In a heartbreaking announcement, the family of Jane "Nightbirde" Marczewski confirmed her passing on February 19th, 2022, after a four-year battle with cancer. They expressed their devastation and the unimaginable loss they feel. Nightbirde gained widespread recognition when she appeared on America's Got Talent, captivating millions with her performance of her original song, "It's OK," and inspiring people around the world with her messages of faith and resilience.
The family described Nightbirde as someone who possessed a larger-than-life personality, a great sense of humor, and a witty joke for every occasion.
America's Got Talent also paid tribute to Nightbirde, acknowledging her powerful voice, her inspiring story, and the impact of her message on millions of people. They emphasized that Nightbirde will always be considered a member of the AGT family. The show's host, Terry Crews, conveyed his condolences to Nightbirde's closest family and friends, expressing love for her.
Judge Heidi Klum shared her love and remembrance of Nightbirde on her Instagram Story, while judge Howie Mandel tweeted about feeling lucky to have met and known her. Judge Sofia Vergara also honored Nightbirde's memory and described her as a shining star and true inspiration. Nightbirde's audition on AGT, where she revealed her battle with cancer, earned her Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer, propelling her to the live shows.
However, Nightbirde had to withdraw from the competition due to her worsening health. Simon Cowell, in an exclusive interview, shared his conversation with Nightbirde about whether she should continue on the show or not.
Despite leaving the show, Nightbirde's impact continued to resonate, with her original song and story garnering millions of views on YouTube and streams on music platforms. Her GoFundMe page, created last summer, surpassed its initial goal as fans donated and left messages of support. In her final update in August 2021, Nightbirde expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share her heart with the world and how amazed she was at the power of her perspective.
Nightbirde's passing leaves a void, but her message of hope and resilience will live on through her music and the lives she touched. Her journey on America's Got Talent serves as an inspiration to others facing adversity, reminding them that even a two percent chance is something worth fighting for.