Nightbirde's Surprise Visit to 'AGT'
- After leaving America’s Got Talent to focus on her cancer battle, Nightbirde appeared virtually last night on ‘AGT’ and moved judges to tears.
- Judge Simon Cowell says the two have spoken a couple of times, and he assures her that she hasn’t let anyone down, and that she’s “already won.”
- Having a positive attitude through cancer can help make the journey easier.
Nightbirde, which is her stage name (the singer’s given name is Jane Marczewski) performed It’s Okay in the competition for her audition piece, and the performance has since been viewed 200 million times online. Host Terry Crews asks her, “Did you have any idea it would have that big an impact on the world?”
Read More“You haven’t let anyone down.”
“And I know that the last time we spoke, you actually said you feel like you’ve let people down. I just want to say on behalf of us all that you haven’t let anyone down. Even though you haven’t competed, you’ve already won, as Terry said your clip has had such an impact on so many people – your courage and who you are.”
“The most important thing is your well-being, your health, and your recovery,” Simon continues. “On behalf of all of us here, with sending your love and prayers. We can’t wait to see you again soon. And thank you so much for auditioning on the show.” Simon then became choked up and couldn’t continue to speak. Judge Heidi Klum jumped in to help Simon, and express her love for the cancer-fighting contestant.
Nightbirde’s Breast Cancer Battle
Nightbirde, who recently said her cancer has spread to her liver and her lungs, began her battle with breast cancer in 2017 when a 4-centimeter tumor was discovered on her breast. She underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy for treatment.
Then in 2019, she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer on New Year's Eve. Her doctors discovered multiple tumors on her liver, lungs, lymph nodes, ribs, and spine. She was told that she had three to six months to live but she surprised doctors with her strength, and she’s still here fighting.
Nightbirde has stage four or metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer treatment options include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drugs. Sometimes, radiation or surgery might also be considered at this stage.
Focusing on the Good Through Cancer
Nightbirde was a tour de force when she first appeared on the show with her incredible original song, “It’s Okay,” which blew away the judges as well as at-home viewers. The song told the story of her hardships and how, despite everything, she is okay.
Throughout her time on ‘AGT,’ Nightbirde has remained positive and uplifted a bright light on the show, despite what’s going on with her health.
In an earlier interview, Cedars-Sinai colorectal surgeon Dr. Zuri Murrell explains how having a positive attitude like hers can help. He says, “My patients who thrive, even with stage 4 cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they’re diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be OK.”
“Now doesn’t that mean I’m good at saying that the cancer won’t grow,” explains Dr. Murrell. “But I’m pretty good at telling what kind of patient are going to still have this attitude and probably going to live the longest, even with bad, bad disease. And those are patients who, they have gratitude in life.”
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