Simon Cowell Halts 13-Year-Old Singer’s Performance on America’s Got Talent — Judges Call Him the ‘Young Justin Bieber
On America’s Got Talent 2025, Simon Cowell stopped a 13-year-old contestant’s performance—only to spark a jaw-dropping comeback that earned him the title ‘young Justin Bieber’ from the judges.
In a dramatic turn of events on the latest episode of America’s Got Talent (AGT), 13-year-old Chase Varnes from Vancouver Island, Canada, found himself at the center of an unexpected moment. During his audition, judge Simon Cowell halted Varnes’ performance mid-song, a rare move that left both the audience and fellow judges in suspense. Cowell, known for his candid critiques, expressed that he didn’t connect with the song choice but saw potential in the young artist. He encouraged Varnes to perform another piece, leading to a second rendition that earned praise from the panel.
After the abrupt stop, Varnes took a moment to compose himself before launching into Ed Sheeran’s “Life Goes On.” This time, his performance resonated deeply. Judge Howie Mandel likened Varnes to a young Justin Bieber, highlighting his star potential. Sofia Vergara acknowledged the nerves but commended the improvement in his second song. However, Mel B remained cautious, noting Varnes’ nervousness and suggesting he wasn’t fully ready. Despite the mixed reviews, Cowell offered his approval, providing the third “yes” Varnes needed to advance in the competition.
Simon Cowell’s decision to stop a performance mid-audition is a rare occurrence on AGT. His actions are often driven by a desire to push contestants to showcase their true potential. In Varnes’ case, the intervention seemed to serve as a catalyst, prompting a performance that garnered positive feedback. Cowell’s approach underscores his commitment to nurturing talent, even if it means taking unconventional steps.
Chase Varnes, hailing from Vancouver Island, has been honing his musical skills from a young age. Before his AGT appearance, he spent time busking, gaining experience and confidence in front of audiences. His journey reflects the dedication and resilience often required to succeed in the competitive world of entertainment.
With his advancement in the competition, all eyes are now on Chase Varnes. His story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of talent shows and the importance of seizing second chances. As the season progresses, viewers will be eager to see how Varnes continues to evolve as an artist and whether he can live up to the high expectations set by his early performances.
Chase Varnes, a 13-year-old musician from Vancouver Island in the Canadian province of British Columbia, had a scary encounter with judge Simon Cowell Tuesday on America’s Got Talent.
Varnes had just started singing and playing guitar when Cowell, the man who helped Nicole Scherzinger assemble One Direction on the U.K. version of The X Factor in 2010, stopped him abruptly.
“I hate to do this,” said Cowell, who has, in fact, stopped acts before. “I didn’t love the song; however, I like you. Have you got another song?”
Varnes broke into Ed Sheeran’s “Life Goes On,” and it was a hit with audiences and most of the judges.
“You know, you remind me of a young Justin Bieber,” judge Howie Mandel told Varnes, who lit up at the compliment. Like his fellow Canadian, Varnes has put in his time busking.
Judge Sofia Vergara was also complimentary.
“I know it’s nerve-racking to be on this stage, but I thought it was better the second song,” Vergara said. “Simon always knows how to stop it and make it better. I think the girls are gonna go crazy for you.”
The third judge, Mel B, was more cautious.
“You were great,” the former Spice Girl said. “You were a diamond in the rough with so much potential. But I can see your nervousness. You’re not quite there yet for me.”
Then Mandel started the voting by giving him a “yes.” While Vergara did the same, Mel B held out.
“I think, give yourself another year, then come back when you’re more confident,’ she said. “I have to say no, I’m sorry.”
But Cowell saved the clear audience favorite, who only needed one more ally on the panel.
“Sometimes we have on people your age, and I’m like, ‘Okay, I’ll be sort of nicer because you’re young,” Cowell began. “You, I actually do believe, that you have something…. You’ve got everything going for you. The audience loved you, which is why you’re gonna get three yeses.”
Later, the show’s stage was overtaken with cats — or at least people dressed like them.
A Baltimore artist who goes by Moshow and is known as “The Cat Rapper” rocked a hat that gave him cat ears and lyrics (“Meow, meow, meow”) that did not make the judges purr. At all.
While Vergara gave him a “yes” vote, she was the only one. Cowell did, however, note that “the kids are gonna love that song.”
The very next act to walk onto the stage was also feline-oriented. And none of the members, who were all dressed as cats, would speak.
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