Tyler Butler-Figueroa, cancer survivor, gets Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent
There’s a certain weight that comes with most of Simon’s Golden Buzzers, mostly in that he’s the most famous panelist the show has and many of his choices have gone on to do really well. You could say that, if you get a golden buzzer from Simon, you’re pretty much … golden. We’ll see ourselves out with that one.
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Now, let’s get back to the lucky recipient of said Golden Buzzer press tonight. Tyler had a heartbreaking backstory — he was bullied at school because of his cancer diagnosis, with other kids claiming that he would give them the disease. It’s a hard position for a kid like him to be in, but playing the violin was a way for him to get an escape from it all. This was a chance to do something different that had nothing to do with his past — and nobody in his family was even a musician.
We had no idea how good he would be, but we assumed good given that he was at the end of the show. He was better than we even expected — his violin work was smooth and well-rehearsed. He didn’t try to do too much in his performance of “Stronger” — sometimes, violinists get a little bit too complicated with their arrangements. Perhaps, most importantly, he owned the stage while he performed. He commanded it from start to finish and proved that he was worthy.
This was Tyler’s opportunity to show just how strong he is — he’s in remission and we have to hope it stays that way. He’s used all of the obstacles and hardships in his life to get stronger and better. It’s going to take some time for him to become a musical legend, but he’s well on his way — especially after Simon gave him the validation that he did at the end of the show.
We also do want to credit Tyler’s family for being there with him every step of the way and encourage him to follow his dreams — having that bond with him is what enables him to do what he does. Applause to them, and we’re so excited to see what comes moving forward for Tyler in his life.
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If now, be sure to head over to this link to check it out! Also, let us know in the comments what you think about this Golden Buzzer and what you think their future could hold. (Photo: NBC.)