Formerly blind singer Christian Guardino brought the “America’s Got Talent” judges to tears Tuesday night during the show’s third audition episode, earning Howie Mandel‘s Golden Buzzer in the process. Before the 16-year-old Long Island, New York native belted out “Who’s Lovin’ You” during his audition, a pre-taped package revealed that he went blind when he was only six months old. However, when he was 12, his parents found an experimental gene therapy and Guardino was able to gain his sight back. Watch the emotional “AGT” audition video above.
The show’s four judges — Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Mandel — each praised the humble Guardino following his rendition of the classic The Jackson 5 song. Mel B shouted “What just happened?!” while Heidi said he has “an amazing gift” and Simon declared him “one of my favorite contestants I’ve seen this year.”
But it was Howie who made the moment one to truly remember as he asked Guardino what his one wish would be. When the teenager replied, “Right this second? Probably the Golden Guzzer,” Howie jumped up and pressed the button, thereby sending Guardino straight through to the live shows. The boy was completely shocked, barely able to get out a word when host Tyra Banks went over to congratulate him amidst the shower of golden confetti.
“America’s Got Talent” continued auditions for its 12th season Tuesday night with 12 more acts performing in front of the judges. Read our Episode 3 recap here. Christian Guardino now joins deaf singer Mandy Harvey and ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer as three of the year’s Golden Buzzer recipients. Who will round out the list as the fourth Golden Buzzer act? Keep watching “AGT” Tuesdays on NBC to find out.
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