Many Eurovision fans may recognize Gabriella from her participation in France’s Destination Eurovision 2019, where she made a name for herself with her beautiful voice and heartfelt performances. Now, she has taken her talent across the Atlantic, proving that her music transcends borders.
Her AGT audition was nothing short of breathtaking, and the journey she embarked on that night may be one of the most defining moments of her career.
Gabriella Laberge: A Dream in the Making
Before stepping onto the America’s Got Talent stage, Gabriella opened up about her dreams and aspirations. In a pre-show interview, she spoke about what this opportunity meant to her:
This is the opportunity of my life,” she said. “To pursue my greatest dream, which is to make music for the rest of my days.”
For the Quebec-born musician, this was more than just another performance—it was a chance to reach a global audience and take a step closer to her lifelong dream of becoming a professional artist.
A Captivating Performance That Took Everyone by Surprise
With her violin in hand, Gabriella began her audition with a soft and delicate instrumental solo, playing with a grace and control that instantly set a serene atmosphere in the theater.
Judges Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Heidi Klum were visibly mesmerized as they watched her play. However, Simon Cowell, known for his sharp critiques and high standards, appeared less enthusiastic.
As Gabriella continued, Cowell’s hand hovered dangerously close to the red buzzer, signaling that he might cut the performance short. The audience held their breath, sensing that she was at risk of being stopped before she could truly showcase her talent.
But then came the unexpected twist—a moment that would change everything.
The Twist That Won Simon Cowell Over
Just as Cowell seemed ready to press the red buzzer, Gabriella transitioned from playing the violin to singing a stunning rendition of James Blunt’s “Goodbye My Lover.”
The transformation was instantaneous. Her angelic, emotional voice filled the room, catching Cowell completely off guard. His expression shifted from doubt to astonishment, and he immediately pulled his hand away from the buzzer.
The crowd erupted in applause, and the judges’ expressions changed from intrigue to pure admiration. What had started as a slow, instrumental audition quickly turned into a powerful and deeply moving performance that left everyone in awe.
By the time she hit the final note, the entire audience and all four judges were on their feet, giving her a well-deserved standing ovation. Even Simon Cowell, known for being difficult to impress, stood up to applaud her performance.
Judges’ Reactions and Gabriella’s Next Steps
Following her audition, the judges had nothing but praise for Gabriella’s incredible talent.
- Howie Mandel called her performance “magical”, highlighting how she had effortlessly blended instrumental mastery with a breathtaking vocal ability.
- Heidi Klum described Gabriella’s voice as “pure and enchanting”, noting how rare it is to find an artist who can command both musical instruments and vocals with such precision.
- Sofia Vergara expressed how emotionally moving the performance was, emphasizing the way Gabriella’s voice had touched everyone in the room.
- And in a rare moment of admiration, Simon Cowell himself admitted that he had been wrong to doubt her. He called her performance “unexpected and extraordinary,” praising her for delivering something unique and unforgettable.
With the judges unanimously voting “yes,” Gabriella secured her spot in the next round of the competition.
However, her journey was far from over—while over 150 acts had received “yes” votes this season, only 36 would move on to the live shows. Would Gabriella be one of them?
Fans would have to wait, as AGT was set to take a three-week hiatus before revealing which contestants would progress to the next stage.
Gabriella Laberge: From Eurovision to AGT
For those who had been following Gabriella’s career, her stunning AGT audition came as no surprise.
She first gained international attention in 2019, when she participated in France’s Destination Eurovision, the country’s national selection competition for the Eurovision Song Contest.
Performing her original song, “On cherche encore (Never Get Enough),” Gabriella immediately caught the attention of Eurovision fans worldwide. Her song became an instant fan favorite, and her performance showcased the same vocal purity and emotional depth that she would later bring to AGT.
Unfortunately, despite her strong following, Gabriella was eliminated in the semi-finals. The 2019 competition was ultimately won by Bilal Hassani, whose song “Roi” went on to represent France in Eurovision that year.
Still, Gabriella’s performance had left a lasting impression, and her Eurovision experience undoubtedly helped prepare her for her AGT journey.
The Impact of Her AGT Audition
Regardless of whether Gabriella moves on to the AGT live shows, her audition has already become a milestone moment in her career.
She has introduced herself to a global audience, gaining millions of new fans.
Her ability to seamlessly blend violin and vocals has set her apart from many other performers.
She has proven her versatility, transitioning from Eurovision semi-finalist to AGT standout.
Since the airing of her audition, her social media following has skyrocketed, and fans from around the world have expressed their support for her journey.
“This performance gave me chills. She deserves to go all the way!” – One Twitter user wrote.
“She should have won Destination Eurovision, and now she should win AGT!” – A Eurovision fan commented.
“Gabriella’s voice is a gift. Her violin playing is flawless. She is a true artist.” – Another viewer shared.
With such an overwhelmingly positive response, it’s clear that her performance has resonated deeply with audiences.
What’s Next for Gabriella Laberge?
While fans eagerly wait to see if she advances to the AGT live shows, one thing is certain—Gabriella Laberge’s career is on the rise.
Whether she wins the competition or not, her AGT audition has introduced her to a worldwide audience, ensuring that her angelic voice and musical talents will continue to reach new heights.
For now, all eyes are on Gabriella as she awaits the next chapter of her journey.
Will she make it to the live shows? Fans will have to wait and see.
But one thing is certain—Gabriella Laberge is a name the world won’t forget anytime soon.