These Got Talent performances tell emotional stories of what could've been (& you might not be able to hold back tears)

The reality TV franchise Got Talent, created by Simon Cowell, has expanded to various countries. While each country has seen many talented individuals emerge over the years through various auditions, many of these have trasnpired into emotional stories that have deeply resonated with judges and audiences.

From America to Britain, the Got Talent franchise has witnessed many powerful stories of resilience, determination, justice, and second chances that have struck an emotional chord with the audience.

Here are some moments from the Got Talent franchise that will surely leave you emotional.

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A look back at some of the most emotional Got Talent moments

When Daniel Powter performed for the first time in his home country

While Daniel Powter is the singer and songwriter of the 2005 hit "Bad Day," the judges and audiences were unable to recognize him when he auditioned on Canadian Got Talent in 2024. The judges were even skeptical when he revealed that he would perform an original song.

However, when he began singing "Bad Day," the judges and audience were taken aback, as not only is "Bad Day" immensely popular, but it also won British Record of the Year in 2005. While the judges were completely in awe, Powter revealed how he has never performed his popular song in his home country

''I never got a chance to play in Canada and I travel the world and tour everywhere and I just wanted to say thankyou for bringing me home.''

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Max Fox's spontaneous performance on Britain's Got Talent

Max Fox's spontaneous audition at Britain's Got Talent 2025 proved that you should just take your chances. A local singer, Fox was an audience member who requested Simon Cowell for a spontaneous audition:

''19 years I have tried to get in front of you and I've never ever ever had that chance. Can you give me one opportunity to show you what I've got?''

While Cowell was initially skeptical that it was a prank, the producers brought the singer backstage, and he performed a mesmerizing cover of "I Did It My Way," leaving everyone shocked. Emotions were running high with his performance and he ended up earning Amanda's second Golden Buzzer.

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When a wrongly imprisoned man sang for justice

Another emotional moment was witnessed at America's Got Talent in 2022 when Archie Williams came on the stage for audition. When Simon Cowell asked him to introduce himself, the man got emotional and revealed how he was wrongly imprisoned for a white woman's r*pe and murder and spent 37 years in jail.

Williams became teary-eyed while telling his story and revealed that music was his only means of coping while in jail. He performed Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and made everyone emotional, with Cowell applauding for him and saying:

"This is an audtion that I will never forget for the whole of my life."

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A 13-year-old's story of determination

13-year-old Hollie auditioned with her dance group RISE on Britain's Got Talent in 2018. Hollie was a survivor of the Manchester Arena bombing. While her aunt could not make it out alive, Hollie and her mother survived, but the incident left her with nerve damage on both knees and bound to a wheelchair.

This was especially painful for the girl as she was part of a dance group with her friends. However, they ultimately decided that the incident would not hinder them, and they set a dance routine around Hollie, which they performed at BGT in 2018.

Hollie's resilience moved the judges and the audience alike, and Hollie proved that the bombing did not take away her passion for dancing.

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