Nightbirde, whose real name is Jane Marczewski, was a contestant on season 16 of America’s Got Talent in 2021. She made a big impression early on with her emotional audition performance of her original song “It’s OK”. Nightbirde revealed that she had cancer and had a 2% chance of survival, but decided to still pursue her dreams. Her story and talent resonated with the judges and viewers, and she earned Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer to advance directly to the live shows. However, shortly after, Nightbirde announced she was dropping out of the competition to focus on her health. Her story sparked an outpouring of support and raised awareness for cancer. Many wondered what would happen to Nightbirde after AGT and if she would continue her music career.
Nightbirde’s Background
Jane Marczewski was born in Zanesville, Ohio in 1991. She taught herself to play the piano and started writing songs when she was just 10 years old. In her teens, she began performing locally in Ohio and self-released her first album at age 15. After high school, she attended the University of Mount Union to study classical voice. She later moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2010 to pursue a career in music full-time. She began releasing albums independently and playing gigs around Nashville.
In 2017, Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went through chemotherapy and surgery and was declared cancer-free that year. Tragically, the cancer returned in 2018 and she was diagnosed with liver cancer. She continued to undergo treatments over the next few years as the cancer spread and returned. She explains that she had been battling cancer for over 3 years when she auditioned for AGT in early 2021.
Nightbirde’s AGT Audition
In June 2021, Jane Marczewski auditioned for season 16 of America’s Got Talent under the stage name Nightbirde. She performed an original song called “It’s OK” at the audition in front of judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara. The emotional song included lyrics about her cancer battle with lines like “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.”
Nightbirde received a standing ovation from the judges. She then shared about her health struggles and revealed she had cancer in her lungs, spine, and liver. She explained “I have a two percent chance of survival, but two percent is not zero percent. Two percent is something, and I wish people knew that.” Simon Cowell was so moved that he hit the Golden Buzzer, sending Nightbirde straight through to the live shows.
Reaction to Her Audition
Video of Nightbirde’s audition went viral and she became an overnight sensation. Her story and positive message resonated with millions around the world. On YouTube, the audition video has over 41 million views to date. Many praised her courage, strength, talent, and inspiration.
The judges also shared how much Nightbirde’s performance captivated them. Simon Cowell called her “honestly one of the most amazing audition’s I’ve ever heard” and said she was “an absolute inspiration.” Sofia Vergara remarked how Nightbirde was “the image of strength.” Howie Mandel stated he felt “inspired and moved” by her. Heidi Klum commented that Nightbirde’s voice was “soothing, warm, and beautiful.”
Online, fans and celebrities expressed support and awe at Nightbirde’s journey. Actress Selma Blair, who also battles a chronic illness, penned an emotional post stating Nightbirde made her “feel hope.” Singer Sia commented “You touched my heart.” America’s Got Talent also released several follow-up videos with Nightbirde that went viral as people wanted to see more of her inspirational story.
Dropping Out of AGT
Just shortly after her audition aired, Nightbirde announced she was dropping out of AGT to focus on her health. She shared the difficult news with fans on Instagram on August 2, 2021:
“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.”
She thanked everyone for their support and stated she would not forget the love she found on the show. But ultimately her health had to be the priority: “Life doesn’t always give breaks to those that deserve it—but we knew that already.”
Reaction to Her Dropping Out
Fans and viewers were devastated when Nightbirde announced she was leaving AGT. Many posted messages of love and support for Nightbirde on social media. Others expressed disappointment that they wouldn’t get to see her perform in the live shows, but knew her health had to come first.
The AGT judges also responded with compassion about her difficult decision. Simon Cowell tweeted that Nightbirde’s health was “most important” right now and “rest, recover and have time with family is your focus now.” He expressed that everyone was sending love and positivity her way. Sofia Vergara shared in an Instagram post “Your health is the most important thing right now and I hope you recover soon!”
Heidi Klum remarked that Nightbirde was still a winner in their eyes: “We will miss your energy, your passion, and your beautiful voice at the live shows”. Howie Mandel tweeted that Nightbirde was “one of the brightest lights” he’d seen on the show and wished her a speedy recovery. So while they were disheartened, the judges fully supported Nightbirde putting her health as the number one priority.
Her Cancer Battle After AGT
After dropping out of AGT in early August 2021, Nightbirde continued sharing her cancer battle publicly to spread awareness and hope. She posted on Instagram frequently about staying positive through the hard days of chemotherapy and other treatments.
In October 2021, Nightbirde provided an update that she was facing significant health struggles. She had continued to battle the cancer spreading while undergoing intense chemotherapy and other treatments. But she clarified she was still pursuing small joys each day: “I sincerely appreciate the compassion from you over this journey. Don’t you worry, when the time comes, I will have many, many beautiful stories to tell.”
As 2022 began, Nightbirde revealed in January that she had been in the hospital for months at that point fighting for her life. She explained the cancer was gaining ground against her body despite every treatment effort. But she continued to have faith and try to live life as fully as she could, saying “It’s miraculous that the deaths we live before we die somehow make life more spacious, not less.”
In a March 2022 Instagram post, Nightbirde shared she was going into yet another surgery to remove cancer that was closing in on her windpipe. She remained optimistic, saying “no matter the outcome, I know I am surrounded by guardian angels and God’s love.” However, details on her health status after that have not been made public.
Given the last updates indicated her cancer was rapidly spreading and her condition declining, many fans have expressed worry and hope for her situation improving. But Nightbirde continues to face her illness with immense courage, grace, and wisdom that inspires so many.
Her Potential Return to Music
Nightbirde had mentioned in interviews around the time of her AGT audition that she hoped to continue working on music throughout her cancer journey. She said singing made her feel alive and that she wanted to keep pursuing her passion whenever possible between treatments.
In April 2022, entertainment website TMZ reported that Nightbirde had signed a $500,000 record deal with Simon Cowell’s music label Syco Entertainment. The deal was reportedly for one album which she would work on producing when her health permitted. TMZ claimed Simon had been so moved by Nightbirde’s story that he wanted to offer her this opportunity whenever she was ready for it. However, neither Nightbirde nor Simon have publicly confirmed or commented on this record deal yet.
Nightbirde also told People magazine around the time of her AGT audition that she had been working on her second album in 2021 before going on the show. It’s unclear if that album is still slated for release or not given her health battles. Fans greatly hope Nightbirde will be able to continue creating and sharing her music, which clearly brings her joy and touches so many people. But her health journey of course takes priority, and many offer their ongoing thoughts and prayers.
Her Lasting Impact
Though her time on AGT was short, Nightbirde made a huge impression that still resonates today. She used the platform to spread positivity and life perspective that audiences connected with on a deep level. Videos of her audition and story still frequently recirculate online to remind people of her words of wisdom.
Nightbirde’s outlook on living life joyfully despite extreme hardship shows incredible strength. As she told People Magazine: “It’s really beautiful the way normal people share their love and joy when abnormal things happen…That’s what life is about- loving people in the hard moments.”
Through social media, she continues to share raw, honest perspectives from cancer patients that provide inspiring insight. Nightbirde shed light on how important it is to focus on things like hope, purpose, and community when battling illness. Many consider her a catalyst for how to face life’s difficulties with grace and grit.
Whether or not she returns to music or performs again, Nightbirde made a profound impact on the AGT stage. She exemplified how to persevere through seemingly impossible circumstances, while staying connected to joy. Simon Cowell summed it up by saying her audition was one he would remember and be inspired by for the rest of his life. Undoubtedly Nightbirde’s poignant words and journey remind us all to appreciate life and love fully.
Conclusion
Nightbirde captivated the hearts of America’s Got Talent viewers during her brief time on the show. Her incredible singing talent was only matched by her unwavering positivity while battling cancer. Though she had to exit AGT early to focus on treatment, Nightbirde continues to spread hope and light through vulnerable social media updates. She serves as an inspiration for how to live meaningfully even in darkness. Many fans await news of Nightbirde’s health improving and wish for her dreams of releasing more music someday to come true. Regardless, her AGT audition shined a spotlight on appreciating the beauty of life itself, and that bright message endures.