 2021, Nightbirde blew everyone away with her gorgeous performance of her originally-penned song “It's OK.” Nightbirde performed the song that described the last year of her life battling cancer. Nightbirde sang the honest and emotional song with a smile on her face, showing her optimism for the future ahead. Her voice was light as a feather but still powerful, and the songwriting behind the track was just as impressive.

The “America’s Got Talent” judges and host were just as amazed by Nightbirde’s performance as the rest of the world, as her audition has since been seen over 200 million times. This season’s judges include Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara, and the host is Terry Crews. 

The judges were visibly moved by the performance and gave the singer a standing ovation. “That felt like the most authentic thing I’ve heard this season,” Mandel said. Vergara chimed in with her own words in agreement with Mandel. “It was powerful, it was heartfelt and I think you’re amazing,” she said.

Cowell smashed the golden buzzer for Marcewski, catapulting her to the live shows. However, the singer had some sad news to share once it was time for her to perform once again. On Aug. 2, 2021, Nightbirde made an emotional announcement on Instagram with a black and white photograph of herself with a bald head. “Since my audition, my health has taken a turn for the worse and the fight with cancer is demanding all of my energy and attention,” the singer wrote. “I am so sad to announce that I won’t be able to continue forward on this season of AGT.”

apost.com

Just over a week following the sad news, Nightbirde made a surprise virtual appearance on the hit competition series where she shared a heartfelt moment with the “America’s Got Talent” judges and host. After welcoming Nightbirde back to the stage, albeit virtually, she explained how blown away she was by the impact “It's OK” had.

“It’s a song I wrote for myself in the middle of the night when I needed those words so bad,” she explained. “It’s beautiful to see the world welcome that song into their own dark night. I’m overwhelmed by it.” The judges had been blown away by Nightbirde’s audition, and Mandel expressed his feelings toward the singer. He said, “You are the poster human for courage in the face of adversity, for poise, beauty and for fight.”

Cowell struggled to control his emotions as he spoke with the act he had hit his golden buzzer for. “Even though you haven’t competed, you have already won,” he said, and commended Nightbirde for putting her health first and focusing on her wellbeing. Cowell continued, “On behalf of all of us here, we’re sending you our love, our prayers, and we can’t wait to see you again soon.” As he thanked the singer for auditioning and sharing her song and story with the world, Cowell was overcome with emotions and was so choked up he couldn’t finish his sentence.

Vergara and Klum also chimed in, expressing their love for Nightbirde and wishing her well. Overcome with her own emotions, Nightbirde told the judges that the entire experience helped restore her “faith in humanity.” She added, “This is the most beautiful thing that’s ever happened to me in my life.”

What did you think about Nightbirde’s surprise appearance? Were you saddened to hear her news? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to any “America’s Got Talent” fans you know.