French-Canadian singer Gabriella Laberge had high hopes for her America’s Got Talent audition, although they almost came crashing down right out of the gate. After a slightly awkward opening interview, Laberge played a pleasant violin part, but it was nothing you can’t hear from any busker on Main Street. Simon Cowell hovered his hand over his red buzzer, ready to send her packing, but Laberge had an ace up her sleeve.
She opened her mouth and a delicate, soulful vocal filled the room as she sang James Blunt’s “Goodbye My Lover”. Cowell’s hand swiftly retreated from his red buzzer and the judges quickly warmed up to the Montreal musician. Laberge leaned into the folk elements of the song, adding a little twang to the vocal and imparting her own spin on the hit. She seamlessly transitioned into a violin solo in the bridge, before intensifying the outro and receiving a standing ovation.
