Simon Cowell’s doubtful expression is caught on camera as Gabriella Laberge steps onto the America’s Got Talent stage. With his palm hovering over the red buzzer, he appears ready to cut the audition short. But what unfolds next takes everyone by surprise.
The French-Canadian violinist and singer begins with a delicate violin solo. While undeniably skillful, it initially seems unremarkable—something one might hear from a street performer. The audition appears to be heading toward an early dismissal—until Gabriella unveils her true gift.
She sets down her violin and begins to sing Goodbye My Lover by James Blunt. The room falls silent as her hauntingly beautiful voice fills the air. With her angelic tones captivating the judges and audience, Simon slowly pulls his hand away from the buzzer. But Gabriella isn’t done yet.
Seamlessly, she picks up her violin once more, intertwining a soulful instrumental with her vocals. The performance builds into a breathtaking finale, brimming with raw emotion and folk-infused artistry. By the end, the judges are left in awe, and the audience erupts into a standing ovation.
What started as an uncertain beginning transformed into a viral sensation, cementing Gabriella Laberge as an extraordinary talent.