A school shooting survivor gave the “America’s Got Talent” judges an audition they won’t soon forget last week with an incredible performance of Lauren Daigle’s song, “Remember.”
Ava Swiss, an 18-year-old high school senior from Oxford, Michigan, introduced herself and revealed to the judges that her song choice was inspired by traumatic events she lived through late in 2021.
“I chose this song because, back on Nov. 30, my brother and I were a part of the Oxford school shooting,” she said. “We’ve lost four of our students, and seven others were injured, including one teacher.”
The audience responded was locked in on Ava as she shared her story.
“It’s been hard,” she added. But despite the challenges she’s faced in overcoming the shooting, Ava says, “things are getting better,” adding that she and her brother have been back in-person at school for the past two months.
Reflecting on her song choice, Ava said, “When I sing it, I remember the good, I remember my community, my family, just the love, and I remember that it’s all there for me.”
The 18-year-old proceeded to belt out the song, which sings of the Lord’s faithfulness even in the darkness. The breathtaking performance landed her a standing ovation from the judges and live studio audience.
All four judges were blown away, and each shared praise and encouragement for Ava’s bravery.
“In life, it’s tough to show up, especially after going through incredible trauma,” Howie Mandel said. “The fact that you can break through that and shine the way you did today is so inspirational for every human being.”
Sofía Vergara said the performance “gave me goosebumps.”
And Simon told Ava that, “for me, this is one of those auditions I’ll never forget”
Ava was sent through to the live show with four resounding “yes’” from the judges and was greeted off-stage by her mom, who said she’s so proud of the woman her daughter is becoming.