When 10-year-old Roberta Battaglia stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage in Season 15 (2020), she was visibly trembling with nerves. The young singer from Toronto, Canada, even needed a moment to collect herself as host Terry Crews brought her a cup of water. However, the second she began her rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Shallow,” the atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. Her voice possessed a depth, maturity, and rich vibrato that seemed impossible for a child her age, prompting Simon Cowell to famously tell Sofia Vergara, “Just shut your eyes for a moment and listen to her.”
The performance was so powerful that it moved Sofia Vergara to tears. Moved by Roberta’s story of overcoming bullying and her sheer vocal prowess, Sofia slammed her first-ever Golden Buzzer, catapulting the young star directly to the live shows. Throughout the competition, Roberta remained a frontrunner, delivering flawless covers of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say” and Pink’s “What About Us,” ultimately making history as the youngest Canadian to reach the finals, where she finished in 4th place.
Since her time on AGT, Roberta has continued to evolve as a performer. In 2022, she expanded her horizons into acting with a role in the mystery series Three Pines and released her debut single, “Truce.” Beyond the spotlight, she remains dedicated to her philanthropic roots, supporting Toronto’s SickKids Hospital and using her platform to advocate against bullying, proving that her “shocking” voice is matched only by her massive heart.
