Cristina Rae, a homeless and single mother, had one of America’s Got Talent 2020’s finest performances ever, blowing away the judges and the crowd.
Rae explained that she came to “AGT” to alter her life after experiencing homelessness and living in a car while pregnant with her son Jeremiah.
“I need this to transform my life. As you can see, I’m a single mother who lived in her car while pregnant,” Rae stated onstage, holding her adorable kid in one hand and a microphone in the other.
“Placing us in a house will transform my life.” I own my own home.
So, when judge Howie Mandel instructed Rae to sing as if the AGT studios were her home, Rae delivered a powerful performance of the song’s emotional lyrics (“If I don’t get some shelter/OOh yeah, I’m going to fade away”), bringing the judges to their feet for a standing ovation.
Judge Mandel subsequently informed her that during the third night of auditions on Tuesday, she “blew the roof off” the building with an emotional rendition of The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.”
“There’s only one way to describe your voice—it’s insanely good,” Cowell added, giving his characteristic thumbs up. “There is no purpose in doing events like this unless we can locate people like you. “I adore you.”
Sofía Vergara and Heidi Klum both praised her performance. “You are truly extraordinary.” My heart is racing for you. Are you prepared for this right now? Klum clarified, gesturing to the highly sought-after Golden Buzzer. “I will press the button on your behalf.”
Heidi Klum then did exactly that, slamming the buzzer, scattering golden confetti all over the stage, and bringing Rae to her knees in tears. The buzzer propelled Rae directly to the live final performances.
Klum then came up onto the platform, assisted the Tennessee native, and embraced her. “You are amazing, and I want you to have that house,” Klum remarked to herself. “And you are on your way to getting it right now.”
Rae first sang Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” before Cowell insisted that she sing another song.
“Could I hear your second song as well?” Cowell asked. “Do you want some water before you start?”
Rae was unconcerned with Simon Cowell’s suggestion and said, “I’m going to let this adrenaline take me,” instead.
Cowell said, “Good answer.”
We can’t wait to witness Rae’s next performance in the competition, and we hope she goes all the way and wins, making her goal of having her own house a reality.