Quick Summary
Nightbird was the stage name used by Jane Marczewski when she auditioned for season 16 of America’s Got Talent in 2021. Marczewski wowed the judges with her incredible singing voice and poignant backstory as a cancer survivor, quickly becoming a fan favorite contestant that season. Though she did not win the competition, her appearances on AGT brought widespread attention to her musical talents.
Introducing Nightbird
In June 2021, a singer named Nightbird appeared on the audition stage of NBC’s popular talent competition series America’s Got Talent. She delivered a stunning performance of her original song “It’s Okay” that earned her the Golden Buzzer from judge Simon Cowell, allowing her to advance directly to the live shows. Nightbird made it all the way to the quarterfinals before being eliminated, ultimately finishing in 8th place for the season.
Nightbird was the stage persona of Jane Marczewski, a 30-year-old singer-songwriter from Zanesville, Ohio. During her audition, she disclosed that she had been battling cancer for the past few years, having been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25. This was her third time fighting the disease after the cancer spread to her lungs, spine, and liver.
Marczewski explained that the Nightbird persona represented the version of herself that she wanted to be – confident, strong, and resilient. She began using the stage name Nightbird as a way to separate her musical identity from her daily life of dealing with cancer and its treatments.
Emotional Audition Earns Golden Buzzer
When Nightbird first walked out on the AGT stage, the judges and audience had no idea what kind of talent and backstory was about to unfold before them. She introduced herself simply as a singer from Ohio who had been writing songs since she was 10 years old.
After sharing a few details about her cancer diagnosis, Nightbird began performing her original piano ballad “It’s Okay.” Her powerful vocals and vulnerable lyrics soon had the entire auditorium in awe, including the judges. The song’s message was one of perseverance and inner strength during difficult times.
By the end of the performance, Nightbird had earned a standing ovation. An emotional Simon Cowell praised her courage and voice before hitting the Golden Buzzer, sending confetti raining down on a stunned but overjoyed Nightbird. She was overwhelmed at getting to bypass the next round and head straight to the live shows.
Touching Story Resonates with Viewers
Part of what made Nightbird such a memorable and beloved AGT contestant was the poignant backstory she bravely shared. She explained that her cancer diagnosis at age 25 derailed her dreams of pursuing music, forcing her to put her passion on hold while she fought for her life.
Nightbird also spoke about the significance of the name she had chosen. As a child, she would wake up before dawn just to hear the nightbirds sing outside her window. “It was the only time I didn’t feel alone,” she told the hushed auditorium.
Her story of perseverance in the face of cancer at such a young age resonated deeply with many viewers. Between her vocal talents and her fighting spirit, Nightbird quickly became one of the standout contestants of the season.
Journey Comes to an End in Quarterfinals
After earning Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer, Nightbird advanced straight to the live quarterfinals. This meant bypassing the Judge Cuts round where many hopefuls’ journeys come to an end.
Her first live show performance was another original song titled “Natural Woman.” Nightbird dedicated it to the doctors and nurses who had cared for her throughout her cancer treatments. The meaningful song combined with her flawless vocals left the judges astounded once again.
“You are absolutely fantastic,” Howie Mandel praised. “You really live up to your name Nightbird. You have the most beautiful voice.”
Unfortunately, the quarterfinals proved to be the end of the road for Nightbird. Despite the judges being wowed by her singing, the viewer votes did not rank her high enough to move on to the semifinals. America had voted, and Nightbird’s time on AGT was over.
Continuing Her Musical Passions
Though her time on the AGT stage ended earlier than many expected, Nightbird leaves behind a lasting legacy. Her courage to share her private health struggles and passion for music touched the lives of countless viewers across the country.
Since her time on the show, Marczewski has continued writing and releasing new music under her Nightbird persona. She often uses her platform to advocate for cancer patients and share messages of hope and resilience.
In 2022, Marczewski’s song “Fly” was featured in the American Idol finale during an In Memoriam segment. She passed away in February 2022 at the age of 31 after her long and difficult battle with cancer. But the Nightbird will live on through the beautiful music Jane Marczewski gifted to the world.
Key Facts About Nightbird
Real Name | Jane Marczewski |
Stage Name | Nightbird |
Age | 30 (during AGT Season 16) |
Hometown | Zanesville, Ohio |
1st Cancer Diagnosis | Breast cancer at age 25 |
Cancer Spread To | Lungs, spine, liver |
Notable AGT Moments |
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Conclusion
Nightbird was the inspirational stage persona of singer Jane Marczewski, who touched the hearts of America’s Got Talent viewers during her brief but memorable run on season 16. Though her time on the show was cut short, she made a lasting impact with her incredible vocal talents and courage in the face of cancer at such a young age. Nightbird reminded us all to appreciate the gifts we have and keep fighting through life’s difficulties, no matter the odds. Her music and fighting spirit will live on as her legacy.