If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years watching America’s Got Talent, it’s that first impressions don’t always tell the full story. Contestants often walk onto that stage with nerves, dreams, and a little uncertainty in their voices, but some of them manage to completely transform the room with their performance. One such magical moment happened when Gabriella Laberge stepped onto the AGT stage—and nearly faced the wrath of Simon Cowell’s dreaded red buzzer 
… until she stunned everyone with what she did next. 
The Moment That Had Everyone Nervous 
As Gabriella began her audition, Simon’s face wasn’t exactly showing encouragement. You know that classic Simon Cowell look—the skeptical eyebrow raise, the slightly pursed lips, and that hovering hand over the buzzer. Audiences held their breath because it looked like Simon was seconds away from cutting her performance short.
But Gabriella didn’t let the pressure get to her. Instead, she leaned into her art, lifted her violin 
, and unleashed a performance that would completely flip the script.
A Violin Like You’ve Never Heard Before 
What makes Gabriella so unique is the way she blends her soulful voice with her extraordinary violin skills. Most singers on AGT stick to vocals alone, but Gabriella decided to sing and play violin simultaneously, something that instantly set her apart.
The first few notes on her violin were delicate and haunting, and when she began singing, her voice carried an ethereal, emotional quality that silenced the crowd. The atmosphere in the theater shifted—from nervous tension to pure awe. You could practically see Simon lower his hand from the buzzer as he leaned in, realizing this was not a typical audition.
The Judges’ Reactions 
- Heidi Klum looked enchanted, her eyes wide as if she was transported to another world by Gabriella’s performance.
- Sofia Vergara couldn’t stop smiling, visibly touched by the passion flowing through every note.
- Howie Mandel, always a big fan of originality, nodded along in appreciation, clearly impressed by Gabriella’s boldness in bringing something so different to the stage.
- And of course, Simon Cowell—who almost ended it too soon—was left with no choice but to admit that Gabriella had wowed him. He cracked a smile, the ultimate sign that she had turned things around completely.
Why This Audition Stood Out 
There are singers, there are musicians, and then there are rare talents like Gabriella who combine both to create something extraordinary. Her performance wasn’t just about hitting high notes or playing a difficult piece—it was about emotion. You could feel every string, every lyric, and every ounce of vulnerability she poured into her art.
It’s those types of performances that AGT fans live for—the underdog moment when someone the judges underestimate ends up being unforgettable.
Fans Reacted Online 
As soon as the episode aired, social media lit up with reactions:
- “Simon was this close to buzzing her, imagine if he had?! We would’ve missed that magical performance
.” - “Gabriella’s violin + voice combo gave me goosebumps. Pure talent. ”
- “Hands down one of the most underrated auditions of the season. She deserves more recognition! ”
A Lesson From Gabriella’s Story 
Gabriella’s audition reminds us of a powerful lesson: never give up when people doubt you. Even when the world seems ready to dismiss you, one moment of bravery can turn everything around. She trusted her gift, stayed authentic, and proved that great artistry doesn’t always fit into the neat boxes we expect.
Final Thoughts 
Gabriella Laberge walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage facing the possibility of rejection, but she walked off having earned respect, admiration, and a whole new fanbase. Her story is proof that sometimes the most magical performances come from the artists we least expect—and that’s exactly why we keep tuning in to AGT week after week.
From almost getting buzzed to leaving Simon Cowell speechless, Gabriella’s audition will go down as one of the season’s most unforgettable moments.
What did you think of Gabriella’s performance? Did it give you goosebumps like it did for so many others? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
