Northbrook Teen Opera Singer Reaches 'America's Got Talent' Finals Thanks to Judges' Help (VIDEO)

Despite a rousing rendition of "Pie Jesu" that brought an America's Got Talent audience to its feet Tuesday, Northbrook opera singer Laura Bretan came close to being eliminated from the NBC talent show Wednesday.

But the 14-year-old received an 11th-hour reprieve from the series' judges, who voted 3-1 to send her to the Sept. 13 finals and chance to win the $1 million grand prize.

Bretan requiring help from the America's Got Talent judges in order to advance was a surprising twist after her appearances in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. In both cases, she gave show-stopping performances that had the judges gushing about her singing voice.

"Laura, this is why we made the show, so that we can find people like you," show creator and judge Simon Cowell told the contestant after her rendition of "The Prayer" in July. "You are such a special, talented person."

Bretan, however, didn't receive enough votes to make the top 3 after the semifinals, and she also lost the viewer "save" vote Wednesday, which went to something called a Tape Face. (Yes, we know he's a silent comic; we just don't know why he does that.)

More Patch Coverage:

• 'America's Got Talent' Judges Give Northbrook Teen Opera Singer a Standing Ovation (VIDEO)
• Northbrook Teen Opera Singer Moves to Semifinal Round of 'America's Got Talent'

The lack of viewer support might stem from online criticism Bretan has received concerning her competing on Romania's Got Talent earlier this summer. The teen won that TV talent show in June, and some critics think it's unfair that she has a spot n America's Got Talent after she's already won on another series.

A second live semifinal round with new contestants will air next week, and the final will be Tuesday, Sept. 13.

PHOTO: Laura Bretan finds out she will advance to the final round during the Aug. 31 episode of "America's Got Talent." (Image via NBC)

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