America’s Got Talent Season 16 stand-out contestant, Jane Marczewski, a.k.a. Nightbirde has passed away after a 4 year battle with cancer.
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The optimistic 31-year-old’s family informed fans she took her last breath February 19 and also shared their devastation in a heartfelt statement.
"We, her family, are devastated by her passing and unimaginable loss," they told TODAY. "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."
They continued, “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.”
The Ohio native captured hearts as she auditioned with an original song titled, “It’s OK,” on America’s Got Talent in June. During her audition, which collected more than 30 million views on YouTube, Nightbirde revealed to judges she was a three-time cancer survivor and currently had active cancer in her lungs, spine and liver.
“It’s important that people know I am so much more than the bad things that happen to me,” she shared during her audition. “I have a 2 percent chance of survival, but 2 percent is not zero percent. Two percent is something, and I wish people knew how amazing it is.”
Her impact on fans is clear to see as many took to social media to tribute her legacy.
The singer-songwriter gave a moving audition, earning her a ring from judge, Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer, which signifies a contestant moving directly to the live show portion of the show.
Just before taping for the live portion of the show last August, Nightbirde bowed out of the competition due to her worsening health.
“Since my audition, my health has taken a turn for the worse and the fight with cancer is demanding all of my energy and attention,” she wrote in a post on Instagram. “I am so sad to announce that I won’t be able to continue forward on this season of AGT.”
Nightbirde made her last Instagram post on January 11, 2022 sharing a photo with fans she took when she was feeling “real,” despite what she was going through.
“Honestly, things have been pretty brutal. But this is a photo of myself from last week where I felt pretty, and alive, and awake, and human, and real,” she wrote. “I needed that. We’re all a little lost and it’s alright.”
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