Simon Cowell Tears Up as He Gives an 'AGT' Contestant the Golden Buzzer

And just like that, another Golden Buzzer has been claimed. Tonight, legendary curmudgeon Simon Cowell got emotional as he awarded Nightbirde, a 30-year-old singer from Ohio, America's Got Talent's most prestigious honor. The judges teared up as Nightbirde recalled her battle with cancer, but after she performed an original song detailing her experience, it was Cowell who had the final say on her AGT fate.

"There have been some great singers this year," said the veteran judge. "And I'm not going to give you a 'yes.' I'm going to give you something else." After a dramatic pause, Cowell reached across the table and slammed down on the Golden Buzzer, sending confetti raining down on Nightbirde.

"God, that really got to me," admitted Cowell, in a rare moment of vulnerability. "And yet, she's still so strong."

Nightbirde's journey continues later this summer when America's Got Talent airs its live shows. America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.

Claire Spellberg Lustig is the Senior Editor at Primetimer and a scholar of The View. Follow her on Twitter at @c_spellberg.