In a recent episode, as the auditions unfolded, Cowell, together with Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofía Vergara, continued their nationwide quest for unparalleled talent. Their search led them to Putri Ariani, a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Indonesia, who captivated everyone with her presence.
Before her unforgettable performance, which earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer, Putri, who is blind, shared her perspective: “My biggest challenge is people see me as a blind person, not as a musician. But when I sing, I feel like a superstar.”
Putri expressed her ambitions to achieve fame akin to Whitney Houston, win a Grammy, and study at Juilliard in New York City. “Winning America’s Got Talent would be a step towards realizing my dreams,” she conveyed to the judges.
Seated at the piano, Putri mesmerized the audience with an original song. Following a standing ovation, Cowell, intrigued by her talent, requested a second performance. He didn’t even try to hide his admiration for her voice, either.
Following her second song, the judges showered Putri with accolades. Howie Mandel likened her to an angel, while Heidi Klum praised the beauty of her voice. Cowell, moved by her performance and aspirations, hit his Golden Buzzer without hesitation, declaring her one of the show’s best.
Speaking with PEOPLE, Putri reflected on the surreal experience, expressing her overwhelming gratitude and amazement. The support and appreciation she received in America left her speechless.
“I can’t describe how grateful I am and how amazing and magical that moment [was] for me. It’s so incredible. I never expected that it would happen to me. It’s such a dream and this was my first time to go to America,” she adds. “I’m so happy because people there appreciate me so much. I’m speechless,” said a jubilant Putri.
Unfazed by Cowell’s request for a second performance, Putri saw it as an opportunity to share more of her talent, having prepared the song especially for him. Below is a compilation of all Putri’s performances in America Got Talent.
Putri’s journey echoes that of Kodi Lee, the season 14 winner, who also impressed with his vocal and piano skills despite being blind due to a rare condition since birth. Inspired by Kodi, Putri aims to follow in his footsteps and clinch the title of America’s Got Talent winner.