Jane Marczewski, known by her stage name “Nightbirde,” touched the hearts of millions following her performance on America’s Got Talent in 2021. The young singer from Zanesville, Ohio sang her original song “It’s OK.”
The song was inspired by the trials Nightbirde faced in life. She was diagnosed with cancer, and was given a 2% chance of survival.
But despite everything she had been through, Nightbirde said, “It’s important that everyone knows I’m so much more than the bad things that happened to me.”
Nightbirde’s performance of “It’s OK” resonated strongly with AGT judge Simon Cowell, who awarded her his golden buzzer.
Unfortunately, Nightbirde’s first time performing on AGT was also her last. She dropped out of the competition after her health took “a turn for the worse.”
“Life doesn’t always give breaks to those that deserve it—but we knew that already,” she wrote Instagram.
Nightbirde later surprised the AGT judges with a video call. An emotional Cowell addressed his golden buzzer act:
“Well, I just want to say, on behalf of all of us, you haven’t let anyone down. Even though you haven’t competed, you have already won.”
Nightbirde continued to keep her followers updated on her life through posts on social media. On January 11, she put up a post saying, “Honestly, things have been pretty brutal.”
But as always, Nightbirde tried to look on the bright side of things, writing:
“But this is a photo of myself from last week where I felt pretty, and alive, and awake, and human, and real. I needed that. We’re all a little lost and it’s alright.“
Sadly, this was the last post Nightbirde ever published. She passed away on February 19, 2022 at the age of 31.
Nightbirde’s family released a statement to People following her death. The statement read:
“It is with the deepest heartache that we confirm that after a four-year battle with cancer, Jane Marczewski, known to many of you as Nightbirde, passed away on February 19th 2022. We, her family, are devastated by her passing and unimaginable loss.”
As the statement continued, Nightbirde’s family remembered the type of person she was and the impact she made on the world:
“Many remember her from America’s Got Talent, where she performed her song ‘It’s OK’ and inspired millions of people around the globe with her messages of faith and never giving up. Those who knew her, enjoyed her larger-than-life personality and sense of humor. She had a witty joke for every occasion — even if the joke was on her. Her lasting legacy will be the gift of hope she gave to so many through her music and the strength she found in Jesus. We thank everyone for their messages of love and support.“
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Our hearts break for Nightbirde’s family during this difficult time. We’ll be keeping them in our prayers.
May Nightbirde rest in peace…