VICTORY’S SONG
9-year-old opera singer back on ‘America’s Got Talent’
It’s been about four months since Victory Brinker sang opera on the “America’s Got Talent” stage and received an unprecedented five golden buzzers from the show’s host and four judges.
The 9-year-old from Latrobe has known since then that she would be going on to the NBC competition series’ live rounds, which kicked off last week. She’ll finally be singing in front of judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum again Tuesday as part of the “America’s Got Talent” quarterfinals.
“She wakes up every morning counting the days down,” Victory’s mother, Christine Brinker, said Thursday.
Victory then chimed in: “Tomorrow will be four! Then three, then two, then one.”
Victory became a viral sensation in early July when her first “America’s Got Talent” performance aired. Host Terry Crews, the judges and millions of TV viewers reacted when the tiny powerhouse belted out “Juliette’s Waltz” from
the French opera “Roméo et Juliette.”
She said that since the episode came out, “everybody is giving me so much love.”
“It truly is so touching,” her mother added. “Our community and family and friends — everyone has been so encouraging and supportive. That’s even more overwhelming than the golden buzzers.”
Victory has been in Los Angeles for almost two weeks. She’s been rehearsing her new song almost every day with the “America’s Got Talent” music team. To maintain an element of surprise, she wouldn’t reveal what tune she will be singing Tuesday.
Victory set a pretty high bar for her follow-up performance, but she hopes to blow away the audience and judges once again.
“If I impress the judges, that’s wonderful,” she said. “My goal is to get a standing ovation by the judges.”
Of course, it’s not the judges who will be deciding if Victory moves on this time. It will be fans voting on who reaches the next round, with results revealed on Wednesday’s show. Anyone can vote up to 10 times on the “America’s Got Talent” app or at agt.vote.nbc.com.
Some of the acts Victory will be up against have large social media followings that they will be mobilizing to drum up support. Victory might not have that infrastructure in place, but she does have a few advantages: those pipes, an adorable stage presence and a mother who you can be sure will be pounding the pavement to get Victory at least one more chance on “America’s Got Talent.”
“Give your votes to Victory so she can get through and sing another song!” her mother said.