When 13-year-old Evelyn Errante stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage, she looked like a bright, happy kid from Phoenix, Arizona with a big dream: she wanted to be a Broadway superstar.
But when she announced she was going to sing “Defying Gravity” from the hit musical Wicked, a collective shiver went through the room. It is notoriously one of the most difficult, high-stakes songs to sing live—and it also happens to be a song that certain judges absolutely cannot stand.
What happened next kept the entire arena on the edge of their seats!
A Powerhouse Performance That Split the Panel
The moment Evelyn hit the soaring chorus, it was clear this 13-year-old possessed a voice far beyond her years. Her passion was undeniable, and she hit notes that left audience members with goosebumps.
Yet, the moment the song ended, the judges’ table erupted into a massive clash of opinions:
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Sofia Vergara was absolutely enchanted, telling Evelyn she was perfect for Broadway and looked like a real-life princess.
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Mel B praised her immense talent but warned her how incredibly hard the industry is, giving her a supportive “Yes.”
Then, the drama started.
The Brutal “No” and Simon’s Ultimate Save
Howie Mandel completely shut down the audition. He bluntly told the young singer that her musical theater style simply wasn’t something he responded to, handing down a crushing “No.”
With Evelyn’s fate hanging in the balance, all eyes turned to Simon Cowell. Simon didn’t hold back, admitting: “This is difficult because I cannot bear that song.”
The tension in the room was unbearable. But just when it looked like Evelyn’s dream was crushed, Simon made a stunning pivot. He praised her incredible “guts” to sing such a difficult song, stating that the show absolutely must encourage someone with her level of ambition. Simon overruled the doubt, gave her the final, crucial “Yes,” and sent her through to the next round!
