Sydney has given to the world some giants of the stage. Think Dame Joan Sutherland, the late INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, and Delta Goodrem. Lara D might, one day, crack that list.
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The Sydneysider did her chances of success absolutely no harm when she stopped by America’s Got Talent for the Auditions phase.
Aussies have the reputation of fearless travelers, and Lara fits the stereotype. When asked by Simon Cowell why she made the long haul, she responded: “I feel like this is one of the biggest stages.”
Lara had begun working in the family business, but choose her own path. “I decided I wanted to come here because I wanted to pursue my dream,” she explained, “and I feel like this is the stage where dreams come true.”
Sometimes, they do.
Lara then set about changing the mood in the room, by hitting an immense cover of RAYE’s “Oscar Winning Tears.” It was all there, rapping and range, tone and then tears.
Looking on, the judges’ jaws were looser than old elastic. “I loved it, there’s something about you that is very special. And I think everybody felt it tonight,” remarked Sofia Vergara, who was fast out of her seat.
“This is the kind of thing that I’ve been looking for,” enthused Howie Mandel. “I’ve been looking for a surprise. I’ve been looking for something unexpected. You are a star and I want to do something special,” he added. And with that, the St. Elsewhere actor stood and motioned toward the Golden Buzzer. “You deserve this.”
In a moment of drama, Vergara beat him to the punch. A steal, captured in slow motion for those of us watching at home. Cue the emotions, the gold confetti and, for Lara, a direct route to the Live Shows for AGT Season 21.
Later, host Terry Crews grabbed Vergara for some reaction. “She was spectacular. I wanted her from the moment she started singing.”
Watch Lara D’s Golden Buzzer performance below.
