As the cliche goes, life is indeed full of challenges. And if we do not find the strength to get up and fight, we might end up being defeated by all the negativity around us. If adults find these hardships difficult to overcome, can you imagine how a little boy barely out of his diapers can manage to survive life’s hardest battles? 11-year-old Tyler Butler Figueroa may have faced unimaginable problems at a very young age but he stood up against them, fought bravely and refused to give up.
In the latest episode of America’s Got Talent, Tyler showed to everyone that having an illness is not the end of the world. After being diagnosed with the big “C” when he was only four years old and surviving the said illness three years later, this young boy of 11 years graced the AGT stage and proved that he is stronger as he chase his dreams.
His mother, Kisua, was absolutely devastated when she learned about her son’s illness. But, she stayed strong for Tyler even if seeing him on a hospital bed was killing her. Fortunately, the boy’s treatment was effective and has been in remission for four years already.
However, Tyler experienced being made fun of when he got back to school because the chemotherapy sessions caused his hair to fall out and kids were tormenting him about it. They even talked about how his illness was contagious which made him feel really bad.
It was a dark time for Tyler and his family as he was no longer the same happy child he once was. All the torment he was experiencing was taking a toll on him, until one day when he was seven years old, Tyler saw a flyer about after-school violin lessons. Kisua recounted how Tyler begged her to let him join. Allowing him to go the lessons was probably one of the best decisions she has made because playing the violin brought the smile back in Tyler’s face. He got her son back!
In his AGT interview, Tyler told everyone just how much playing the violin changed his life.
“When I play the violin, it makes me forget about the bad stuff. I didn’t want to just be the ‘Kid with Cancer’— so now I’m the Kid who Plays the Violin.”
As Tyler walked to the center of the AGT stage, everyone in the theater saw his shining sneakers. It was definitely hard to miss! But, when he played his violin, everyone could care less of his sneakers because his musical talent is even more spectacular!
Playing to the tune of Kelly Clarkson’s triumphant song “Stronger”, Tyler undoubtedly shocked the judges of his undeniable talent and authenticity. His emotions and moves while playing also resonated to everyone in that room, leaving no dry eye in the audience.
Tyler was not just playing the instrument. He was moving with it, feeling it and connecting to his listeners to a level that nobody expected from a young musician such as him. He was absolutely breath-taking to watch and his talent really stands out.
Veteran judge Simon Cowell was pleasantly surprised by this kid’s marvelous talent. His eyes were huge and a big smile was pasted on his face all throughout the boy’s performance! That’s actually considered a rare occurrence in the show, to be honest.
When Tyler finished his number, everyone was up on their feet and cheering for him. The young boy was emotional as he took all of their applause in.
Judge Julianne Hough was completely amazed with his performance and she found his courage and strength remarkable, saying:
“Wow! I just wanna commend you for taking something that’s probably been one of the hardest things you’ll have to go through and turning it around and finding something that brings you joy.”
When it was Simon’s turn to comment, he began with asking Tyler how he was feeling at that moment, to which the boy said,
“I’m feeling really proud of myself.”
His courage and pride were evident and the crowd’s reaction to his statement just proved that he was right about being proud of himself. Simon also took the opportunity to ask about Tyler’s health to which the boy confirmed that he was in remission for almost four years now.
“You are an extraordinary young man. We hear too many stories about people being bullied, but I can tell you one thing. Most people are teased because they’re better than the people who tease them. I think you have such an amazing talent, such a personality. And I would like to say something on your behalf to the bullies.”
And then, Simon stood up and reached out to press the golden buzzer! The crowd went wild as golden confetti fell from the ceiling. It was such an amazing moment!
Tyler was in tears as the most coveted audition response unfolded around him. It was a sweet and emotional moment that he will remember for ever. His mom immediately went to him and embraced her son, absolutely ecstatic with the outcome of Tyler’s audition.
Simon also graced the stage to congratulate Tyler and his mom. The boy could not stop from crying out of so much joy as Simon tells him to enjoy every moment and that he is a winner. What an inspiring young musician!
Tyler’s story is definitely something that opens our eyes about the fact that there is still hope, even if you are faced with the most difficult of challenges. Finding the courage to look for something that will make you turn things around in your life is definitely important.
For Tyler, music through his violin is what kept him going. With a supportive family and a willing heart, we can all find ways to make our greatest ordeals turn into amazing opportunities in having a more meaning life.
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