America's Got Talent Season 21 kept the momentum going on June 9 with its second night of auditions - and Australian singer Lara D made sure no one would forget her name.
Lara D had been working in her family's real estate business in Sydney before deciding to take the leap and come to the United States. When asked by Simon Cowell why she made the long journey, her answer was simple: "I feel like this is one of the biggest stages," she said. "I decided I wanted to come here because I wanted to pursue my dream - and I feel like this is the stage where dreams come true."
She proved herself right.
Lara delivered a powerhouse performance of "Oscar Winning Tears" by RAYE that earned a standing ovation from all four judges. Simon Cowell called it "brilliant." Sofia Vergara said she loved it and that there was something very special about her. Howie Mandel said she was exactly the kind of act he had been looking for all night.
Then came the moment everyone is still talking about.
Vergara, who had been beaten to the Golden Buzzer twice during Episode 1, was not going to let it happen again. When Howie Mandel stood up to press it for Lara, Vergara reached out and hit it first - in a moment captured in slow motion for everyone watching at home. "She was spectacular. I wanted her from the moment she started singing," Vergara told host Terry Crews afterward.
Episode 2 also sent magic group Hundred Fingers to the live shows via a second Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel, capping off another strong night for the season.
Lara D's story carries a quiet but powerful message - that leaving behind the safe and familiar to pursue something you were made for takes real courage. It's a journey the faith community knows well. Her Golden Buzzer moment was earned, and it was a long time coming.
America's Got Talent Season 21 airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and streams next day on Peacock.
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