America’s Got Talent is tugging at heartstrings early in Season 20 with a special moment between 23-year-old singer Cole Swensen and his mother, Judy, in a newly released audition clip ahead of Tuesday’s episode.
Before taking the stage, Cole shared that his lifelong dream has been to perform on big stages—but he wouldn’t be there without Judy. Fighting back tears, he explained that his mother once gave up her own musical dreams to raise him, sacrificing her cello career so he could follow his passion.
So, when it came time to audition, Cole invited Judy on stage to perform with him.
Together, the mother-son duo delivered a heartfelt rendition of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”, with Judy on cello and Cole accompanying her on guitar and vocals. The slowed-down, acoustic take on the anthem gave the song a rich new emotional texture that resonated deeply with the audience.
The Judges React
The room was already standing before the final note.
Mel B was quick to praise Cole’s “really distinctive tone,” telling him he “sailed through that song” and “made it your own.”
Howie Mandel said it was powerful to “see love emulated on the stage,” adding, “My heart is just exploding.”
Then came Simon Cowell, who caused a brief stir when he said it “would have been a really good audition on your own.” But as boos rippled through the audience, he smiled and clarified:
“However, with your mum, it was a great audition.”
Cole earned four enthusiastic “yes” votes, sending him through to the next round—tears welling in his eyes as he soaked in the moment.
