13-Year-Old Opera Singer Wows Judges on ‘America’s Got Talent’

6/1/2016
Updated:
6/1/2016

A 13-year-old opera singer stunned the judges on the premiere episode of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” on Tuesday, May 31.

A nervous Laura Bretan stood on the stage in front of a large crowd but when she belted out a tear-jerking rendition of “Nessun Dorma,” all the nerves appear to have washed away.

Judges Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B., and Howie Mandel sat there stunned at the young girl with such an amazing voice. At the end of her performance, Bretan received a standing ovation from the judges and audience. The outpouring support moved the Chicago-raised girl to tears, who said she was “relieved.” 

The show’s judges showed great admiration for Bretan.

Klum called her singing gift “unbelievable.” 

“That didn’t just happen!” said 56-year-old Cowell. “Honest to God—You came out like a jelly. I didn’t think you were going to be able to talk, and then that just happened.”

He added, “I have never heard anything like that in all the years I’ve been doing this show. It was unbelievable. What made it even better is the fact that you are such a sweet person. So humble. Not even aware of how amazing you are. That was really, really special.”

Mel B. was just as amazed, stating “you literally made all my hairs stand up on end.”

The former Spice Girl continued, “This show is going to completely change your life, and I’m going to change your life right now,” before pressing the Golden Buzzer. The Golden Buzzer sends contestants straight into the live shows.

As confetti fell onto the stage, Bretan was joined on stage by her mother and show’s host, Nick Cannon.

“This has been a dream come true,” she said backstage. “I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”

On “Britain’s Got Talent,” Simon Cowell gave a rare Golden Buzzer to Boogie Storm on May 7, sending the mysterious stormtrooper dance troupe straight to semi-finals round.