When 30-year-old Jane, who goes by the stage name Nightbirde, introduced herself, she immediately charmed the judges with her warm smile and unflustered demeanor. She told the panel that she would be singing an original song called “It’s Okay,” which she explained was the story of the last year of her life. However, the atmosphere in the room changed dramatically when she revealed the heartbreaking context behind the song: she had been dealing with cancer for several years, which had recently spread to her lungs, spine, and liver. Despite the gravity of her health, Nightbirde maintained an extraordinary, positive outlook, explaining that she needed the world to know she was “so much more than the bad things” that were happening to her.
Nightbirde’s performance of her original song was simple, poignant, and delivered with raw, beautiful emotion. Her voice, clear and slightly melancholic, carried the weight of her personal struggle, while the chorus—”It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay if you’re lost, we’re all a little lost, and it’s all right”—became a universal message of resilience and hope. The song’s vulnerability instantly captivated the judges and brought the entire auditorium to a hushed silence, culminating in a powerful standing ovation. Her ability to translate such deep pain into inspirational art left the panel visibly moved.
The final moments of the audition were truly historic. Simon Cowell, the toughest judge, was overcome with emotion, telling Nightbirde she was a beautiful and courageous person. He struggled to articulate his feelings, admitting that giving her a simple “yes” would not be enough. Instead, in a rare display of sentimentality, Simon slammed his Golden Buzzer, instantly sending Nightbirde straight through to the live shows. The moment was a powerful recognition of her extraordinary talent, her strength of spirit, and a unanimous confirmation from the judges that she was already a true star.
