‘AGT’: Simon Cowell Leaves Sara James, 14, Feeling Grateful

AGT judge Simon Cowell left Sara James feeling grateful. That touching moment took place during the Season 17 semifinals. The Polish singer gave her twist on Elton John’s “Rocket Man.” She received a glowing reaction from the judges and the audience.

She feels confident about her journey in the NBC competition series. During Tuesday’s live show, Sara James wowed the panel with her moody rendition of the song. Judge Howie Mandel called it a “winning performance.” Even Simon showed off his softer side to the aspiring singer.

Read on to see more about Sara’s performance and why she’s feeling grateful.

Sara James’ moody rendition of Elton John’s “Rocket Man”

The America’s Got Talent contestant showed off her star persona on the live stage. Sara James stepped out in a white mesh turtleneck top, which she layered underneath a silver corseted top and matching baggy cargo pants. She looked every bit like a pop star.

The 14-year-old put on an incredible performance with her slower rendition of Elton John’s famous song “Rocket Man.” She first appeared at the start of the audition process with her version of Billie Eilish’s “Lovely.” Simon Cowell pressed the Golden Buzzer at the time. In an exclusive interview with People, Sara said she’s feeling grateful for the experience she’s been given.

“It’s crazy, it’s mad,” Sara told People. “I’m just a teenager from Poland, I don’t even know what I’m doing here, do you know what I mean? Thank you so much to all the judges. I’m so grateful.”

Simon Cowell commented on Sara’s recent performance. He admitted it was “probably the best closure of the show we’ve had all season.” The 62-year-old also called the singer a “genius.” Simon compared Sara to some of the greats who competed on American Idol in an interview with People backstage.

“That was one of those moments you don’t see very often on any show — it was incredible,” Simon Cowell told People. “I’ve done this a long time and there are those occasions whether it’s Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Leona Lewis where someone has just got everything right on the day it matters.”

Simon Cowell witnessed a superstar on the AGT stage

The music producer feels like tonight was that night when he saw a superstar perform. He couldn’t help but notice there was something special about Sara James. Simon Cowell also got the chance to speak with Sara’s father. He admitted that he’s “so happy and I really am happy for her.”

Sara wanted to “do something different” for her first-ever live show. When she watched the biopic Rocketman, she knew she wanted to cover one of the legend’s songs. Billie retweeted the performance after it aired. Sara is still in disbelief over that social media moment.

Can't stop thinking about @simoncowell's LOVELY #GoldenBuzzer moment. You've got the star glow, Sara James! #AGT https://t.co/PbGXoRsMlf

— America’s Got Talent (@AGT) June 15, 2022

What are your thoughts on Sara James’ performance? Do you agree with Simon Cowell that she’s a star? Who do you want to win AGT Season 17? Sound off below in the comment section.

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