She garnered millions of followers all around the world when she became Kazakhstan’s first Junior Eurovision participant in 2018. Since then, Daneliya Tuleshova has been exploring new opportunities. On Monday, June 9, observant fans would have noticed her on episode three of America’s Got Talent’s 15th season. Her darker hair and clothing may have made Daneliya unrecognizable to some fans at first sight.

During the pre-performance video package, Daneliya offered an emotional explanation of what singing meant to her and what it would mean for her to succeed in America.

With her mother happily watching from the sidelines and good luck wishes from judge Simon Cowell, she swiftly shook off her nervousness as she came onto the AGT stage. She sang “Tears of Gold” by Canadian-Moroccan artist Faouzia.

Daneliya spoke every line with heart and assurance. The audience quickly rallied behind her, increasing their cheers and admiration with each note Daneliya played. As the song concluded, the audience and all four judges gave her a well-deserved standing ovation.

Moving on to the judges’ criticisms, German model Heidi Klum applauded Daneliya for the song’s “cool” quality and her metamorphosis during it, remarking, “You seem so shy, and then ‘BOOM,’ the music starts, and you transform into this different person.” She also mentioned her stage presence and “swag.”

TV host Howie Mandel then compared her to a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, saying, “You actually transformed in front of our eyes!” Even the famously difficult-to-satisfy judge Simon Cowell lavished Daneliya with accolades, stating, “It’s kind of your time.” He went on to laud her music selection, even mentioning her “cool” element. Simon also stated that he thinks Daneliya’s next song will be more stripped-down, allowing her tone to shine. “You’ve got a real, real shot here,” he said, capping off an excellent audition.

Without hesitation, each judge gave her a “yes” vote, and Daneliya went off stage, hugging her ecstatic mother, knowing she had gone to the next round.

Unfortunately, because of the escalating COVID-19 outbreak in the United States at the time of recording, production on the show was halted for many weeks. It’s uncertain when Daneliya will perform again. The first six audition episodes were filmed prior to the closure, and NBC hopes to shoot the Judge Cuts episodes with revisions toward the end of June. The plans for shooting the live episodes are still being worked out.