Seventeen-year-old Spanish singer Bety Dumitru delivered an emotional and widely praised audition on America’s Got Talent, impressing judges with a heartfelt rendition of JP Saxe’s 2019 hit “If the World Was Ending.”
Dumitru, a Valencia native, arrived on the AGT stage with visible nerves, marking a major step in a journey that began long before her U.S. television debut. Prior to appearing on the show, she had already competed in Spain’s La Voz Kids, where she reached the Top 8 and gained early recognition for her vocal ability, including a memorable cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
For her AGT audition, she chose JP Saxe’s emotional ballad, a song built around themes of regret, vulnerability, and human connection during crisis. While the original track is known for its stripped-back duet style and understated emotional delivery, Dumitru reinterpreted it with a more expansive vocal approach, incorporating a Spanish-language verse that added a personal and cultural dimension to the performance.
Despite her initial nervousness, Dumitru’s performance quickly gained momentum as she settled into the song. Her voice, described by judge Howie Mandel as a blend of “Halsey and Adele,” carried a strong emotional tone that resonated with both the audience and panel. The performance stood out not just for vocal control, but for the way she adapted the song rather than imitating the original recording.
The judging panel, which included Simon Cowell, responded positively. Cowell praised her for avoiding imitation and instead presenting her own interpretation, calling the performance a “masterclass” in how to approach a well-known song. He highlighted her individuality and suggested she had a distinctive artistic identity already forming at a young age.
Sofía Vergara also praised Dumitru’s presence and vocal quality, calling her a “star” with strong natural energy. Mel B similarly noted that while nerves were visible, her voice carried commercial potential, suggesting she could succeed on radio due to its distinct tone.
All four judges ultimately voted “yes,” allowing Dumitru to advance to the next round of the competition. The positive decision prompted an emotional reaction from the singer, who expressed disbelief at performing on one of the world’s biggest talent stages. She credited the moment as the realization of a lifelong dream and reacted tearfully alongside her brother, who had accompanied her to the United States.
The performance added to a season of standout auditions on America’s Got Talent, but Dumitru’s blend of technical skill, emotional delivery, and multilingual interpretation helped her stand out in a highly competitive episode. Her journey now continues in the next stage of the competition, where she will face further scrutiny as she aims to build on her early success.
