June 01--Chicago-area teen Laura Bretan looked scared as she stepped in front of the judges on Tuesday's Season 11 premiere of "America's Got Talent."
The young opera singer said she was most nervous to hear the critique of new judge Simon Cowell, who is known for cutting singers down with just an eye roll.
"If he doesn't like you, he will tell you the truth," said Bretan, who attended junior high in Skokie. "The truth hurts, you know."
Bretan, who was 13 during taping and recently turned 14, didn't need to worry. Not only did Cowell like her, but she earned the highest "America's Got Talent" honor. Judge Melanie Brown, a former Spice Girl, hit her golden buzzer to advance Bretan beyond the audition rounds to the competition's live shows, scheduled to begin in late July. The show winner is set to earn $1 million.
"I have never heard anything like that in all the years I've been doing this show. Seriously, it was unbelievable," Cowell said.
Bretan, who received a standing ovation, said she was relieved to have finished.
"America's Got Talent" airs 7 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC. Auditions are expected to continue next week.
