The Massachusetts native scores the golden buzzer from scary spice herself, Mel B! / America's Got Talent
A 15-year-old singer who was bullied when she was younger for not speaking English wowed America's Got Talent's judges.
Amanda Mena, from Boston, Massachusetts, delivered a flawless rendition of Aretha Franklin's Natural Woman, earning praise from Simon Cowell for her "genuinely natural soul".
The teenager began by sharing her personal story with the judges, telling them she loves to sing and feels like her past experiences have caused her to truly connect with music.
Amazing: Amanda Mena, 15, wowed America's Got Talent's judges on Tuesday night's episode with her flawless rendition of Aretha Franklin's Natural Woman. Photo / NBC
"I was raised in the Dominican Republic until I was four years old, so when I came here I didn't know a word of English and I got bullied a lot," Amanda said.
She credited music and her mother for helping her get through those tough times, before admitting she was a little nervous at the prospect of singing in front of judges Simon, 58, Howie Mandel, 62, Mel B, 43, and Heidi Klum, 45.
But as soon as Amanda launched into the first notes of Natural Woman, it became clear she had no reason to be nervous.
Effortless: While the teenager said she was a little nervous before her performance, it became clear as soon as she started singing that she had no reason to worry. Photo / NBC
The crowd began cheering right away as Amanda sang in a powerful, soulful voice, effortlessly nailing the difficult tune.
She did so well that Mel clapped and Howie laughed in disbelief during her performance.
When she was done, Mel, Heidi, and Howie all rose from their seats to give the young singer a standing ovation before all four judges showered her in praise.
"I am just blown away with your beautiful voice," Heidi said. "You have a beautiful voice and you're a beautiful girl. I loved it."
Howie was equally won over and told Amanda: "I've got to say. You sang Natural Woman — you are a super natural talent.'"
Simon had nothing but positive comments for the young singer.
"Do you know what you have, Amanda? You have genuinely natural soul," the judge said.
"You really, really do. I mean, that's not an easy song to sing. This is an audition we're going to remember for a long time, Amanda."
Mel was so impressed by Amanda's performance she didn't know when to start, telling the teenager: "That was just incredible. I've got all goose pimples all over and it's just crazy. I love you. I love your voice."
Then, the judge, wanting to give Amanda an even bigger reward, announced: "And this is what I'm going to say to all those bullies" before pressing the Golden Buzzer.
Going for it: Then, the judge, wanting to give Amanda an even bigger reward, announced: 'And this is what I'm going to say to all those bullies' before pressing the Golden Buzzer. Photo / NBC
In doing so, Mel gave Amanda the highest reward the show can offer at this stage of the competition and sending her straight to the live shows.
