At 17, it looks like “America’s Got Talent” contestant Putri Ariani has an incredible future ahead of her.
This past Tuesday, the Indonesian teen showcased her beautiful voice and songwriting skills during her audition. In her introduction, she shared that her life goals included getting into Juilliard and becoming a Grammy-winning singer. However, she worried about making an impression beyond her disability.
“My biggest challenge is people look at me as a blind person, not as a musician,” she said. “But when I’m singing, I feel like a superstar.”
As soon as Putri sat down at the piano and began to sing, both the audience and judges were mesmerized. Simon Cowell even asked her to perform an encore.
“A lot of people don’t believe in angels but I think one just landed on our stage,” commented fellow judge Howie Mandel.
“They’re going crazy for you!” said Sofia Vergara amid wild cheers from the audience.
After Putri’s second performance, Cowell decided to use his Golden Buzzer. This means that the teenager can skip ahead to the live shows. It’s a huge honor, considering that each judge only gets one Golden Buzzer per season. Putri is now the first contestant to receive this coveted advantage in Season 18.
“You are, I think, one of the best singers we’ve ever had on our show,” Cowell told the vocalist.
Later, Putri opened up to People about the experience, saying: “I can’t describe how grateful I am and how amazing and magical that moment [was] for me. It’s so incredible. I never expected that it would happen to me.”
She continued, “It’s such a dream and this was my first time to go to America. I’m so happy because people there appreciate me so much. I’m speechless.”
As for the judges’ surprise request for an encore, Putri wasn’t phased. “I [felt] happy because he wanted to listen me more. I prepared that song special for Simon.”
Although Putri has every reason to be proud of her achievement, she’s not only thinking about herself after her victory.
“For me, winning ‘AGT’ is not only about me, but about the world,” she said. “How I can give my contribution through the world and influence others who have the same conditions like me and still live in countries like me to reach their dream? I just want to say that [people like me] are able, we are capable and we are equal.”
Watch Putri Ariani in the video below as she wows the judges with her song. Don’t forget to share!
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.