Lavender Darcangelo wowed audiences and judges on the July 11, 2023 episode of America’s Got Talent. Not only does this remarkable 27-year-old have an incredible voice, she also has a heartwarming story. Lavender was escorted on stage by her adoptive dad, with her other dad cheering her on from the audience. Lavender’s father adopted her after she asked him to. She was one of her dad’s students in his after-school program. Lavender also shared she is autistic and blind, and sang even before she began talking at age 4.
Lavender performed “Out Here On My Own” by Irene Cara. She received a standing ovation from the audience and rave reviews from the judges. Heidi Klum was moved to use the golden buzzer, which automatically advances her to the live shows. Lavender was moved to tears by the whole overwhelming experience.
“I feel like I just fell in love,” Heidi gushed. “And 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?” She then pushed the button and ran onstage to hug Lavender. “I don’t know if this is a dream or if I’m really awake,” Lavender responded through tears.
This is a dream come true for Lavender. “Ever since I was a little kid, my biggest dream was to record CDs, to sing in front of huge audiences and inspiring people," she told People magazine. "When Heidi gave me the golden buzzer, it felt like a sort of deja vu, because things like this already happened in my mind when I was 4 years old.”
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The other judges agreed with Heidi’s move.
“This is an audition I’ll never forget,” stated Simon Cowell.
Sofía Vergara said: “I forgot that I was judging you and I was just enjoying your voice. That was beautiful.”
“You are a dream come true, young lady,” Howie Mandel gushed.
