Simon Cowell, 59, finally pressed his Golden Buzzer for musician Kechi Okwuchi on Monday night, declaring her even more ‘confident and amazing’ than when she first appeared in 2017.
Kechi, 28, gave the audience goosebumps with her rendition of Calum Scott and Leona Lewis’s song You Are The Reason, which earned her a fast-track to the final. Explaining his GB choice, Simon told People: ‘Her story really resonated. I always thought she summed up the idea of the show. If you’re going to give anyone a second chance, give it to her.’
— America’s Got Talent (@AGT) January 28, 2019
I will never ever forget this moment and this feeling. Not ever.
I’m incredibly grateful to God for giving me yet another performance to look forward to on the @AGT stage. Whatever happens, I’m humbled.❤️❤️?? #AGTChampions https://t.co/FLc1yiT5Ab— Kechi Okwuchi (@Kechi) January 29, 2019
Kechi was one of only two survivors of a Nigerian plane crash at Port Harcourt International Airport in 2005. All remaining 107 passengers lost their lives in the crash landing and Kechi has had over 100 surgeries for the injuries and burns that she personally sustained. She originally auditioned for America’s Got Talent in the 12th season in 2017 and went on
to become a finalist. Now she returns for a second shot at winning the show and will face competition from fellow Golden Buzzer acts Susan Boyle and Deadly Games in the final. ‘It was a special moment for [Kechi],’ Simon continued. ‘And I think she really defines what a champion is.