America’s Got Talent 2021: Nightbirde Teaches Us That It’s Ok
Out of a solid night of auditions on last night’s America’s Got Talent, Nightbirde (also known as Jane Marczewski), the 30-something Liberty University alum who has battled different types of cancer three times, was the act who deserved, and received, Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer. (Recap).
The singer previously opened for American Idol alum Tori Kelly back in 2019 at a show at her alma mater Liberty. Watch her perform “Heartbeat” live below.
The inspirational artist’s Instagram bio states, “Pretty beat up but I’ve still got dreams.” And she stated in her post-performance package, “I have a 2% chance of survival but 2% is not 0%.” Her story of not really appreciating life until brought to a dark place is one that makes me realize how much we shouldn’t put off living and finding our happy place.
“We’re all a little lost and it’s alright” Nightbirde sang
For her performance, she sang an original she wrote detailing the past year titled “It’s Ok.” Nightbirde displayed a beautiful tone reminiscent of Halsey and a bit of Lana Del Rey. It’s a very current, indie-pop sound. The song contained several true and beautiful lyrics like “we’re all a little lost and it’s alright.” The song displayed solid penmanship alongside an authentic and natural presence on stage. Nightbirde was truly the whole package. For someone in their 30s battling a challenging disease, to get on stage and just nail it, is truly inspiring and amazing to watch.
Nightbirde received a standing ovation from the AGT judges panel. When she finished performing, Simon Cowell simply said “wow”. Howie Mandel called the performance “the most authentic thing” he’s heard this season. Sofia Vergara called it “powerful and heartfelt.” Heidi called it “beautiful all the way around.” Simon felt that there was something special in the way she casually told us what she had been through. He initially teased that he wouldn’t give her a yes, before going one step further t0 press the Golden Buzzer.
I’ll leave you with one last line from Nightbirde’s package: “You can’t wait till life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” This was one of my favorite auditions in a long time. I am wishing Nightbirde well and hope she goes far in this competition.
Listen to the full version of “It’s Ok” below
A solid night of performances on AGT
Overall, I thought this episode was better and more interesting than last week’s premiere.
Besides Golden Buzzer Nightbirde who stole the show, the show’s highlight’s included: The best comedian we’ve seen so far this season, Gina Brillon; the musically talented and super entertaining, Curtis Family C-Notes; the best unicycle act I’ve ever seen, UniCircle Flow; and a few wacky acts that were enjoyable such as Johnny Showcase and Les Beaux Frères, and a number of other solid acts.
Watch Nightbirde perform on America’s Got Talent and receive Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer
