Music has been a solace during difficult times for many. It is the same for Singer Ava “Swiss” Swieczkowski, 18, of Oxford, Michigan, who appeared on “America’s Got Talent” to sing “Remember” by Lauren Daigle and explained her motivation for choosing the Christian song.
Swiss Stated, “I chose this song because, back on Nov. 30, my brother and I were a part of the Oxford school shooting,” she said, “We’ve lost four of our students, and seven others were injured.”
On November 30, 2021, Swiss was walking from the cafeteria towards some classrooms at Oxford High School in Oxford Township, Michigan, just outside of Detroit when a 15-year-old shot and killed four people and injured seven more, including one teacher.
As Ava stepped onto the “America’s Got Talent” stage, Swiss said she felt both nervous and excited and thought of what that moment would mean for her as an artist and for an entire community still healing.
Swiss wowed “America’s Got Talent” judges and the entire studio audience. A standing ovation and cheers were given after she performed Lauren Daigle’s song “Remember.”
“When I sing [Daigle’s song], I remember the good, I remember my community, my family, just the love,” Swiss said. “And I remember that it’s all there for me.”
The reactions after the powerful performance were glowing. Even Simon Cowell, who has often been known for harsh rebukes of some entertainers, told Swiss she is a “very special person.”
Howie Mandel’s response to swiss was encouraging as well stating, “In life, it’s tough to show up, especially after going through incredible trauma,” he said. “The fact that you can break through that and shine the way you did today is so inspirational for every human being.”
“It gave me goosebumps.” added Sofia Vergara.
But despite her challenges overcoming the shooting, she said “things are getting better” and that she and her brother have been back in school for the past two months.
Ava Swiss' performance of "Remember" by @lauren_daigle is unforgettable. #AGT pic.twitter.com/DOIB6qdSVX
— America’s Got Talent (@AGT) July 27, 2022
