Fast Links
In 2021, America’s Got Talent (AGT) witnessed a powerful yet subtle performance from the late singer and songwriter popularly known as Nightbirde before her sad death. At first glance, it was almost impossible to grasp that she would bring the room to a standstill, but Nightbride’s song illuminated the entire place. Even the blunt and “no-nonsense” America’s Got Talent Judge, Simon Cowell, showed his rarely-seen emotional side! Cowell also proceeded to give her a Golden Buzzer and a warm hug on stage. The then 30-year-old singer had qualified for the finals, but fans could not stop talking about her deep and sensational tune. To this day, Nightbirde remains an inspiration to singers and listeners, and despite her absence, her It’s OK song continues to echo in the hearts of many.
Who Is Nightbirde? Answered
On stage, she was represented by the name Nightbirde. The singer, originally known as Jane Marczewski, gave an optimistic story with her It’s OK on AGT’s season 16. But behind the smiling singer was a history involving her regular hospital visits. Jane was already a three-time cancer survivor when she came to the singing competition.
During the competition, where she had a good chance of emerging the winner, the Zanesville native took a bow. Via an emotional Instagram post, she explained that it was time to focus on her health, as she had been given a 2% chance of survival.
More shocking was her initial statement about her chances of survival while performing. Nightbirde appeared positive while staring into the camera, adding that, at least, it was not a 0% chance. Indeed, nothing beats her positivity in life, and as such, she was able to influence singers beyond her shores. But before the world heard of Nightbirde, she was just a Christian girl with a love for music.
The Golden Buzzer winner had two siblings, and at age 6, she already acquainted herself with music. As a child, Nightbirde shared a tight bond with her mom, whom she helped with the lyrics of a song. As she advanced in age, she immersed herself in Church activities. Nightbirde received her education from a Christian school.
In 2009, she became a Licking County Christian Academy alumnus. The Zanesville born went on to study marketing communications at Liberty University. Her life revolved around music, Nightbirde was married to singer Jeremy Claudio, but the pair divorced in 2020 before her appearance on AGT.
America’s Got Talent’s Nightbirde’s Songs
It would be right to say she was married to her music, as she took out time to write creative pieces. The first time she came out as a singer was in 2011, during her days as a University student. The following year, she debuted a three-song EP titled Lines. The delivery of these songs was aided by her authentic voice and an acoustic guitar. In 2013, AGT’s Nightbirde put out a six-song EP titled Ocean & Sky. Then in 2015, her music was featured in the documentary Leonard Knight: A Man & His Mountain.
In 2019, after adopting the name, Nightbirde, she released her first single titled Girl In a Bubble. What followed was the release of her famous It’s OK song. Once she gained stardom following her AGT audition, Nightbird blessed her host of new fans with great songs. The list includes New Year’s Eve remix Brave and Fly, which was posthumously released. Fly was among the list of songs on Nightbirde’s It’s OK album released by her family.
About Nightbirde’s Sad Death
The singer did not live long enough to witness how phenomenal her story would become. However, she experienced a little of that greatness as many poured out their love and admiration for her, starting with AGT Cowell. Sadly, death clutched onto Nightbirde almost immediately.
As noted previously, America’s Got Talent’s Nightbirde left the competition to concentrate on her health before her death. But she did not come out of her cancer treatment alive. Ok February 19, 2022, at age 31, she took her last breath. Nightbirde’s cause of death was breast cancer.
Following her family’s statement, they confessed that it was a devastating blow. However, her legacy would live on. Via their statement, they shared:
“She had a witty joke for every occasion – even if the joke was on her,” her family added. “Her lasting legacy will be the gift of hope she gave to so many through her music and the strength she found in Jesus. We thank everyone for their messages of love and support.”
Nightbirde’s America’s Got Talent Tribute
Nightbirde might be gone but never forgotten, not by her family or her AGT family. On the AGT show, she is often remembered by the judges and performers — surprisingly. On season 17 of the AGT show, the Mayyas, a Lebanese dance troupe, captivated the entire audience with their tribute to Nightbirde. They highlighted her as their inspiration and went on to win the show.
For season 18, the ongoing AGT show, a choir from South Africa also performed a song as a tribute to Nightbirde. The group confessed that they loved Nightbirde’s It’s OK stage performance and decided to sing it. Their onstage delivery was not their first time. In fact, their cover received the nod from the original artist, who reposted it in 2021, before her demise.
Even in her death, she still gave hope to others through her lifestyle and songs. Proceeds from her album sale are used to fund the foundation she and her brother founded to help women with cancer.