America’s Got Talent 2020 featured one of its most unforgettable moments when Cristina Rae, a homeless single mother, delivered a stunning performance that left both the judges and audience in awe.
Rae shared that she auditioned for AGT in hopes of transforming her life after experiencing homelessness and living in her car while pregnant with her son, Jeremiah.
“I need this to change my life,” she said onstage, holding her young son in one arm and a microphone in the other. “As you can see, I’m a single mom, and I was living in my vehicle while pregnant. This will give us a home—my own home. I want him to have his own room.”
When judge Howie Mandel encouraged her to sing as if the AGT stage were her home, Rae delivered a powerhouse performance, pouring emotion into the song’s poignant lyrics: “If I don’t get some shelter / Oh yeah, I’m gonna fade away.” Her breathtaking rendition earned a standing ovation from the judges and audience alike.
Judge Howie Mandel later praised Rae’s electrifying performance during the third night of auditions, telling her she had “blown the roof off” the building with her powerful rendition of The Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter.
Simon Cowell, visibly impressed, gave his signature thumbs-up before declaring, “There’s only one way to describe your voice—it’s insanely good. There is absolutely no point in making shows like this unless we find people like you. I adore you.”
Sofía Vergara and Heidi Klum were visibly moved by Rae’s performance, with both admitting they had goosebumps. “I think you are absolutely out of this world. My heart is racing for you,” Klum said before gesturing toward the coveted Golden Buzzer. “Are you ready for this right now?”
Without hesitation, Klum slammed the buzzer, unleashing a cascade of golden confetti as Rae dropped to her knees, overwhelmed with emotion. The moment secured Rae’s spot in the live final shows.
Klum then stepped onto the stage, helping Rae to her feet and embracing her. “You are amazing, and I want you to have that house,” she said. “And you are on your way to getting it right now.”
Rae had initially performed In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins before Simon Cowell, eager to hear more, requested a second song. “Can I hear your second song as well?” he asked. “Do you want some water before you start?”
Rae remained unfazed by Simon Cowell’s request for another song, confidently responding, “I’m going to let this adrenaline take me.”
Cowell, clearly impressed, replied with a smirk, “Good answer.”
With her undeniable talent and powerful presence, fans are eagerly anticipating Rae’s next performance in the competition. Everyone is rooting for her to go all the way and turn her dream of owning a home into reality.