‘AGT’ Season 12: Celine Tam Receives Golden Buzzer Amid Dad’s Controversy

“America’s Got Talent” Season 12 recently saw 9-year-old Celine Tam getting guest judge Laverne Cox’s golden buzzer after her impressive performance.

On Tuesday night, Tam was welcomed on stage by judge Heidi Klum, who told her that she remembers her audition from a few weeks back. In June, Tam performed a beautiful rendition of Celine Dion’s song, “My Heart Will Go On,” and received four yeses from Klum, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel and Mel B. Unfortunately at the time, she did not receive any of the judges’ golden buzzers.

Read: Bello Nock risks his life in “America’s Got Talent” Season 12 judge cuts

Klum anticipated that Tam would perform another Dion song since her entire family is a huge fan of the singer. However, Tam told her that she will be singing “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” Just like in her audition, Tam sang the song flawlessly, especially considering her young age. Tam did an impressive job reaching the high notes.

Meanwhile, Tam’s dad was recently involved in a major controversy after critics claimed that he’s exploiting his daughter’s talent so they could make money. According to the South China Morning Post, Steve Tam was accused of capitalizing on his daughter’s talent to boost his own career as a singing coach and a singer.

While at the launch of his own album, Steve did not directly address the criticisms he received on social media. But he revealed that his daughter really loves what she is doing. “After Celine was born in 2007, I discovered that she loved singing. I was a singing coach and so I decided to nurture her. The more I nurtured her, the happier she was. I then talked to my wife and asked if I should open a school to teach singing. I wanted to help more children,” he said.

Other than Tam, six other contestants made it to the “America’s Got Talent” live shows. Dance troupe Brobots and Mandroidz got a pass after impressing all five judges with their unique routine. They will be joined by fellow dancers Diavolo and Oscar Hernandez. Roller skaters Billy & Emily England will advance to the live shows as well. Subway singer Mike Yung and comedian Preacher Lawson will also be vying for America’s votes in the upcoming episodes.

“America’s Got Talent” Season 12 airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on NBC.