Entertainment
Simon Cowell moved by ‘gutsy’ America’s Got Talent audition by school shooting survivor Ava Swiss: ‘This is one of those auditions I’ll never forget’-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro
‘You’re somebody who I’m so happy to have met,’ the judge told the singer.
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Simon Cowell was visibly moved when school shooting survivor Ava Swiss delivered a stunning audition on America’s Got Talent, telling the teenage singer: ‘This is one of those auditions I’ll never forget.’
Yesterday evening, 18-year-old Ava was one of the latest hopefuls to take to the stage during the audition process of the competition.
At the beginning of the clip from the programme shared online, a disclaimer appeared on screen that read: ‘The next audition was recorded prior to the recent string of tragic mass shootings across the country. Our hearts go out to all of the families and everyone impacted by gun violence.’
Before singing, Ava told judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and Simon her age, explaining that she’s currently a senior at Oxford High School in Michigan.
She then told the panel and the audience that she chose to sing the song Remember by Lauren Daigle because of the November 2021 school shooting she and her brother were involved in, which resulted in four students being killed and seven people being injured, including a teacher.
‘How are you coping with everything, with life itself after that?’ Simon asked her, to which she replied: ‘It’s been hard. I remember my brother and I, we were talking to each other and we said there’s no way we’re ever stepping foot back in the school, but we’ve actually been in person in school for about two months now. So things are getting better.’
Simon, the judges and the audience were left in awe by Ava’s talent (Picture: NBC)
The media mogul asked Ava if she’s found that music has been ‘kind of like a therapy’ for her, as she said that it has been, as when she sings, she remembers ‘the good’.
‘I remember my community, my family, just the love, and I remember that it’s all there for me and it’ll help me get to where I need to be. So that’s why I’m so grateful I’m able to be here today and I can share it with more people than I ever thought I could,’ she said.
‘You’re a very special person Ava,’ Simon said, before asking her if she wanted any water before she began and telling her: ‘We’re rooting for you. Good luck.’
Ava then proceeded to deliver a performance that floored the entire auditorium, earning her four resounding yeses from the judges.
‘I think you are gutsy, I really, really do,’ Simon told her after her audition, as her mother watched from the sidelines, brimming with pride for her daughter.
‘For me, this is one of those auditions I’ll never forget. I really have so much respect for you. And on top of that, you’ve got a great voice,’ he stated.
‘You’re somebody who I’m so happy to have met. That’s the one thing over the years on this show – we’ve just met the most extraordinary people every single year, and now we’ve just met you. Amazing.’
Several viewers also showered Ava with praise for her performance, with one tweeting: ‘Such a powerful and flawless performance. As a future educator, I can honestly say that Ava is a very brave and powerful young lady. I can’t imagine the horror and pain she went through but I’m so glad she was able to overcome everything and shine.’
‘Ava and the students of @oxfordHS my heart is with you as well as the others who have been affected by the recent shootings. God Bless,’ someone else wrote.
‘I am crying and shaking right now. My heart goes out to Ava, her brother and all those impacted by this horrific tragedy,’ another said.
America’s Got Talent airs on NBC in the US.
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