An inspiring singer who lost her hearing at age 18 has launched to the top of “America’s Got Talent” after delivering a jaw-dropping performance.
Mandy Harvey, 29, was recognized with the program’s rare Golden Buzzer on Tuesday after bringing the audience to its feet with an original song titled “Try.”
“I’ve been singing since I was four,” she told the judges before launching into the song with a ukulele. “I left music after I lost my hearing, and figured out how to get back into singing with muscle memory, using visual tuners and trusting my pitch.”
To help her along, an assistant stood by signing out the judges’ communication with her. Harvey also removed her shoes so she could feel the music’s rhythm through the floor.
“After I lost my hearing, I gave up, but I want to do more with my life than just give up,” she said of her inspiration for the song.
With that, she launched into the tune, quickly inspiring applause and tears from audience members.
“I’ve done this a long time. That was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen and heard,” judge Simon Cowell ― who awarded her the once-per-season accolade ― told her before embracing her on stage.
“Honestly, I never think I’m going to be surprised or amazed by people but then you show up,” he continued. “Just the fact that you are you. But it was your voice, your tone, the song was beautiful — congratulations, you are straight through to the live shows.”
Harvey later expressed her gratitude on Facebook with a message of perseverance.
”I hope you can look in your own life and help to push and encourage those around you!” she wrote Wednesday on Facebook alongside a photo showing her standing onstage.
“I look in this photo and see not only a special memory I will cherish for a lifetime but deaf applause ... a small gesture of another broken barrier of communication. My heart is overwhelmed! Thank you ‘America’s Got Talent’ and all the judges but most of all thank you!”
