Jane Marczewski, Ohio Native On 'America's Got Talent', Dies

ZANESVILLE, OH — Jane Marczewski, a Zanesville native who sang under the stage name of Nightbirde and earned a rare golden buzzer on NBC's "America's Got Talent", has died. She was 31.

"We, her family, are devastated by her passing and unimaginable loss," Marczewski's family told NBC in a statement.

Marczewski died Saturday after battling cancer for years.

Marczewski gained national fame and a standing ovation from the show's crowd and judges following her performance of "It's Okay."

"Your voice is stunning. I mean, absolutely stunning," judge Simon Cowell said.

Just before the performance, which aired in 2021, Marczewski told the crowd she was battling cancer in her lungs, spine and liver, but that she was "ok."

"So you're not ok?" judge Howie Mandel asked.

"Well, not in every way, no," Marczewski replied with a smile. She later added, to applause: "It's important that everyone knows I'm so much more than the bad things that happen to me."

After her performance, Marczewski, who said she was given a 2 percent chance of survival, said people can't put off chasing happiness.

"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy," she said.

Cowell then smashes the show's golden buzzer, which would've sent her straight to the live shows, but she later had to drop out of the competition.

"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy," she told the judges.

"Your voice, your story, and your message touched millions. Nightbirde will always be a member of the 'AGT' family. Rest In Peace, Jane," the show told CNN in a statement.

Tributes poured in for the singer following news of her death.

"Those who knew her, enjoyed her larger-than-life personality and sense of humor. She had a witty joke for every occasion—even if the joke was on her," her family said. "Her lasting legacy will be the gift of hope she gave to so many through her music and the strength she found in Jesus. We thank everyone for their messages of love and support."

Mandel tweeted that Marczewski was a bright, inspirational light.

"We must continue to live and learn from her words and lyrics," he said. "As much as I feel horribly about her passing I feel lucky to to have met, heard and known her."

Terry Crews wrote in an Instagram post: "We are saddened to learn about @_nightbirde's Passing. Our Condolences goes to her Closest Family & Friends in such of This difficult time. We Love you, Nightbirde."

And Heidi Klum wrote in an Instagram story: "we love you. Rest in peace @_nightbirde.