Simon Cowell Reacts To Death Of “America’s Got Talent” Star Nightbirde

America's Got Talent/YouTube Nightbirde/Instagram

Few acts have made as big of an impact on audiences as Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski did on America’s Got Talent. The 31-year-old died Monday after a valiant battle against cancer.

As news of Jane’s death spread, many of the AGT family and the singer’s fans took to social media to pay tribute to her. One of those tributes came from America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell who was brought to tears by Jane’s performance of her original song “It’s Okay,” and awarded her with the coveted Golden Buzzer.

On Tuesday, Cowell honored Nightbirde with a heartfelt statement that read, “Heartbreaking 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 courage was incredible and her determination to fight this terrible illness was remarkable. Rest in peace, Jane.”

 

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Simon Cowell stayed in contact with Jane after she was forced to leave the competition early to focus on her health. During a virtual appearance on AGT after her exit, Cowell addressed the singer and reassured her that she hadn’t let anyone down with her decision to leave the show.

“We’ve spoken a few time and…you made the decision, and rightly so, that your health is your priority right now. I know that the last time we spoke you actually said that you felt like you let people down. I just want to say on behalf of all of us, you haven’t let anyone down,” Simon said. “Even though you haven’t competed, you’ve already won. As Terry [Crews] said, your clip has already had such an impact on so many people, and your courage and who you are….we are sending you our love and our prayers. We can’t wait to see you again soon.”

At the time of her death, Nightbirde’s America’s Got Talent audition had been viewed more than 220 million times and “It’s Okay” had been streamed more than 10 million times.

Watch Nightbirde’s memorable audition in the video below.