Simon rolled his eyes the moment she said she’d sing a Celine Dion classic, but seconds later, the room froze, What came out of her mouth had the judges stunned, the crowd on their feet, and Simon slamming a button he rarely touches
In 2017, nine-year-old Celine Tam from Hong Kong walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage with quiet confidence, but no one—including judge Simon Cowell—expected what came next. Dressed like any other shy child,
Celine announced she’d be performing Celine Dion’s iconic ballad “My Heart Will Go On,” and Simon’s expression hinted at doubt. But the moment she began to sing, everything changed. Her voice soared,
pure and powerful, capturing the emotion of a song that even seasoned vocalists find daunting. By the end, the audience was on its feet, and Simon, stunned and speechless, couldn’t hide his amazement.
Celine’s audition didn’t just wow the judges—it broke records. Her performance became the most-viewed video of 2017 in Hong Kong and one of the top 15 viral clips in the show’s history.
Her journey on the show only grew more magical when she received the golden buzzer for her moving performance of “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” cementing her place as a fan favorite.
Though she didn’t make it to the finals, her performances of “When You Believe” and “How Far I’ll Go” proved she belonged among the show’s most memorable acts.
Her passion for music didn’t stop with America’s Got Talent. Celine also appeared on Britain’s Got Talent and World’s Got Talent, continuing to earn international praise.
At home, her love for Celine Dion is a family affair—so much so that her younger sister is even named Dion. From a young girl with a big voice to a global sensation, Celine Tam’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the smallest voices
carry the most power.
