'America's Got Talent' Season 18: Mzansi Youth Choir's tribute to Nightbirde leaves Simon Cowell in tears

The Mzansi Youth Choir's tribute to Nightbirde, a former contestant who died at 31, deeply moved Simon Cowell on 'America's Got Talent' Season 18
UPDATED MAY 31, 2023
Mzansi Youth Choir pays tribute to Nightbirde on 'America's Got Talent' Season 18 (NBC/YouTube; Mzansi Youth Choir/ Facebook)
Mzansi Youth Choir pays tribute to Nightbirde on 'America's Got Talent' Season 18 (NBC/YouTube; Mzansi Youth Choir/ Facebook)

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: The Mzansi Youth Choir, from Johannesburg, South Africa, showcased their remarkable talent on Season 18 of 'America's Got Talent.' Their journey began with a poignant story. Approximately two decades ago, their founding members witnessed the struggles faced by African youths and sought to create a positive change. In response to these hardships, they established the Mzansi Youth Choir, aiming to empower young minds and provide them with a brighter outlook on life. Through their emotionally charged and powerful songs, the choir aspires to inspire and instill hope in their audiences.

During their time on the show, the choir paid a touching tribute to Nightbirde, a fellow 'America's Got Talent' contestant who died due to cancer. Their performance left an indelible mark on the judges and viewers, with Simon Cowell becoming visibly moved by their heartfelt dedication. The choir's ability to convey deep emotions through their harmonious voices touched the hearts of many, further highlighting the power of music to unite and heal. Their participation in 'America's Got Talent' provided them with a platform to share their inspiring story and spread their message of resilience and optimism.

Mzansi Youth Choir pays tribute to Nightbirde

The Mzansi Youth Choir gave a mesmerizing performance. Standing together on the expansive stage, as their harmonies soared, a dance routine adorned their captivating melody. However, as the minutes ticked by, a familiar tune caressed the air. The judges' ears perked up, recognizing the haunting melody of 'It's Okay,' a song penned by a past 'America's Got Talent' contestant, Nightbirde, who died due to cancer. Hiedi Klum was the first to realize it, her eyes filling with tears.

Midway through their heartfelt performance, the choir burst into a joyous dance. At that moment, all four judges rose from their seats, tears glistening in their eyes. "Jane was something truly extraordinary. My heart cherished her," Cowell confessed, as he reminisced about 'AGT' Golden Buzzers, placing Nightbirde on top.

Jane Marczewski, known by her stage name Nightbirde, captured the hearts of millions with her talent and her original composition about navigating life with cancer. She had been bestowed with the ultimate honor in 2021, earning a top spot on Cowell's revered list. However, her health led her to withdraw from the competition, and just six months later, she died at the age of 31. The Mzansi Youth Choir's tribute to Nightbirde was more than a performance, it was a profound expression of love, admiration and loss.

Simon Cowell cries while remembering Nightbirde

The Mzansi Youth Choir's mesmerizing performance touched the hearts of everyone present, and even the typically stoic Cowell couldn't contain his emotions. His eyes welled up with tears as he was deeply moved by the choir's soul-stirring rendition. In that poignant moment, Cowell asked the choir why they chose to sing that particular song. In response, they expressed their desire to spread joy and ignite hope in the hearts of listeners. The song held immense significance for them, for it had guided them through their own darkest hours. They revealed their earnest intention to carry forward Nightbirde's legacy, keeping her spirit alive through their heartfelt melodies.

Cowell, overcome with emotion, reminisced about the late singer's profound passion for music. He imagined how joyful she would have been to witness the profound impact her song had on countless lives worldwide. In that emotional moment, the judges unanimously made a decision that would forever change the course of the choir's journey. With hearts brimming with admiration and gratitude, they pressed the Golden Buzzer for the Mzansi Youth Choir. 

'Night bird is dancing in heaven!'

The performance of Mzansi Youth Choir deeply touched the hearts of fans, evoking strong emotions. One fan said, "Tears filled my eyes. That was a beautiful performance. I wish them the best." Another fan remarked, "They didn't do that for the audience, they did that for NightBirde." Recognizing the significance of the moment, someone pointed out, "Wow! I know Nightbird is smiling from heaven! " Reflecting on the powerful tribute, another fan tearfully said, "That was so worth a golden buzzer. Just how they represented Nightbirde in their audition was so moving and it made me cry. I am so happy they got a golden buzzer. They deserve it." With heartfelt sincerity, another fan added, "Truly Inspirational & touching tribute to Night Bird. Beautiful! You deserved it!! Bless you!!" Concluding on a nostalgic note, another fan posted, "This certainly brought back so many beautiful memories. I know @_nightbirde is smiling in heaven right now, knowing the impact she continues to have on so many of us here."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

RELATED TOPICS AMERICA'S GOT TALENT (2006) SIMON COWELL

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Prime Video moved up the final episodes of 'Fallout', shifting the release schedule as Season 2 races toward its explosive finale
35 minutes ago
ABC suddenly changed 'The Rookie' schedule, shifting the hit drama from Tuesday nights as Season 8 continues with no breaks ahead
1 hour ago
'The Last of Us' Season 2 ended on a cliffhanger, leaving Ellie's fate hanging in the balance
3 hours ago
The trailer of the third chapter packs quite a hit as it sees Dunk look at the tourney action unravel.
16 hours ago
The series is based on Belgian novelist Jef Geeraerts' De Zaak Alzheimer (The Alzheimer Case)
17 hours ago
A wildly popular dragon series announced in 2021 is inching toward the screen, and its success could change fantasy TV’s future.
23 hours ago
The finale of ‘The Night Manager’ Season 2 is close, the tension is high, and the ending may not be as final, and we have an update on the new season.
1 day ago
The series, a sequel to 'Young Sheldon' has officially been renewed for season 3
2 days ago
Fortnite released its first teaser ahead of the confirmed and official collaboration with the hit series
2 days ago
Kayce Dutton’s quiet ending doesn’t last as loss, danger, and unfinished business pull him back into Montana’s darkest corners.
2 days ago