Dominican immigrant gets Golden Buzzer after breathtaking performance on ‘AGT’

On America’s Got Talent, 15-year-old Dominican immigrant Amanda Mena gave a performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman” that even the Queen of Soul herself could be proud of. Before her soulful performance, Amanda explained that her family emigrated from the Dominican Republic to Boston, Massachusetts when she was just 4 years old. At the time, Amanda didn’t speak English, and she was made fun of and bullied for being different. Well, after she wowed the audience and judges alike, there was nothing but words of praise for Amanda. “I am just blown away with your beautiful voice. I mean, you have a beautiful voice and you’re a beautiful girl,” Heidi said. Howie followed that with, “You sang 'Natural Woman', you are a supernatural talent.” Simon said, “This is an audition we’re gonna remember for a long time, Amanda.” But the ultimate praise came from Mel B. “I love you. I love your voice. And this is what I’m gonna say to all those bullies,” Mel said before hitting the Golden Buzzer, giving Amanda an open path to the live shows in Hollywood. Mel’s praise didn’t stop there. Before her performance, Amanda said that her family came to this country looking for more stability. If what Mel said backstage is right, that stability is right around the corner. “She’s my Golden Buzzer,” Mel said. “She’s gonna win the whole thing. Sorry, everybody else.”