Nightbirde is the stage name of the singer and former America’s Got Talent 2021 contestant Jane Marczewski. Nightbirde passed away last February 19 after a four-year-long battle against cancer, according to her family. She was 31 years old.
Jane Marczewski first rose to fame when she performed in the auditions of Season 16 of America’s Got Talent. Before singing, she told the judges and the audience that she was battling cancer and had the sickness on her lungs, spine, and liver. She then performed an original song called “It’s OK.”
The song details how she pushed and remained hopeful through battling cancer while also dealing with a divorce. She told Metro.co.uk , ‘This song means so much, it’s my story. It’s my life. It’s the story that I’m still in and apparently, everyone else was in a story like that too, in their own way.’
She sang this original song in front of the judges and impressed judge Simon Cowell especially. He was so captivated and moved by Nightbirde’s song and story that he awarded her a ‘golden buzzer,’ which automatically advanced her to the next round.
Unfortunately, she had to drop out of the competition to focus on her cancer treatment, but that did not stop her from inspiring more and more people with her music. At one point, “It’s OK” reached #1 in the iTunes charts, further cementing the fact that many could relate to the message of her song and life story.
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When it was announced on Jane’s Instagram that she had passed away, those who handled the account posted a video wherein she talks about the importance of grieving and sadness in life. Jane also talked about how she struggled with toxic positivity but found the benefits of “feeling your feelings,” even if those feelings aren’t necessarily bright and rose-colored.
In the video, she says, “The joy and the pain – it’s all real, and you don’t have to pick one or the other. Life is beautiful, or life is garbage. It’s kind of both sometimes.”
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After her death, those who knew her and fans went on Twitter to express their grief. AGT judge Simon Cowell himself tweeted about her and the determination she had.
Heart breaking news to hear about @_nightbirde, she was an extraordinary person, so brave, so talented. She made a huge impact on AGT and the world. Her determination to fight this terrible illness was remarkable. Rest in peace, Jane. I am sending my love to her family. Simon
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) February 22, 2022
AGT host Terry Crews also paid tribute to Jane on Instagram.
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The America’s Got Talent Twitter account also made a short formal post about Nightbirde and her impact.
Your voice, your story, and your message touched millions. Nightbirde will always be a member of the AGT family. Rest In Peace, Jane. pic.twitter.com/dhKdrecEIv
— America’s Got Talent (@AGT) February 21, 2022
Jane Marczewski’s family shared how she made a legacy through her life in a statement seen below: “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.”
I leave you with a quote from Nightbirde that has personally been ingrained in my mind: “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.”
R.I.P Jane Marczewski, AKA Nightbirde.
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