Wille Nelson understudy Lily Meola went down swinging with what ended up being her final performance on America's Got Talent.
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Original composition "Butterfly" showcased both an impressive vocal range and a poetic way with words.
The judges appeared to be impressed, with Heidi Klum giving Meola a standing ovation.
"I'm so, so, so, so proud of you," Klum told Meola during her critique. "You are so beautiful, you have the most beautiful voice. It's soaring through the room. I think you are incredible and I wish you the best of luck. And I hope I see you at the finale!"
However, it was down to the voters at home to decide whether or not Meola moved on. She was ultimately edged out by artificial intelligence act Metaphysic and stand-up comedian Mike E. Winfield, who'll face Chapel Hart, Drake Milligan and others in the finals.
A Stunning Audition
Back in June, Klum changed Meola's life by smashing her Golden Buzzer during an audition performance of the singer-songwriter's "Daydream."
Meola explained that the song was extra special for her because she wrote it during a time when her own life was "really beautiful," but it suddenly "flipped upside down." She revealed her mother was diagnosed with cancer, and she had to become her mom's full-time caretaker, losing a pre-existing record deal.
"I think maybe it was a bit of a blessing because it gave me some extra time to be there for her," Meola said. "She was my biggest cheerleader."
Meola was raised by Nancy Meola, an assistant to entertainment manager Shep Gordon, and Matt Meola, who encouraged the singer to pursue music at a very early age. It was at a weekly residency at Cafe de Amis in Paia, Hawaii, where the contestant caught the attention of Nelson.
Meola was in her late teens when she became Nelson's protege, touring with him and dueting on his 2013 album To All the Girls. She was then named as on of Rolling Stone's "10 New Country Artists You Need to Know" and was signed with Interscope Records. Unfortunately, in 2016 her mother fell ill, which meant Meola had to put her dream on hold.
"My mom was diagnosed with cancer and I became her full-time caretaker," Lily told the AGT judges. "I lost my record deal during that ordeal, but I think maybe it was a bit of a blessing, because it gave me some extra time to really be there for her."
The singer then revealed her mother had passed away, adding "I really told myself I wasn't going to cry."
After her emotional audition, Klum, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara took turns praising the contestant. "I think your mother was watching you tonight," Vergara said.
Cowell added, "There is something special about you. I'm sure those memories came flooding back to you during that audition."
Klum continued applauding the singer, saying "I'm speechless. Just everything about you, you just light up. I see a light around you. Immediately, I fell in love with you ... I really really like you, so I'm gonna push this Golden Buzzer for you. It's you!"
