America’s Got Talent is returning with a major twist and an emotional Golden Buzzer moment is already stealing the spotlight ahead of the season 21 premiere.

The new season of the NBC competition series will feature more Golden Buzzers in a single premiere episode than ever before. Judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Mel B and Howie Mandel, along with host Terry Crews, will hand out only 10 Golden Buzzers throughout the entire season, sending lucky contestants straight to the live shows.

One of the first recipients is 14-year-old singer Lai Noelle from Texas, who stunned the judges with a powerful performance of “Die on This Hill” by Sienna Spiro.

Before stepping into her audition, Lai already had the judges smiling. Cowell asked why she decided to audition this year, and the teen explained that both her singing and confidence had improved. When Cowell asked if she was nervous, he even offered her water, while Mandel jokingly asked if she wanted a sandwich. Lai accepted the water — but passed on the food.

The audience was already cheering for the young contestant before she sang a single note, but the room erupted once her soulful performance began. By the end of the song, the crowd was on its feet.

The judges appeared completely stunned.

“Lai, shall I tell you honestly what I think?” Cowell said afterward. “Words aren’t necessary.”

Vergara looked shocked as Cowell suddenly leaned across her and slammed the Golden Buzzer himself.

The Modern Family actress later revealed she had actually been planning to hit the buzzer for Lai herself.

But Cowell had already rushed onto the stage to celebrate with the teenager and the family members who accompanied her.

“I mean, seriously,” Cowell said. “That wasn’t her singing, right?”

He then praised Lai as “spectacular.”

Back at the judges’ table, Vergara playfully complained that Cowell had stolen her moment.

“I told him I’m going to give her the Golden Buzzer, and he stood up and did it,” she said. “He took her from me!”

Caught up in the excitement, Lai briefly walked offstage before returning to hear even more praise from Cowell.

Cowell later revealed that Vergara had actually asked his opinion before making her decision.

“I shut my eyes for a moment, and I was thinking, ‘That’s not you singing,’” Cowell told Lai. “You’ve got such a gift, and now you take this opportunity. This is amazing. This is why we do this.”

Despite the emotional audition, Lai will still face tough competition throughout the season as a wide variety of performers — including dancers, magicians, aerialists and other specialty acts — compete for the title.

The season 21 premiere of America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday, June 2, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

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