Homeless and single mother Cristina Rae wowed the judges and audience with one of America’s Got Talent 2020’s best performances yet.
Rae described how she was homeless and lived in a car while pregnant with her son Jeremiah, and how she came to “AGT” to change her life.
“This is what I need to change my life. With a microphone in one hand and her cute child in the other, Rae said onstage, “As you can see, I’m a single mother who lived in her car while pregnant.”
“Moving us into a home will change my life.” My house is mine.
Rae’s strong rendition of the song’s heartbreaking lyrics (“If I don’t get some shelter/OOh yeah, I’m going to fade away”) caused the judges to stand for a standing ovation when judge Howie Mandel told her to sing as if the AGT studios were her home.
Judge Mandel later told her that she “blew the roof off” the building with an emotional performance of The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” on Tuesday, the third night of auditions.
“Your voice is so amazing that there is only one way to describe it,” Cowell continued, giving his trademark thumbs up. “Until we can find people like you, there is no use in doing gatherings like this. “I love you.”
Her performance was lauded by Heidi Klum and Sofía Vergara. “You really are exceptional.” For you, my heart is pounding. Right now, are you ready for this? Klum explained, pointing to the coveted Golden Buzzer. “On your behalf, I will press the button.”
Then Heidi Klum did just that, driving Rae to her knees in tears as she slammed the buzzer and strewn golden confetti across the stage. Rae was sent straight to the live final performances by the buzzer.
Then Klum approached the platform, helped the Tennessee native, and gave her a hug. Klum said to herself, “You are wonderful, and I wish you had that house.” “And you are currently en route to obtaining it.”
Before Cowell ordered that she sing another song, Rae sang “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins.
“May I also hear your second song?” Cowell inquired. “Before you begin, would you like some water?”
Simon Cowell’s proposal didn’t bother Rae, who instead declared, “I’m going to let this adrenaline take me.”
“Good answer,” commented Cowell.
We’re excited to see how Rae performs in the competition next, and we hope she wins so she may fulfill her dream of owning a home.
