'These Kodi Lee knockoffs need to stop': 'AGT' fans accuse Lavender Darcangelo of using her 'pathetic sob story' to win Golden Buzzer

'AGT' fans expressed skepticism over Lavender Darcangelo's Golden Buzzer win, suspecting it was solely based on her 'sob story' rather than her singing abilities
UPDATED JUL 12, 2023
Lavender Darcangelo won the Golden Buzzer on 'AGT' Season 18 (NBC)
Lavender Darcangelo won the Golden Buzzer on 'AGT' Season 18 (NBC)

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: 'America's Got Talent' Season 18 has returned on NBC after a hiatus due to the Fourth of July. The latest episode introduced Lavender Darcangelo, a contestant who quickly became a fan favorite due to her incredible life story and powerful vocals. Despite being blind and autistic, the 27-year-old was accompanied on stage by her father Will, who adopted her after they first met at a music program. Their bond was so strong that Lavender moved in with Will and his husband immediately after their honeymoon, and a year later, their adoption became official.

After Heidi Klum awarded Lavender the coveted Golden Buzzer, some 'AGT' fans felt unsettled. They speculated that her emotional background story might have influenced the judge's decision as they noticed that her singing skills were average in comparison to other 'AGT' singers.

Lavender Darcangelo gets the Golden Buzzer

Lavender, a soulful pop singer from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, mesmerized the audience with her heartfelt performance on 'America's Got Talent'. Despite being blind and autistic, she received unwavering support from her dad. Music has been her passion since she was three years old, even before she could speak. Her father's love for her was so strong that he and his husband decided to adopt her after meeting her in a program. Singing 'Out Here On My Own' from the movie 'Fame', Lavender showcased her powerful chest voice, steering clear of her head voice.

The emotional impact of her performance was evident with Sofia wiping away tears and her other dad watching proudly from the audience. Howie expressed how nobody in the room remained seated, while Simon praised her talent and described the audition as sensational and magical. Lavender revealed that 'AGT' was her favorite show and described herself as "not normal". Simon reassured her, saying, "We love you just the way you are." Overwhelmed with joy, Heidi smashed that Golden Buzzer, propelling Lavender straight to the live shows. Tears streamed down Lavender's face as she realized her dream was becoming a reality.



 

'GB for the best sob story, not singing'

Fans did not agree with Hedi's decision about the Golden Buzzer. One Redditor said, "Autistic ✅Blind ✅Adopted later in life ✅...by a gay couple ✅ If a sob story like that isn't golden buzzer worthy, then what more do you want?" Another said, "Can she sing? Sure. Was it spectacular? No. I'm sorry. Not being a d**k. Just being honest." Some pointed out, "Good lord this isn’t even on the level of a top AGT singer. At least Kodi Lee has standout talent. Heidi you are an idiot."

Another commented, "Kodi, Putri and now her.. i notice the pattern." Another stated, "These Kodi Lee knockoffs need to stop. Pathetic sob story. The market is oversaturated." Finally one said, "Oh great here comes the golden buzzer. And it’s a sob story."  

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Ahead of Season 8, the bigger question on fans' minds is if Dan Brady die sin 'Virgin River' Season 7 finale
20 hours ago
In a major development, Ed Begley Jr., Anne Archer, Mamie Gummer, and Ana Ortiz join the cast in guest roles
22 hours ago
After seven emotionally-charged episodes, the penultimate chapter releasing on March 19 brings things to a boil
23 hours ago
Larry David’s latest HBO project mixes American history with awkward humor, surprise guest stars, and even a cameo from Barack Obama.
1 day ago
A peaceful yoga practice hides a disturbing reality as a new docuseries exposes the real scandal tied to a controversial spiritual movement.
1 day ago
'The Madison' stars Michell Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell in the leading roles of Stacy and Preston Clyburn, the heads of a wealthy family from Manhattan
1 day ago
The horror limited series ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’ is created by Haley Z. Boston, directed by Weronika Tofilska of 'Baby Reindeer' fame.
1 day ago
Season 4 of Tulsa King will also feature Terence Winter as the head writer and executive producer along with Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, and Thomas Kelly.
1 day ago
The cast of the upcoming 'Baywatch' reboot will be led by Stephen Amell's Hobie Buchannon, who is a Baywatch Captain.
1 day ago
Among other questions, 'The Pitt' still needs to answer whether charge nurse Dana will return for her next shift, and the ultimate fate of Baby Jane Doe.
1 day ago