Simon Cowell's first Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent went to teen cancer survivor Calysta Bevier

America's Got Talent season 11, which aired in 2016, marked Simon Cowell’s first time as a judge on the U.S. version of the talent competition. Simon Cowell is also the Executive Producer, but he officially took a spot on the judging panel next to Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel. Audiences were wondering if he would be impressed by any of the acts and who would get the first-ever Golden Buzzer used on the show.

That moment actually came when a 16-year-old singer and recent cancer survivor out of Grand Rapids, Ohio, calysta bevier, auditioned with Rachel Platten's Fight Song.

Her performance was powerful before performing she was nervous and was very emotional. She impressed the judges and audience of the show.

The backstory was also impactful because Bevier just went into remission from Stage 3 ovarian cancer less than a year prior to her audition. She shared about her treatment and that music helped to heal her.

Cowell was moved by Bevier's voice and story telling her that he loved everything about her before hitting the Golden Buzzer. Gold confetti came raining down on Bevier as she stood there in disbelief.

This audition became one of the most memorable Golden Buzzer's moment for the season, she progressed into the live shows and Cowell himself was impressed by her audition among many others.

Calysta Bevier’s audition made an impact on the judges and audience of America's Got Talent

 

 

 

 

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Bevier arrived with her mother at America's Got Talent audition, and before she began her performance, she shared her backstory.

She also told the judges that she cut her hair after chemotherapy and that she used music to help her recover.

“Songs can really help people through any situation,” she said.

Her cover of “Fight Song” showcased both her vocal ability and emotional depth. Following her performance, the judges shared their reactions. Howie Mandel said,

“It’s so heartfelt and so inspirational, I just want to say thank you.”

Mel B praised her tone and phrasing, calling it “just on point.” Heidi Klum said she couldn’t believe Bevier was only sixteen and called her voice “incredible.”

Cowell, visibly moved, told her,

“I love everything about you. I had this feeling when you walked out… there’s something about you.”

He expressed his belief that great things were coming for her, and hit the Golden Buzzer.

Bevier's family ran out on stage to celebrate with her after she received the Golden Buzzer and was sent straight to the live shows of America's Got Talent.

Bevier returned for All-Stars and continues to pursue music today

A few years later, after her original audition, Calysta Bevier came back for America's Got Talent: All-Stars in 2023 and performed her original song Head Held High.

Howie Mandel said her style reminded him of Halsey and called her a star. He also said her songwriting was good and that there was real depth to the way she performed.

“There’s some depth to what you’re doing and how you’re performing, and that kind of captures the audience,” he said.

Bevier has also continued to advance her music career since her season 11 of America's Got Talent. She moved to LA and performs live often.

She also shared that she is a part of the LGBTQ community and married her partner in 2020.

According to her social media, she is cancer-free and continues to write and sing her own songs that tell her story.

In a past interview with Grammy.com, she reflected on her path and said,

“Everything that you hear when you’re younger… people tell you not to go after those dreams.”

Despite the challenges, Bevier remained focused on her goals and used her story to encourage others.

Her journey from a teen survivor on the America's Got Talent stage to an independent artist remains one of the show’s enduring Golden Buzzer success stories.

Stay tuned for more updates.