‘America’s Got Talent’ Host Sofia Vergara Fights Back Emotion While Hitting the Golden Buzzer: “That Was So Perfect, Spectacular”

America’s Got Talent has attracted tremendously tear-jerking talent, full of moving performances. Last night’s (Aug. 1) episode was no exception, as host Sofia Vergara was hit with the feels upon hearing Brazilian singer Gabriel Henrique’s rendition of “Run” by Whitney Hosuton.

Henrique entered the stage with a translator, explaining that he didn’t speak much English. Through his translator, the 27-year-old told hosts Vergara, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell, along with the packed audience, that this marked his “first time here in the United States.”

“And I’m just realizing a dream to be here to sing for you guys,” he expressed via his translator.

Klum noticed that he was nervous, saying that she could “hear him huffing and puffing all the way” from her seat, but Henrique’s nerves dissipated after the first few notes played and he let out his first riff.

He stunningly hit high notes, and as the camera panned to the judges and members of the audience throughout his performance, viewers at home could tell they were wowed.

Klum kicked off the judge’s comments, exclaiming that “if Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey had a baby, it would be Gabriel.”

Then it was Mandel’s turn, who told Henrique that he ” he sound[s] like the best and finest pop diva there ever was,” adding, “You’re amazing.”

Cowell also complimented Henrique, saying that “people are going to really like [him]” and that he’s “just so interesting.”

“I can tell that you’ve sung in church, and you don’t know how good you are,”Cowell explained, echoing Mandel’s sentiments that “it was amazing.”

After Klum asked for Vergara’s thoughts, Vergara shared her powerful praise as she fought back emotion.

“That was so perfect, spectacular,” she began. “Your voice is beautiful. Your energy, who you are. It was, like, perfect. Because you are here, every time as a judge, waiting for that feeling, and that was what I was waiting for, you know? Something very beautiful and very heartfelt.”

“I think it’s time to vote. But I think — you know what? What I really want to do is this!” she exclaimed as she slammed the glorious Golden Buzzer.

As gold confetti filled the air, Henrique’s jaw dropped and he began tearing up, as he hugged and high-fived his translator on stage. Vergara then went on stage with him to give him a hug, as she told him, “Congratulations! You’re so good!”

AGT airs weekly episodes on Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC. Next-day streaming is available on Peacock. Watch Henrique’s powerful performance above.