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Simon Cowell pushes golden buzzer for 16-year-old cancer survivor

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Simon Cowell has chosen his golden buzzer act on America's Got Talent. The music mogul praised 16-year-old Calysta Bevier, a singer from Ohio who is a survivor of stage three ovarian cancer.

During her audition on Tuesday night, Caly wowed Simon, the audience and viewers at home with her tear-jerking performance of Rachel Platten's Fight Song.

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Simon Cowell pressed his golden buzzer for Calysta Bevier

When judge Howie Mandel complimented her on her Audrey Hepburn look, Caly explained her pixie haircut saying: "My hair wasn't really, like, my choice. I'm a survivor of stage three ovarian cancer.

"I kind of came here today to show people that no matter what you've gone through, to keep chasing your dreams."

Caly then broke into song, moving the audience and the celebrity judges with her powerful rendition.

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The 16-year-old is an ovarian cancer survivor

"Calysta I love everything about you," said Simon, giving her a thumbs-up and a standing ovation at the end of her audition. "Just you know what, I just had this feeling when you walked out, I can't explain it, just your spirit, the choice of song, your voice, I think you're really special. I've just got this really incredible feeling about you. I really do."

"Thank you, that means so much coming from you," said Caly.

"I think everyone in this room felt it," he added. "I think you were nervous, I could hear that, but get past this stage, I predict great things are going to happen for you. There's something about you."

"Sorry I've got to do this..." he said, leaning over Heidi Klum and pressing the coveted golden buzzer.

The Brit then went on stage to hug Caly and called over the singer's mum, who was watching from backstage. "Your daughter's fantastic," Simon said, giving her a hug.

Caly will now go through to the live shows alongside the three other golden buzzer acts – 13-year-old singer Laura Bretan, 12-year-old ukulele player Grace VanderWaal and 20-year-old pizza delivery man-turned-vocalist Sal Valentinetti.