California Nurse Wows America’s Got Talent Judges with Emotional Rendition of ‘And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going’
Simon Cowell was visibly moved by Dee Dee's powerful vocals.
Simon Cowell was visibly moved by Dee Dee Simon’s powerful vocals during her ‘America’s Got Talent’ audition.
In a breathtaking display of raw talent and emotion, a California nurse brought Simon Cowell to the brink of tears on a recent episode of America’s Got Talent. Dee Dee Simon, a dedicated nurse at San Quentin prison, stunned the judges and the audience with her powerful rendition of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going,” the iconic ballad from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls.
From Prison Nurse to Potential Star: Dee Dee Simon’s Inspiring Journey
Dee Dee, who had kept her audition a secret from everyone except her family, shared her heartfelt motivation for stepping onto the AGT stage. Speaking to Simon Cowell, she revealed, “You know, it’s always been a door. I get to this door, and I never get to go through it because of something. So my big dream is to make that door, walk through it, and take care of my family.”
Her words resonated deeply with Cowell, who responded with a heartfelt, “I love that. Great answer.” He continued, “I promise you we’re all rooting for you, so best of luck.”
A Performance That Stopped the Show: Dee Dee Simon’s Unforgettable ‘Dreamgirls’ Cover
With her dream hanging in the balance, Dee Dee launched into a captivating performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going,” a song made famous by Jennifer Holliday in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls and later by Jennifer Hudson in the 2006 film adaptation.
Dee Dee was so involved in the performance that at one point she kicked off her shoes and by the end of the song she was on one knee, belting the lyrics to the crowd.
Dee Dee Simon’s passionate performance captivated the ‘America’s Got Talent’ judges and audience.
The energy and emotion Dee Dee poured into her performance were palpable. She shed her shoes, poured her heart into every note, and by the song’s climax, she was on her knees, belting out the lyrics with raw passion.
The entire auditorium erupted in a standing ovation as Dee Dee finished her performance. The judges, visibly stunned by her talent, were effusive in their praise.
Judges’ Praise: “One of the Best Singers We’ve Had This Season”
Sofia Vergara expressed her awe, saying, “I thought it was spectacular. It’s coming from your soul. It was a beautiful treat to have you here tonight.”
Heidi Klum echoed Vergara’s sentiments, stating, “To be honest, I think you’re one of the best singers we’ve had this season. It was just incredible. It was building and getting better and better.”
Klum continued, praising Dee Dee’s commitment to the performance: “Shoes came off and you were down on the floor, and you were just giving it your all. You can really feel how much you want this spot, and you nailed it.”
Howie Mandel offered words of encouragement, telling Dee Dee, “You said ‘Every time I went to that door, something happened and I couldn’t get through.’ I think that you are out. You are free. Welcome to the world that you deserve to be in.”
Simon Cowell, Visibly Moved, Calls Dee Dee Simon’s Performance “Amazing”
A visibly emotional Simon Cowell, known for his sometimes-harsh critiques, was clearly moved by Dee Dee’s performance.
Simon Cowell gave Dee Dee a standing ovation before saying: "You picked one of the hardest songs in the world, and you absolutely nailed it. You did amazing."
Simon Cowell was full of praise for Dee Dee Simon’s performance, calling it “amazing.”
“There’s nothing more frustrating than when you have talent and you just can’t be heard,” Cowell began. “And I promise you tomorrow things are just gonna be better. I think you’re going to inspire a lot of other people.”
He then offered his highest praise, stating, “You picked one of the hardest songs in the world, and you absolutely nailed it. You did amazing.”
When asked to whom she dedicated her performance, a tearful Dee Dee addressed the audience and those watching at home, saying, “Everyone that was told ‘no’, keep going because one ‘yes’ can change your life.”
With her powerhouse vocals, inspiring story, and undeniable stage presence, Dee Dee Simon has emerged as a frontrunner in this season of America’s Got Talent.
