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Daily Record
Entertainment
Bev Lyons

Simon Cowell pays emotional tribute to ex America's Got Talent singer who died after cancer battle

Simon Cowell has paid an emotional tribute to an ex America's Got Talent singer who passed away after a battle with cancer.

Nightbirde, real name Jane Marczewski, had stepped down from the finals of the US reality show in August after her illness had "taken a turn for the worse".

And following her four-year fight she passed away on Saturday, February 19.

Jane amassed huge viewing figures after she appeared on the 16th season of America's Got Talent.

Nightbirde wowed on America's Got Talent and was given the golden buzzer (NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

The video of her audition received more than 30million views online and Jane had been given a golden buzzer by Simon after managing to impress viewers with her beautiful vocals.

She had to quit the show when her health deteriorated further as a result of the cancer she was battling.

It ended up in her lungs, spine and liver, and she told fans at the time: "Sharing my heart with the world on AGT has been an honour and a dream come true. My point of view this summer has been astounding.

"What a miracle that the pain I've walked through can be reworked into beauty that makes people all over the world open their eyes wider.

America's Got Talent star Jane Marczewski aka Nightbirde lost her battle with cancer (_nightbirde/Instagram)

"Since my audition, my health has taken a turn for the worse and the fight with cancer is demanding all of my energy and attention."

She continued: "I am so sad to announce that I won't be able to continue forward on this season go AGT. Life doesn't always give breaks to those that deserve it - but we knew that already.

"Thank you for all your support, it means the world to me. Stay with me, I'll be better soon. I'm planning my future, not my legacy. Pretty beat up, but I've still got dreams.

"It's so hard for me to not be on the @agt stage for the finals this week. I bet you never saw someone win so hard and lose so hard at the same time. This isn't how the story was supposed to go."

Jane uploaded her final post to Instagram on January 11, 2022 and wrote alongside a selfie: "Honestly, things have been pretty brutal.

"But this is a photo of myself from last week where I felt pretty, and alive, and awake, and human, and real. I needed that. We’re all a little lost and it’s alright."

A devastated Simon Cowell paid tribute to the talent saying: "Heart breaking news to hear about @_nightbirde, she was an extraordinary person, so brave, so talented.

"She made a huge impact on AGT and the world. Her determination to fight this terrible illness was remarkable. Rest in peace, Jane. I am sending my love to her family. Simon."

Jane's family also wrote on her Instagram on Tuesday, February 22,: "After a four-year battle with cancer, Jane Kristen Marczewski, also known as Nightbirde, passed away on February 19th, 2022."

They added: "Many remember her from America’s Got Talent, where she performed her hit song "It’s OK" and inspired millions of people around the globe with her messages of faith and never giving up.

"Those who knew her, enjoyed her larger-than-life personality and sense of humour. She had a witty joke for every occasion—even if the joke was on her."

They ended: "Her lasting legacy will be the gift of hope she gave to so many through her music and the strength she found in Jesus."

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