America's Got Talent (AGT) viewers were emotional last night over contestant Lavender Darcangelo's audition, in which she received a golden buzzer from one of the judges.
Lavender, 27, was among the acts who were shown auditioning on the latest episode of the NBC talent show, with her having performed a song for the judging panel.
Introducing herself to the panel and the audience, Lavender shared that she is blind and autistic. She also introduced her adoptive father Will, who joined her on the stage.
He gave her words of encouragement before departing the stage as she prepared to sing the ballad Out Here on My Own, originally performed by the late Irene Cara.
Lavender's performance of the song - which is best known for having featured in the musical film Fame (1980) - seemed to captivate those watching inside the auditorium.
She received a standing ovation from the audience and all four judges, including Simon Cowell, 63, who immediately described the Lavender's performance as "unbelievable".
Howie Mandel, 67, mentioned the reaction to Lavender, who expressed amazement and gratitude. She subsequently received feedback from the judges on the panel.
Simon said: "That was sensational." Whilst fellow judge Sofía Vergara, 51, said: "That was spectacular. I forgot that I was judging. I was just enjoying your voice. That was beautiful."
Lavender added that AGT is her "favourite show," saying: "It's about being different and like I don't know I'm just not normal". Simon reacted: "We love you just the way you are".
Heidi Klum, 50, said: "I feel like I just fell in love. [...] This AGT journey is an amazing journey. I would love to be your cheerleader and hold your hand all the way to the finish line."
The judge was soon seen pressing the golden buzzer, securing Lavender a place in the final. Golden confetti fell down on the stage as the audience stood up in applause.
Lavender had tears in her eyes as Heidi embraced her after heading onto the stage. The contestant said: "I don't know if this is a dream or if I'm really awake". She was also joined by her adoptive fathers, one of whom had been in the audience.
AGT viewers also seemed emotional over the audition, with some taking to social media following Lavender's performance to share their thoughts, including on YouTube.
"This was breathtaking. The second she started singing i started crying. So beautiful," wrote one viewer in response to the audition, which was broadcast yesterday evening.
Another said: "Oh my gosh, her singing made me cry". A third wrote in their response: "Wow! I'm crying! What a beautiful performance!" Another wrote: "What an amazing voice".
Someone else reacted to the audition: "This performance was amazing. I began crying tears of joy when Heidi pressed the golden buzzer. This young woman deserved it."
"Goosebumps the moment she sang her first note," another viewer commented on the platform. Others instead described Lavender's audition as "perfect" and "one of the best".
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
