Emanne Beasha was only 10 years old when she returned to the America’s Got Talent stage for one of the most memorable performances of her Season 14 journey.
After impressing the judges during her earlier audition with “Nessun Dorma,” the young opera singer returned for the Judge Cuts round. This time, she performed Lucio Dalla’s “Caruso” in front of the judges and guest judge Jay Leno.
Her performance ended with a standing ovation and a Golden Buzzer from Leno, sending her directly to the live shows.
Emanne Beasha Takes on “Caruso”
“Caruso” was a significant challenge for the young singer. Contemporary coverage reported that Emanne considered it the hardest song she had performed up to that point.
Before taking the stage, Emanne appeared nervous and held onto her stuffed unicorn for good luck. Once the music began, however, the young singer delivered the opera performance with confidence.
The judges and audience responded with a standing ovation, signaling that Emanne had made a strong impression during the Judge Cuts round.
Simon Cowell Praises Emanne’s Voice
Emanne’s performance impressed the entire judging panel.
Simon Cowell specifically praised the 10-year-old after her performance, telling her that having a voice like hers was something that could not simply be trained and describing it as a genuine gift.
The response from the judges set the stage for the biggest moment of the performance.
Jay Leno Hits the Golden Buzzer
Guest judge Jay Leno was visibly moved by what he had just witnessed.
Leno ultimately pressed the Golden Buzzer, sending Emanne directly to the live shows.
In a post-performance reflection, Leno explained why the performance had such an impact on him. The official AGT video also features Leno reflecting on why he gave Emanne the Golden Buzzer.
The Golden Buzzer transformed Emanne’s Judge Cuts appearance into a major milestone in her AGT journey.
From “Nessun Dorma” to “Caruso”
Emanne had already made an impression during her original AGT audition.
For that audition, she performed “Nessun Dorma,” receiving four yes votes from the regular judges and advancing to the Judge Cuts.
Her “Caruso” performance then took her journey to another level.
The combination of her young age, classical vocal style and demanding repertoire made Emanne one of the notable young singers of Season 14.
A Golden Buzzer to the Live Shows
Jay Leno’s Golden Buzzer meant that Emanne did not have to compete through the remaining Judge Cuts results. Instead, she advanced directly to the live shows.
The moment also became notable because Emanne was already an accomplished young performer before appearing on AGT. She had won Arabs Got Talent in 2017 at age eight.
Final Thoughts
Emanne Beasha’s “Caruso” performance remains one of her defining moments on America’s Got Talent.
At just 10 years old, she delivered the challenging opera performance, received praise from Simon Cowell and the other judges, and ultimately received Jay Leno’s Golden Buzzer.
Watch the original YouTube performance to revisit the moment Jay Leno pressed the Golden Buzzer and sent Emanne straight to the live shows.
