Sofía Vergara was thoroughly impressed Tuesday night (August 1) when 26-year-old Brazilian singer Gabriel Henrique took the stage on the 18th season of America’s Got Talent. She was so stunned by Henrique’s rendition of Whitney Houston’s song “Run to You” that by the end of his performance, she rewarded him by pushing the Golden Buzzer, which automatically sent him to the live shows. Judges can only use the Golden Buzzer once per season.
Before Henrique’s performance, he explained that it was his first time in America and that he didn’t know English. He had a translator on stage with him. “It’s my first time here in the United States, and I’m just realizing a dream to be here, to sing for you guys here,” Henrique said through his translator.
Once Henrique started singing, it was evident that he was something special. Vergara spent much of his performance with her jaw on the floor. “I don’t have words,” she said after he received an incredible standing ovation. “That was so perfect, spectacular. Your voice is beautiful, your energy, who you are, it was perfect.”
She added: “You are here every time as a judge, waiting for that feeling, and that is what I was waiting for – something very beautiful and very heartfelt.”
Before the judges voted on whether to send Henrique to the next round, Sofía Vergara made sure there was no question that she was going to see him again. She hit the Golden Buzzer, the crowd went crazy and she met Henrique on stage to give him a big hug.
New episodes of America’s Got Talent season 18 air Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and next day on Peacock.