‘America’s Got Talent’ 12: Celine Tam Thanks Laverne Cox For Golden Buzzer

“America’s Got Talent” Season 12 contestant Celine Tam recently thanked guest judge Laverne Cox for giving her the golden buzzer.

During her interview with NBC, the 9-year-old Hong Kong native couldn’t help but express how she felt both surprised and happy when the “Orange Is the New Black” star hit the buzzer on the judges’ table. “I wished for the golden buzzer, but I didn’t expect that. And I was crying, but just a little bit, but I was so shocked and so excited,” the singer said.

Read: Which eliminated act could become wild card in “America’s Got Talent” Season 12?

In the judge cuts round, Tam treated Cox with a beautiful rendition of the song, “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” During her audition a few weeks ago, Tam also made an impact on judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel when she told them that she and her younger sister, Dion, were named after the award-winning singer.

During her audition, Tam sung a Dion classic, “My Heart Will Go On,” and received a standing ovation from all four judges. Unfortunately, none of them gave the young talent a golden buzzer at that time. Cox’s decision to give Tam her golden buzzer last Tuesday guaranteed that her spot in the live shows.

Tam will be joining the likes of Chase Goehring and Angelica Hale, who also received a golden buzzer from guest judges DJ Khaled and Chris Hardwick, respectively. Tam, Goehring and Hale received the reward during their judge cuts performance, but five other contestants already received the golden buzzer from the four judges and host Tyra Banks.

Deaf singer Mandy Harvey, 29, received Cowell’s golden buzzer after she impressed him with her ability to sing in tune despite not hearing anything. Mandel was also moved by 16-year-old Christian Guardino, who also sung a Jackson 5 classic. Guardino became completely blind at a young age, but he regained slight vision at age 12.

Singing ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer touched the heart of Mel B during her audition so she will also advance to the live shows. All those who received the golden buzzer during their audition will no longer perform in the judge cuts round.

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