Simon Cowell had a hunch early on that Lai Noelle would be a standout act on “America’s Got Talent” this season.
“Within about 20 seconds, we realized this is somebody truly, truly special,” Cowell told a group of reporters this past summer, ahead of the Season 21 premiere that would introduce viewers to the 14-year-old powerhouse singer from Texas.
Noelle’s audition with Sienna Spiro’s “Die on This Hill” quickly won over all four “AGT” judges and has over 3 million views on the show’s official YouTube channel alone.
Now, the teenager is one of 10 acts competing in the “AGT” finale airing Tuesday and Wednesday.
Here’s a look back at her audition — and what Cowell, the creator of “AGT” and a longtime judge on the show, had to say about the young singer.
Lai Noelle gets golden buzzer from Simon Cowell during ‘AGT’ audition
Noelle was visibly nervous and somewhat timid as she stepped onto the “AGT” stage to talk to the judges. But when it came time to sing, she did a complete 180.
The “AGT” judges and audience appeared shocked as they heard the young singer belt out strong, mature vocals that belied her age.
As the teenager performed, judge Sofia Vergara expressed an interest in pushing her golden buzzer. But Cowell ended up beating her to it.
“Words aren’t necessary,” Cowell said as he pushed his golden buzzer following the performance.
As gold confetti swirled around Noelle, Cowell leaned in toward Vergara: “This girl is amazing,” he said.
Ahead of Noelle’s audition airing, Cowell spoke with reporters and had high praise for the singer.
“I thought every part of that audition was about as good as you’re gonna get,” he said during a virtual press conference. “And bearing in mind how young she is. I mean, that voice ... it reminded me when I very, very first did (’American Idol’) years ago, we used to get those singers with those big voices. She reminded me of those days — very, very rare to find someone like that today.
“There was a moment where I thought, ‘Is that actually you singing?’” he continued. “I mean, she really, really is up there. One of the best.”
For the “AGT” quarterfinals, Noelle performed Elton John’s “Your Song” and again earned a golden buzzer to advance her straight to the finale.
“You’re 14 years old. You have so much more to learn and experience, but where you’re starting from is pure perfection,” “AGT” judge Mel B said following the performance. “That was incredible.”
“You sound like you’re a huge artist already,” “AGT” judge Sofia Vergara added.
Who else is competing in the ‘AGT’ Season 21 finals?
In addition to Noelle, the acts competing in the Season 21 finale include:
- Acro Canine Crew (dog act)
- Come Here (dance crew)
- Geno Ploeger (magician)
- Hundred Fingers (magic and illusion group)
- Nene Royal (guitarist)
- Olivia Befus (dog act)
- Royal Lasers (dance and laser act)
- Unitree (robot dance crew)
- Veronika Goroshkova (aerialist)
The best part of ‘AGT,’ according to Simon Cowell
Even as “America’s Got Talent” is in its 21st season, the thrill of a surprising and successful audition doesn’t get old for Cowell.
A show like “AGT,” he said, can act as a sort of career launchpad.
“I genuinely believe that these shows, they have to have a purpose,” he said. “It puts you on the ladder, so to speak. So if you do a great audition or a great live show performance ... I’ve seen it happen so many times now, a massive, massive knockout effect in terms of their careers, their lives, their confidence. That’s one of the best parts of doing the job.
“If that didn’t happen, I promise you I wouldn’t do shows,” he added. “That moment where you can sit there and go, ‘Wow, I was there on their first audition, and I’ve got a feeling great things are going to happen,’ I really still get a buzz out of that.”