Seventeen-year-old Indonesian singer Putri Ariani took the world by storm with her breathtaking America’s Got Talent (AGT) audition, which aired on Tuesday. Her performance, showcasing her vocal and piano talents, captivated the judges and audience alike, leading to Simon Cowell awarding her the prestigious Golden Buzzer and propelling her into the season finals, earning her global recognition.

Putri, from Riau province, was born prematurely in December 2005 and diagnosed as blind at just three months old. Despite her visual impairment, she has pursued her musical dreams, stunning audiences with a moving performance of her original song, Loneliness. Following the performance, Cowell requested a second song, and Putri delivered an emotional rendition of Elton John’s Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, further showcasing her unique voice and powerful presence.

“You’re only 17. You write songs, and you have an amazing, distinctive voice,” Cowell remarked before pressing the Golden Buzzer. “You have a glow about you,” he added, calling her one of the best singers AGT has ever seen. The Golden Buzzer sent Putri directly to the finals, sparking a viral sensation online.

Putri’s journey began years earlier, as she won Indonesia’s Got Talent at just eight years old. She also performed at the 2018 Asian Para Games opening ceremony and released her debut album, Melihat dengan Hati (Seeing with the Heart), in 2020. Her 2022 single, Tak Mampu Lupa (Can’t Forget), has since garnered millions of plays on Spotify.

Her AGT audition quickly became a trending topic, drawing admiration from notable figures, including U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Sung Kim and Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno. Both praised her talent and expressed pride in her achievements. With dreams of attending Juilliard and aspirations to become a global music icon like Whitney Houston, Putri’s future in music shines bright.