Skokie Teen Becomes a Hit on 'America's Got Talent'

A Chicago-area girl has taken the nation by storm with her opera performance on “America’s Got Talent.”

Laura Bretan dazzled the crowd during Tuesday night’s episode with her rendition of Luciano Pavarotti’s “Nessun Dorma,” a classical opera song.

Her performance wowed not only those in the crowd, but the celebrity judges as well.

Howie Mandel looked on in amazement. With a mouth wide open expression, he led a standing ovation as soon as the 13-year-old finished.

Simon Cowell, known worldwide for his harsh criticism on other talent shows such as “American Idol,” called the performance “unbelievable.”

“I have never heard anything like that in all the years I’ve been doing this show,” he said. “What made it even better is the fact that you are such a sweet person. So humble. Not even aware of how amazing you are."

“You were born with such a gift,” added Heidi Klum.

Bretan’s performance earned her a gold buzzer, pushing her on automatically to the live shows.

Got the gold buzzer on Tuesday night’s episode of “America’s Got Talent,” which pushed her through to the live shows. It was the show’s first golden buzzer of the season.

Even before the gold star designation, Bretan showed tears of joy in reaction to the raucous reception from the audience.

Multiple reports indicate Bretan attended Lincoln Junior High School in Skokie.