Teen cancer survivor wows "America's Got Talent" judges
When 16-year-old Calysta Bevier took the stage to perform on "America's Got Talent," she impressed the judges with her back story, but wowed them even more with her vocal talent.
Judge Howie Mandel complimented the Grand Rapids, Ohio native on her pixie hairdo, saying, "I like the whole look -- it's like, a little Audrey Hepburn."
Bevier surprised the judges and the audience when she laughed nervously and said, "Thanks ... My hair wasn't really my choice. I'm a survivor of stage 3 ovarian cancer."
Mandel encouraged the teenager and said, "You're an inspiration. We can't wait to hear you."
Bevier sang a heartfelt rendition of Rachel Platten's "Fight Song," which Mandel pointed out was meaningful coming from a survivor, calling it "heartfelt and inspirational."
Judges Heidi Klum and Mel B. praised Bevier's voice, but Simon Cowell was the judge who gushed the most.
"I love everything about you," said Cowell. "I just had this feeling I can't explain it. Just your spirit, the choice of song, your voice -- I think you're really special."
"That means so much coming from you," laughed Bevier.
Cowell then reached over and pressed his golden buzzer, releasing a shower of confetti onto Bevier just before he got on stage to give the young singer a hug.
The golden buzzer means Bevier will advance onto the next round regardless of the other judges' votes. "America's Got Talent" is on its 11th season, but this is Cowell's first season as a judge on the show.
