What is the Golden Buzzer Act for 2022 for 'America's Got Talent'

There is a serious heat on America's Got Talent, as audiences watch singers try to win the judges' hearts, dancing troupes perform death-defying stunts and more. On the most recent episode of America's Got Talent, another act received the coveted golden buzzer and made it through to the live finals, joining Avery Dixon, Madison Baez, Sara James, and Mayas. Heidi Klum pressed the buzzer for 27-year-old Lily Meola, and since the show aired on Tuesday, audiences around the world have been enthralled by her astonishing performance. When Nancy Meola was a teenager, she was an assistant to famous entertainment manager Shep Gordon.

In addition to performing at her weekly residency at Cafe des Amis in Paia, Hawaii, Meola has toured with country legend Willie Nelson. On his 2013 album, To All the Girls, she sang with Nelson on the song "Will You Remember Mine?" She has also performed with Steven Tyler, Kris Kristofferson, and Sammy Hagar. Waterman Music spoke with Meola who shared that her idols are Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Cat Stevens. You can also listen to Meola's music on Apple Music and Spotify. The EP Daydream featuring the tracks "Daydream," "Smallest Things," "Got Your Way," "Sunshine," and "Flaws" was self-released in March 2022."Daydreams" was Meola's original song for her audition on America's Got Talent."

It was when she was negotiating a record deal with Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel that Meola began writing the song. It has evolved over the past few years as has the song, Meola said."At the time when I was writing it, I was living my daydream. I had a major-label record deal, and a publishing deal, and I was hatching butterflies. It was a magical time.."Following Meola's mother's diagnosis of cancer in 2016, she became a full-time caregiver, ultimately losing the record deal. Meola said she was glad she lost her record deal because it allowed her to be there more for me. She was my biggest cheerleader." I don't know if I will have enough strength to make it through a song without crying," she continued. My mom used to play music in the car while we were riding in the car, and that's how I fell in love with music. So, I'm trying to be proud of her and continue to live my daydream of becoming a singer."

Meola's performance so moved the judges and studio audience that Klum decided to give her the golden buzzer, confirming that she would perform on the live shows in August 2022. I'm speechless. Just the way you look, you just shine. I see a light around you. I fell in love with you immediately...and now, I'm going to push this Golden Buzzer for you. You're my candidate!"The other judges were also huge fans of Klum. Her eyes welled up with tears as she said, "I think your mother was watching you tonight."It was obvious during that audition that there was something special about you. I'm sure those memories came flooding back to you."Coming into this season, I did not plan on pushing my Golden Buzzer for a singer as I strongly believe I need to push for a variety act," Klum told PEOPLE about choosing Meola as her Golden Buzzer act."My heart was already melting after hearing Lily's mother's story and, after hearing her sing, I knew she was yours. I couldn't resist taking her under my wing as [my] little heart pounded faster and my stomach said, "Push the golden buzzer!".