America’s Got Talent — one of the world’s most watched talent competitions — has long been a global stage where performers of all backgrounds showcase their skills in front of millions.
For Eurovision fans and music lovers alike, one familiar name recently re‑emerged on the AGT stage: Gabriella Laberge, a French‑Canadian singer, violinist, songwrite.
And multi‑talented musician whose audition turned into one of the season’s most talked‑about performances. Gabriella’s journey is one defined by passion, perseverance, and artistic versatility.
Long before stepping onto the America’s Got Talent stage, she had already carved out her own path through European and Canadian music scenes — including powerful performances on Destination Eurovision and The Voice France.
Her AGT audition not only introduced her to a broader audience, it reaffirmed her creative identity and reaffirmed the notion that raw talent can still surprise even the most seasoned judges.
A Dream Takes Shape: Gabriella’s Ambition Before Her Big AGT Moment
When Gabriella appeared in the pre‑performance video package that aired before her AGT audition, she spoke candidly about her aspirations. She described the opportunity as “the opportunity of my life” — a chance to chase her biggest artistic goal, which she phrased as doing music for the rest of her life.
Born and raised in Saint‑Basile‑le‑Grand, Quebec, Canada, Gabriella Laberge developed a love for music at a very young age.
She began playing the violin when she was just a child, and over the years added singing, songwriting, and composition to her artistic toolbox. Before AGT, her rise to recognition included high‑profile TV appearances:
The Voice France (Season 5) — where her blind audition of Coldplay’s “The Scientist” impressed judges and led her into the later rounds of the competition.
Destination Eurovision (2019) — France’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, where she competed with her song “On cherche encore (Never Get Enough)” and reached the semi‑finals. Although she didn’t win, her performance earned her a dedicated fanbase within the Eurovision community.
These earlier performances helped shape Gabriella into a confident, expressive artist with a global perspective, which set the stage for her AGT appearance.
The AGT Audition: A Performance That Defied Expectations
Gabriella’s America’s Got Talent audition aired during the final round of the season’s initial auditions. Fans tuning in saw her step onto the iconic AGT stage carrying her violin and a sense of quiet determination.
She opened with a delicate violin solo, allowing her instrumental talent to speak first. At that moment, several judges — including Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Heidi Klum — appeared genuinely moved by her musicianship.
But for a moment, Simon Cowell seemed unengaged, his hand hovering over the red buzzer, suggesting he might press it and end her performance early.
Then Gabriella made an artistic pivot that changed the course of her audition.
Rather than simply concluding her instrumental piece, she began to sing — launching into a heartfelt, soulful rendition of James Blunt’s “Goodbye My Lover.” Her voice was immediate and expressive, revealing a rich vocal tone that contrasted beautifully with her violin playing.
That moment shifted everything.
From Buzzer Risk to Standing Ovation
As Gabriella’s voice filled the AGT stage, Simon Cowell — who had seemed ready to cut her performance short — visibly paused and withdrew his hand from the red buzzer.
Her emotional delivery and musical competence captured his attention, and by the end of the song, all four judges were on their feet.
The audience joined in with a standing ovation, and Cowell himself applauded alongside Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel.
Their unanimous “yes” votes sent Gabriella through to the next round — a remarkable turnaround from what could have been a very different reaction early in her audition.
Her performance demonstrated not only instrumental skill, but also the emotional depth of her voice — a combination that resonated with viewers and judges alike. It was a moment that showcased her ability not just to play music, but to convey feeling through her performance.
The Road Ahead: Where Gabriella’s AGT Journey Stands
While Gabriella’s audition earned her a spot past the initial judges’ round, the competition on America’s Got Talent is notoriously fierce. During her season, over 150 acts received “yes” votes during auditions, but only 36 performers could advance to the live shows.
Gabriella’s audition aired during the final audition episode of the season (episode eight), meaning that her advancement beyond the judges’ round would depend on deliberations and selections after all auditions had aired. Fans had to wait through a three‑week break in the broadcast to discover whether she would be chosen for the finals.
According to AGT fan resources and competition recaps, Gabriella’s name did appear in the deliberations stage, but she ultimately was not selected as one of the top 36 contestants moving into the live performance rounds.
That result does not diminish the impact of her audition — which went viral, drew critical praise, and significantly raised her profile — but it does mean that her journey on AGT ended earlier than many hopefuls might have wished.
Beyond AGT: Gabriella’s Musical Career and Artistic Growth
Gabriella’s AGT journey is just one chapter in a much broader artistic career. Long before appearing on the show, she built a reputation as a multi‑disciplinary performer who blends vocal power with instrumental mastery.
Performing in national and international competitions like The Voice France, where her blind audition performance of Coldplay’s “The Scientist” became one of the most viewed auditions from that season — earning millions of views on YouTube and establishing her as a standout talent early in her career.
Destination Eurovision 2019 — participating in the French selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with her song “On cherche encore (Never Get Enough),” and advancing to the semi‑finals before the competition was ultimately won by Bilal Hassani with “Roi.”
Releasing original music, including studio albums, EPs, and singles that highlight her versatility as both a songwriter and performer.
Throughout her ongoing career, Gabriella’s ability to perform both instrumental and vocal music has set her apart.
Many artists excel in one domain, but her unique combination of violin prowess and vocal skill gives her performances a layered emotional depth that resonates with audiences across cultures and countries.
Audience and Critical Response to Her AGT Audition
Gabriella’s AGT audition didn’t just impress the judges — it became a moment fans shared widely online. Commenters on video platforms and social media praised her musicality, emotional delivery, and the seamless blending of violin and vocals in a single performance.
Many described her as “the entire package” — able to move audiences on both artistic and emotional levels.
Her violin playing, often described as masterful, was complemented by a voice that conveyed vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
And while AGT is known for surprising judges with unconventional talent, Gabriella’s audition stood out for the way it defied simple categorization: it was not just a song, and not just a violin solo, but a story told through music.
Why Her AGT Audition Matters
Gabriella Laberge’s AGT audition resonates for several compelling reasons:
It highlighted her dual talents — proving that instrumental ability and vocal performance can be equally powerful when combined.
It showed resilience under pressure, as she transformed a moment of uncertainty (with Simon Cowell prepared to hit the red buzzer) into one of emotional triumph.
It introduced her to a global audience, far beyond the fanbases she built through The Voice France and Destination Eurovision.
It reaffirmed her artistic identity, proving that her dreams of making music a lifelong pursuit are not just aspirational — they are within reach.
Even though her run on AGT ended at deliberations before the live shows, the performance itself became a highlight of the season — one that judges, audiences, and online fans continue to revisit and celebrate.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Gabriella Laberge
Gabriella continues to build her musical career, blending original compositions with emotionally resonant performances.
Over the years, she has released music that reflects her evolution as an artist — from early albums to recent EPs that showcase her songwriting and instrumental versatility.
While AGT provided a major platform, it is far from the only stage where she has shared her voice. Her international experience — from Canada to France and beyond — underscores her commitment to her craft and her determination to connect with audiences worldwide.
Her AGT audition will remain a standout moment in her journey — not just for the standing ovation she received, but for the way she embraced a second chance and transformed it into something unforgettable.
Summary
Gabriella Laberge’s America’s Got Talent audition was much more than a performance — it was a statement from a versatile, committed artist who has been honing her craft for years.
Beginning with violin, transitioning into heartfelt vocals, and ending with unanimous support from the judges, her audition symbolized both opportunity and artistic validation.
Though she did not advance to the live shows, her appearance introduced her music to millions, prompted praise from fans across the globe, and set the stage for her continued evolution as a musician, songwriter, and performer.
In Gabriella’s own words, stepping onto that AGT stage was part of chasing her biggest dream — to do music for the rest of her life.
