Fans vote Latrobe native Victory Brinker into ‘America’s Got Talent’ semifinals
Victory Brinker has taken the country by storm on “America’s Got Talent,” and she isn’t going anywhere.
After performing in Tuesday’s quarterfinals episode of the NBC competition show, Victory officially found out during Wednesday’s results telecast that she would be moving on to the semifinals. Host Terry Crews announced that the 9- year- old Latrobe opera singer made the next round about a half-hour into
Wednesday’s episode.
“I just love watching young people chase their dreams, and you’re here,” judge Heidi Klum said after Victory was given the good news. “I’m so excited for you!”
There wasn’t too much drama in terms of whether Victory would keep going on “America’s Got Talent,” as she has been a favorite of judges Klum, Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara and Howie Mandel since her first performance that earned an unprecedented five golden buzzers from all four of them and Crews.
“If I impress the judges, that’s wonderful,” Victory told the Post-Gazette
ahead of her Tuesday return to the “America’s Got Talent” stage. “My goal is to get a standing ovation by the judges.”
She was able to accomplish that objective, as her second song brought all four judges to their feet.
“I know nothing about classical music,” Cowell said after Victory was finished. “However, I do remember many years ago, on another show, an artist called Carrie Underwood came on and auditioned for me. I said, ‘You are going to sell millions and millions of records.’ And I
was right.
“I’m going to make a prediction: You are going to be one of the biggest stars to emerge from one of these shows because you have a unique, special talent, and I think you are incredible.”
Vergara was struck by how opera singing seemed like “the most natural thing for you,” while Klum called
Victory’s song “the cherry on top of an amazing night tonight.”
Mandel was more direct with his support for Victory: “You’re amazing. You got to vote, people. I know you’re going to make it.”
Luckily for Victory, his prediction turned out to be right on the money.