America's Got Talent judge Heidi Klum hit the Golden Buzzer for Lavender Darcangelo, a blind singer with autism who had been adopted by her music teacher, during the Season 18 episode that aired Tuesday night on NBC.
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Lavender was accompanied on stage by her dad Wil, whom she had met at an after-school music program. Wil officially adopted Lavender in August 2017 when she was 22-year-old, according to People.
Lavender shared with America's Got Talent judges Heidi, Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell and Sofia Vergara that she is blind and has autism.
"I sang in the sixth grade talent show. When I did the talent show, I felt it was a dream come true because I would sit in my room every night and fantasize about being on TV and being on CD. The kind of job I want [is] a job where I feel every day is my birthday," Lavender told the judging panel.
The America's Got Talent contestant continued, "I've been singing since I was three years old. I didn't talk until I was four-and-a-half... [but] I have a lot of dreams. I want to build a school where the classes are based off of what kids are naturally curious at."
Wil shared with the judges how Lavender had asked him to adopt her when they first met.
"I said, 'Well, I'm a member of a faculty, and that's not just how it works,'" Wil recalled.
"But several years goes by and she's having struggles, and before you know it, she moved in with me and my husband Jamie the day we came home from our honeymoon. And so a year later, after that, she became our legal daughter."
Lavender then got the audience cheering with her wide range, strong vocals, and enthusiasm. Her musical performance earned herself a standing ovation from all four judges.
"Wow, that was amazing. Everybody was on their feet. Nobody in the room was sitting," Howie told the singer.
Howie added, "Not only was it beautiful and not only was it amazing, but when you sing, it is so exciting and gives everybody hope that maybe we can all achieve our dreams if we just go for it. You are a dream come true!"
Simon called the performance "sensational" and "amazing."
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"Everything about that was just magical -- magical," Simon gushed.
"You have such a talent, you have such an amazing personality. And you know what? We make the show because we get to meet people like you, occasionally, and I'm so happy that you've come on our show to share your talent with us because this is an audition I'll never forget."
Sofia said, "That was spectacular. I forgot that I was judging you, and I was just enjoying your voice! That was beautiful."
In the middle of her feedback, Lavender announced how America's Got Talent is her favorite show because it's about being different and she's "just not normal," which prompted Simon to say, "I think I'm speaking for all of us because we love you just the way you are."
Heidi spoke last of the judges and quietly stated, "I feel like I just fell in love."
"This AGT journey is an amazing journey, and I would love to be your cheerleader and hold your hand all the way to the finish line. What do you say? Let's do this!" Heidi exclaimed.
Heidi proceeded to hit the Golden Buzzer for Lavender, which brought the America's Got Talent contestant and her two dads to tears.
"I don't know if this is a dream or if I'm really awake!" Lavender admitted. "Sometimes growing up, I'd say, 'What am I here for?' But now I know where I am and why I'm here."
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The other Golden Buzzers of this season went to Atlanta Drum Academy, blind singer Putri Ariani, dance group Murmuration, and Mzansi Youth Choir.
Terry hit the Golden Buzzer for Atlanta Drum Academy, Simon hit the buzzer for Putri Ariani, and Howie decided to give the honor to Murmuration.
Mzansi Youth Choir received the show's first-ever Audience Golden Buzzer.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
