Survivor of school shooting gets standing ovation after performance on 'AGT'

Yahoo Entertainment
1

Ava Swiss auditioned on America’s Got Talent, Tuesday, but only after surviving a school shooting last year in Oxford, Michigan, which left four students dead and seven wounded. Production made a point to also inform viewers that it was taped before the recent string of mass shootings across the country.

Music has helped Ava to cope with the trauma she experienced, particularly musician Lauren Daigle’s song “Remember.”

“I chose the song because back on November 30th, my brother and I were a part of the Oxford school shooting,” Swiss said. “When I sing it, I remember the good, I remember my community, my family, just the love, and I remember that it's all there for me, and it'll help me get to where I need to be.”

While Ava’s experience was tragic, her audition was fantastic. She received a standing ovation from the audience and high praise from judge Simon Cowell.

“I mean, for me, this is one of those auditions I'll never forget,” Cowell said. “I really have so much respect for you. And on top of that, you've got a great voice.”

And when it came time to vote, Ava got all the yeses.

“I think you got about 4,500 yeses over here,” Cowell said jokingly.

Video Transcript

[AUDIO LOGO]

AVA SWISS: I chose this song because back on November 30, my brother and I were a part of the Oxford school shooting.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

KYLIE MAR: Ava Swiss auditioned on "America's Got Talent," Tuesday, but only after surviving a school shooting, last year, which left four students dead and seven wounded. Production made a point to also inform viewers that it was taped before the recent string of mass shootings across the country. Music has helped Ava to cope with the trauma she experienced, particularly musician Lauren Daigle's song "Remember."

AVA SWISS: When I sing it, I remember the good. I remember my community, my family, just the love. And I remember that it's all there for me. And it'll help me get to where I need to be.

KYLIE MAR: While Ava's experience was tragic, her audition was fantastic.

[MUSIC, "REMEMBER"]

(SINGING) When I wonder if I'm all alone, I remember. I remember you have always been faithful to me.

KYLIE MAR: Ava received a standing ovation from the audience and high praise from Judge Simon Cowell.

[PIANO MUSIC]

SIMON COWELL: I mean, for me, this is one of those auditions I'll never forget.

[APPLAUSE]

I really have so much respect for you. And on top of that, you've got a great voice.

KYLIE MAR: And when it came time to vote, Ava got all the yeses.

- Big yes.

[MUSIC - CALUM SCOTT, "YOU ARE THE REASON"]

[CHEERING]

AVA SWISS: Thank you.

- [INAUDIBLE]

- Can't wait to see you again. Yes.

[MUSIC - CALUM SCOTT, "YOU ARE THE REASON"]

(SINGING) --to see--

SIMON COWELL: I think you've got about four and a half thousand yeses Ava, here.

[MUSIC - CALUM SCOTT, "YOU ARE THE REASON"]

(SINGING) --the reason--

[APPLAUSE]

AVA SWISS: Thank you.

[AUDIO LOGO]