Ava Swiss’s heartfelt audition on Season 17 of America’s Got Talent (AGT) aired on NBC on July 26, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. ET, and wowed the judges. The 18-year-old singer shared her experience of surviving the Oxford School Shooting with her brother, evoking an emotional response from the crowd and viewers at home.
The AGT candidate impressed judges Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Heidi Klum with her vocal range and musicianship. She gained them and the audience’s approval to advance to the subsequent round. Next week, viewers will find out whether she survives the judges’ cuts and advances to the competition’s semifinals.
AGT contestant Ava Swiss recounts surviving the Oxford school massacre
As Ava debuted on the AGT stage, the crowd greeted her with enthusiastic applause. She said that her birth name is Ava Swieczkowski, but she chose to keep her surname as ‘Swiss’ since it was shorter, cooler, and simpler to say. She revealed her remarkable survival tale during her audition, which was concealed by her charming nature. The Oxford, Michigan native discussed with her brother her experience of surviving the Oxford School Shooting. During her explanation of why she chose the song Remember by Lauren Daigle, she revealed her sad on-stage experience.
On November 30, 2021, a mass shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan resulted in the deaths of four students and the injuries of seven others, including one teacher. Ethan Crumbley, a 15-year-old sophomore, was arrested and charged with 24 felonies, including murder and terrorism.
Although a senior at Oxford High School, the candidate, and her brother were unable to attend classes for an extended period of time as they tried to cope with the tragedy. Ava said that it was difficult, but since her siblings began attending school over two months ago, “things have gotten easier.”
When asked whether music has served as therapy for her through difficult times, Ava replied:
“Certainly, it has been. When I sing, I recall the positive, my community, my family, and just love. And I recall that everything is available to me. And it will assist me in reaching my destination. To be able to share with more people than I imagined I could is the reason I am so thankful to be here today.”
Following her passionate performance, the judges could only describe her as “wonderful.” Then, Howie Mandel continued by stating that it was difficult to appear after a horrible event, but she was able to “break through it and shine” as an inspiration. The judges afterward praised her resilience in the face of adversity.
What AGT viewers had to say about Ava’s performance
Numerous additional candidates auditioned on this week’s broadcast, including the magician Maxence VIRE, the singer Freckled Zelda, and the acrobatic ensembles Duo Mico and RCC Aruba. The next episode will include the last round of auditions before the judges choose who advances to the semi-finals. A brand-new edition of AGT will air on NBC on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 8:00 PM ET.
Ava, you, brother, and everyone at your school has my heart. You all are so strong 🥺🤍 #AGT
— Gaby 🍂 | 18 days (@jonahsdove) July 27, 2022
wooo!!! ava swiss on agt!!! always so proud to see people of the community i call home doing incredible things. #agt #oxfordstrong
— ang ↯🥀🎗🐷 (@whyidontsmilee) July 27, 2022
