It is a truth universally acknowledged that it takes some talent indeed to impress Simon Cowell. However, one 17-year-old was able to not only amaze the infamously caustic judge but also spur him into a rare gesture of admiration and respect.
On the June 6, 2023, episode of “America’s Got Talent,” Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel, alongside Cowell, settled in for another round of judging as teenager Putri Ariani took the stage. Putri, who hails from Indonesia, is blind but explained in an introductory video that she wasn’t going to allow herself to be defined by it.
“My biggest challenge is people look at me as a blind person, not as a musician. But when I’m singing, I feel like a superstar,” the singer-songwriter said. With an infectious smile and soft, nervous laughter, Putri’s father guided her to the stage, where she explained to the audience and judges that her dream was to become a celebrated singer like her idol, Whitney Houston, and gain entry into the esteemed creative arts school, Juilliard.
Putri then delivered a show-stopping performance of her own original song, earning a tremendous round of applause and cheers from the audience as her mother and father – overwhelmed by emotions yet beaming with pride – stood in the wings with host Terry Crews. However, that wasn’t enough for Cowell, who quickly jumped onto the stage to ask Putri to play another song.
Putri then launched into a rendition of Elton John’s “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” and astounded the audience with her powerful yet measured and controlled vocal skills. When she was done, a beat of stunned silence enveloped the venue before everybody – judges included – rose to their feet while wiping back tears and roaring their approval.
The “America’s Got Talent” judges were taken aback by Putri, who fought back tears as they heaped her with praise. Vergara described her as “an angel,” a sentiment Mandel echoed. “A lot of people don’t believe in angels but I think one just landed on our stage,” he said. However, none of the judges were as affected as Cowell, who pointed down the rest of the table and said with his voice close to breaking, “We’re all feeling the same thing.”
After lauding her “amazing and distinctive voice,” Cowell asked Putri again about her plans to study at Juilliard. “I don’t know if this is gonna make a difference or not, however…,” he remarked before getting up to press the Golden Buzzer.
As gold confetti fell around her, the visibly ecstatic Putri jumped up and down before her parents ran towards her on stage and embraced her. They were soon joined by Cowell, who rushed on stage as well to congratulate Putri. “You are, I think, one of the best singers we’ve ever had on our show,” the judge told the young, talented Putri.
Putri later told PEOPLE that traveling to the United States had fulfilled a huge “dream” for her and that she was “so happy because people there appreciate me so much.”
She said being able to compete on such a prolific stage carried more meaning than just an opportunity for herself to realize her personal ambitions.
“For me, winning ‘AGT’ is not only about me, but about the world. How I can give my contribution through the world and influence others who have the same conditions like me and still live in countries like me to reach their dream? I just want to say that (people like me) are able, we are capable and we are equal.”
Were you also floored by Putri’s stunning performance? Do you feel she deserved Cowell’s Golden Buzzer? Let us know, and don’t forget to pass this on to family and friends you know would love to watch Putri sing.
