America's Got Talent: Tyler Butler-Figueroa gets the golden buzzer from Simon Cowell for his violin act
'America's Got Talent' season 14 aired with its third episode on Tuesday night and we got to witness one of the most inspiring auditions the series has ever had.
11-year-old Tyler Butler-Figueroa is a cancer survivor who started playing the violin to help him get over the kids who bullied him at school after he lost his hair due to chemotherapy. Figueroa went on to add that he was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 4.
"The doctors treated me with chemotherapy. And when I lost my hair, I was really sad and embarrassed at the same time, to go to school. People used to make fun of me and laugh at me because I was different. They would spread rumors to say that my cancer was contagious and they all wanted to stay away from me," Figueroa said.
His mother mentioned how he saw a flier at school that said there would be free violin classes after school and things got in line for him ever since. "I would just practice in my bedroom, and the more I did it the better I got," he shared. "When I play the violin, it helps me forget about all the bad stuff. I just didn't want to be 'the kid with cancer.' So now I'm 'the kid who plays the violin.'"
For his audition, Figueroa performed his version of Kelly Clarkson's 'Stronger'. His energetic performance got the whole crowd on their feet dancing along to the tune. Even judges Gabrielle Union and Julianna Hough got up from their seats during the chorus and started dancing and encouraging the young artiste.
After he was done, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Hough and Union along with the entire audience gave him a standing ovation. The cheer and standing ovation brought Figueroa to tears.
"You are an extraordinary young man," Cowell said. "We hear too many stories about people being bullied, but I can tell you one thing, most people are bullied because they are better than the people who bully them."
Figueroa also revealed that he has been in remission for about four years now. "I think you have such an amazing talent, such a personality, and I would like to say something on your behalf to the bullies," Cowell said before standing up and pressing the Golden Buzzer.
Shocked by the Golden Buzzer, Figueroa broke into tears, Union also was in tears grasping that emotional moment. After watching Figueroa's performance, fans took to Twitter to share their love for the kid.
"You are extraordinary Thank u for playing this song Go and show the world what you're capable of!!!" wrote a fan on Twitter. While another added, "Well deserved #goldenbuzzer perfect choice @SimonCowell beautiful love it #goldenbuzzer stay strong keep your head. See at live show."
Adding to that another fan said, "I am such a puddle and can’t stop crying!!! This was the best moment!!! Simon needs the #GOLDENBUZZER this sweet little boy is absolutely precious and brave!!!"
Figueroa now heads straight to the live shows in Hollywood. We can't wait to see the next contestant to get the Golden Buzzer.
'America's Got Talent' season 14 airs every Tuesday night on NBC. Check your local listings for more information.
