Ava Swiss’ heartfelt audition for America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 17 aired on NBC on July 26, 2022 at 8:00 PM ET and wowed the judges. The 18-year-old singer shared her experience of surviving the Oxford school shooting with her brother, sparking emotional reactions from the audience and viewers at home.
The AGT contestant impressed judges Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum with her vocal range and musicianship. She won the approval of them and the audience to pass to the next round. Next week, viewers will find out if they will survive the judges’ cuts and advance to the semi-finals of the competition.
AGT contestant Ava Swiss recounts how she survived the Oxford school massacre
When Ava made her debut on the AGT stage, the audience greeted her with enthusiastic applause. She said her birth name was Ava Swieczkowski, but decided to keep her last name as ‘Swiss’ because it was shorter, cooler and easier to pronounce. At the audition, she revealed her incredible story of survival, which was masked by her charming nature. The Oxford, Michigan native spoke with her brother about her experience surviving the Oxford school shooting. Explaining why she chose the song Remember by Lauren Daigle, she opened up about her sad experience on stage.
On November 30, 2021, a mass shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan resulted in the deaths of four students and injuries to seven others, including a teacher. Ethan Crumbley, a 15-year-old sophomore, was arrested and charged with 24 felonies, including murder and terrorism.
Although she graduated from Oxford High School, the candidate and her brother were unable to attend classes for long periods of time as they tried to cope with the tragedy. Ava said it was difficult, but since her siblings started school more than two months ago, “things have gotten easier.”
When asked if music served her as therapy in difficult times, Ava answered:
“Certainly, it was. When I sing, I remember positivity, my community, my family and only love. And I remind you that everything is available to me. And it will help me reach my destination. Being able to share with more people than I ever imagined I could is the reason I’m so grateful to be here today.”
After her passionate performance, the judges could only describe her as “beautiful”. Howie Mandel then went on to say that it was hard to show up after the horrific event, but she was able to “break through it and shine” as an inspiration. The judges then praised her resilience in the face of adversity.
What AGT viewers are saying about Ava’s performance
A number of additional candidates auditioned for this week’s show, including magician Maxence VIRE, singer Freckled Zelda and acrobatic ensembles Duo Mico and RCC Aruba. The next episode will include the final round of auditions before the judges decide who goes to the semi-finals. An all-new edition of AGT will air on NBC on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 8:00 PM ET.
Ava, you, bro, and everyone at your school have my heart. You are all so strong 🥺🤍 #AGT
— Gaby 🍂 | 18 days (@jonahsdove) July 27, 2022
yup!!! ava switzerland on agt!!! I’m always so proud to see people from the community I call home doing amazing things. #agt #oxfordstrong
— ang ↯🥀🎗🐷 (@whyidontsmilee) July 27, 2022
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education