Entertainment
Simon Presses “Red X” But Boy’s Performance Still Earns Him Golden Buzzer
I think he may be the only contestant to get both the Red X and The Golden Buzzer in the same audition. And – what an audition it was!
Kathleen Shipman
07.11.19

There are some people in this world who are destined for stardom. So much so, that it’s easy to pick up on from the time they’re very little.

12-year-old Luke Islam from New York dreams of being on the stage of Broadway. Although he’s young, he decided to try his luck on America’s Got Talent to see if it would bring him closer to achieving his goal.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

Luke’s passion for music started early on.

Ever since he learned to talk, singing was all Luke wanted to do. He would even belt out songs while doing everyday activities like getting dressed and brushing his teeth. He’d perform shows right there at home too.

Luke was six-years-old when his parents first introduced him to Broadway. He quickly fell in love with everything about theatre – from the costumes to the crowd.

For Luke, it became evident it was his destiny.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

He walked onto the set of America’s Got Talent hoping it would be a pathway to the big lights of Broadway.

The judges began asking Luke about himself, as they do with any contestant. However, then Gabrielle Union threw out a “trick question” that would make anybody’s heart sink,

“Who’s your favorite judge?”

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

After playing the safe route and saying he loved “all the judges” – Luke finally admits his favorite… Julianne Hough!

Simon immediately hits his hand on the buzzer giving the kid’s answer a big “X.” Luke couldn’t hold back his stunned look.

However, he’s then given the chance to explain that for a long time he’d been following Julianne and her brother’s dancing career. The judge couldn’t have been more flattered.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

Finally, it was time for Luke to showcase his singing talent. He’d be performing Sara Bareilles’ tune, “She Used to Be Mine,” from the musical Waitress.

The crowd was silent before Luke began. Yet, when he unleashed his beautiful voice they couldn’t hold back their amazement.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

Luke’s performance started out slow and soft, but little by little his voice became more powerful. His emotions poured out through the lyrics – not to mention his expressions.

You could see the passion in his eyes.

Luke’s performance was so chilling that it brought everyone to their feet. Even the judges seemed awestruck by the youngster’s talent. When Luke gazed out into the audience and saw everyone’s reactions, it was so overwhelming he couldn’t hold back his tears.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

The best part was yet to come.

When it came time for Luke to be judged, the panel of stars had only words of praise for him, and also some advice. But what would his “favorite” judge Julianne have to say?

“Well, first of all I just have to say I’m extremely flattered that you would even look up to my brother and I with a voice like that – with an energy like that…”

As Luke’s eyes filled up again with tears, she continued…

“You have such talent and grace. You have something so special, you have an essence inside of you that has given you a gift…”

That’s when Luke lost it. There was no more controlling the waterworks. It’s such an emotional scene there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

There was ONE more thing to do.

“I believe that not only are you going to become a star and get your dream to come true, but I don’t think you need to wait that much longer, because…”

With that, Julianne slammed her hand down on the Golden Buzzer – the ultimate response from any judge. Luke would be advancing straight to the live shows of the competition.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

The moment was so emotional for Luke that he fell to the floor sobbing. Not only did the world also see his potential, but his idol herself had awarded him the greatest gift.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

If you’re a fan of goosebumps and in need of a good cry, you have to experience Luke’s audition for yourself. This kid’s going places, that’s for sure.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.
Advertisement