On Tuesday’s America’s Got Talent, Angelina Green, a 13-year-old singer, wowed the judges with her strong voice and very emotional tale about how she found consolation in singing.

Upon reaching the stage, the young AGT hopeful was beaming with joy as she introduced herself to the judges, but she quickly broke down when asked why she developed an interest in music.

“When I was little, one day my father just left and never returned,” Green said in a prerecorded program. “We were left with nothing.” We would receive eviction notices. I recall overhearing my mother on the phone with the homeless shelters. She was terrified we’d wind up on the streets, which was really terrible for us.”

“That’s when music helped me. It was my own little universe that I could escape to anytime I wanted,” she added. When I sang, all my misery and difficulties disappeared.

Green’s audition included a strong performance of The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You,” which highlighted her excellent vocal range and engaging emotionality.