Update: February 21, 2022: Nightbirde, whose real name is Jane Marczewski, was an America’s Got Talent favorite on season 16 and judge Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer. At the time, she told the audience that she only had a 2 percent chance of surviving her cancer and she later had to drop out of the competition to deal with her health. We learned today that she lost her battle with cancer on Sunday, Feb. 20. She was 31. TMZ was the first to report the news that the singer passed away after months of receiving treatment for the disease, which had spread to her lungs, spine and liver. On Tuesday, Simon posted a sweet tribute on Twitter where he called her “an extraordinary person, so brave, so talented. “She made a huge impact on AGT and the world. Her determination to fight this terrible illness was remarkable. Rest in peace, Jane. I am sending my love to her family. Simon” Host Terry Crews posted on Instagram: “We are saddened to learn about @_nightbirde’s Passing. Our Condolences goes to her Closest Family & Friends in such of This difficult time. We Love you, Nightbirde.” And judge Howie Mandel tweeted: “@_nightbirde was such a bright inspirational light in all our lives.we must continue to live and learn from her words and lyrics. As much as I feel horribly about her passing I feel lucky to to have met, heard and known her.” Update September 14: As the final night of performances for America’s Got Talent season 16 were taking place, host Terry Crews expressed the thought that someone was missing: Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer Nightbirde, who had to withdraw from the competition for health reasons. Simon shared, “I spoke to Jane earlier on and the great news is and she is doing better. I know she would have been here tonight. We are sending her all our love. Get better.” Published August 11:Simon Cowell’s inspirational Golden Buzzer Nightbirde, whose real name is Jane Marczewski, announced on Monday, August 2 that she is withdrawing from America’s Got Talent season 16 as her health has taken a turn for the worse. On Wednesday night’s—August 11—results show, Nightbirde checked in virtually with host Terry Crews, Simon and judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara. For her AGT audition, Nightbirde performed an original song, “It’s OK,” which told the story of the last year of her life, battling cancer. “There is no way I would have ever imagined [how America accepted it],” she said. “It was a song I wrote in the middle of the night for myself when I needed it. It is beautiful to see the world welcome that song into its own dark night.” Howie told her that he sees her as the poster child for courage, adversity, and poise. Then Simon said, “We have spoken a few times. You made a decision, and rightly so, that your health is a priority. You said you actually felt like you let people down. You haven’t let people down. Even though you haven’t competed, you’ve already won. On behalf of all of us here, we send you our prayers. Thank you for auditioning on the show. It was such a beautiful song.” To which Nightbirde responded, “I cannot say thank you enough for the opportunity to tell my story. We all hurt, we all suffer, and we all have the potential to overcome. It is the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me.” With her departure, viewers will have the chance to vote on one of five acts to fill the vacancy. AGT: America’s Wildcard, a one-hour special will stream exclusively on Peacock beginning Tuesday, Aug. 10, and viewers will be able to vote via Twitter from Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. ET until Friday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. ET. The winner will perform on the live show on Tuesday, Aug. 24. The five acts are: Dylan Zangwill, singer Matt Mauser, comedian Mike Goodwin, magician Patrick Kun, and singer Storm Large. During her AGT audition, the singer/songwriter from Zanesville, Ohio, reported she still has cancer in her lungs, spine and liver. In fact, at that time, she said she only has a 2 percent chance of surviving, saying, “Two percent is not zero. Two percent is something.” Her story and her determination were so inspirational that Simon announced her “stunning” and “authentic” and pressed the Golden Buzzer for her. But as of today, she is no longer in the competition. She posted on Instagram: “Sharing my heart with the world on AGT has been an honor and a dream come true. My point of view this summer has been astounding. What a miracle that the pain I’ve walked through can be reworked into beauty that makes people all over the world open their eyes wider. “Since my audition, my health has taken a turn for the worse and the fight with cancer is demanding all of my energy and attention. I am so sad to announce that I won’t be able to continue forward on this season of AGT. Life doesn’t always give breaks to those that deserve it — but we knew that already. Thank you for all your support, it means the world to me. Stay with me, I’ll be better soon. I’m planning my future, not my legacy. Pretty beat up, but I’ve still got dreams.” America’s Got Talent posted in response: “We’re keeping you in our thoughts for a full recovery!” Celebrities also responded, including Chrissy Metz, who wrote, “We are with you, praying for you and here if you need anything!” Hannah Brown posted, “Sending you love and prayers! What an inspiration you are to us all!” And Danny Gokey wrote, “Praying for you.” America’s Got Talent will return from its Olympic break on Tuesday, August 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Next, Everything We Know So Far About America’s Got Talent Season 16, Including All the Golden Buzzers
