When 21-year-old Yoli Mayor first stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage in 2017, she was filled with nerves but determined to leave a lasting impression. A Miami native with a deep, soulful voice, Yoli had been singing since childhood, but this moment—performing in front of millions—was the biggest of her life.
Dressed in a stylish outfit and exuding quiet confidence, Yoli began her audition with a different song. However, within seconds, Simon Cowell stopped her. “This isn’t working,” he said bluntly. The audience gasped, fearing the worst. But instead of sending her off stage, Simon encouraged her to try again—this time, with something that truly reflected her voice and passion.
Without hesitation, Yoli switched gears and launched into an emotional, raw version of Ed Sheeran’s «Make It Rain.»
From the very first note, the room fell into a hush. Yoli’s powerful, bluesy vocals filled the theater, carrying every ounce of pain, passion, and soul in the lyrics. Her voice soared effortlessly, captivating the audience and judges alike. You could see the emotion in her face—this wasn’t just a song for her; it was a story, a moment, a chance to prove herself.
As she reached the song’s climax, the audience erupted into cheers, rising to their feet in a standing ovation. The judges were equally moved. Heidi Klum clapped excitedly, Mel B shook her head in amazement, and Simon Cowell, who had doubted her song choice at first, now looked genuinely impressed.
When the final note faded, the crowd’s thunderous applause said it all—Yoli had nailed it.
“You are a diamond in the rough,” Howie Mandel told her. “That was a moment, and moments like that win competitions.”
Simon, now smiling, admitted, “I wasn’t sure at first, but wow—you just proved why you belong on this stage.”
With four enthusiastic yeses, Yoli Mayor advanced to the next round, her audition quickly going viral. She became a fan favorite throughout the season, proving that sometimes, second chances lead to the most unforgettable performances.