Gabriella Laberge, a French-Canadian singer and violinist, recently took the stage on America’s Got Talent and left everyone stunned with her powerful audition. Though some viewers might recognize her from her 2019 appearance on Destination Eurovision in France, this moment on AGT marked a pivotal chapter in her career. And she made it count.
Before stepping under the bright lights, Gabriella shared her heartfelt dream in a pre-performance segment. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” she said. “I want nothing more than to make music for the rest of my life.” Her sincerity was evident, and it set the stage for what turned out to be one of the most memorable auditions of the season.
With her violin in hand, Gabriella began her performance with a soft, soulful instrumental solo that immediately drew the attention of judges Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Heidi Klum. They were visibly mesmerized by her control and emotional delivery. However, Simon Cowell—the show’s most notoriously tough critic—seemed unconvinced at first. He hovered his hand near the dreaded red buzzer, clearly on the fence about where this performance was going.
Then came the twist.
Gabriella shifted from playing her violin to singing James Blunt’s emotional ballad, “Goodbye My Lover.” The moment she opened her mouth to sing, everything changed. Her angelic voice, filled with raw emotion and precision, instantly caught Simon’s attention. His hand moved away from the buzzer. He leaned forward, listening intently, as did the entire audience.
By the end of her performance, the entire room was on its feet. The judges gave her a standing ovation, with even Simon joining in—an undeniable sign that Gabriella had won him over. Without hesitation, all four judges gave her a unanimous “yes,” sending her through to the next round of the competition.
Gabriella’s audition came during the final episode of AGT’s audition phase—episode eight of the season. That timing makes the anticipation even more intense for her fans. Over 150 acts received “yes” votes throughout the season, but only 36 of them will move on to the live shows. With the series now on a three-week break, fans will have to wait to see if Gabriella will make it into that coveted top 36.
For many Eurovision fans, Gabriella is a familiar name. Back in 2019, she competed in the second season of Destination Eurovision, France’s national selection show for the international song contest. Her song, “On cherche encore (Never Get Enough),” quickly gained popularity, with her unique style and moving performance making her a fan favorite. Unfortunately, despite her strong showing, she was eliminated in the semi-final round. That year’s competition ended with Bilal Hassani taking the win with his song “Roi.”
Still, Gabriella’s passion for music never wavered. Her AGT audition represents more than just a second chance—it’s a global spotlight moment. With her violin in one hand and her heart in every note she sings, Gabriella is proving that she has the talent and emotional depth to connect with audiences around the world.
Whether or not she makes it to the live shows, Gabriella Laberge has already made her mark. Her performance not only showcased her musical talents but also told a story of perseverance, hope, and pure artistry. In a sea of contestants, she stood out—not through flashy tricks or theatrics, but with an honest performance that spoke directly to the soul.
For now, fans of AGT and Eurovision alike are rooting for Gabriella and hoping to see her journey continue on the big stage. Regardless of what happens next, one thing is clear: Gabriella Laberge is a name we won’t be forgetting anytime soon.