Daneliya Tuleshova’s America’s Got Talent Audition: How a 13-Year-Old from Kazakhstan Moved Millions
A teenager stepping onto the America’s Got Talent stage, voice trembling, hopes in her eyes, edge-of-seat audience. This was Daneliya Tuleshova’s moment, a moment that would linger in hearts long after the stage lights faded.
Daneliya’s story is as much about family love and bold dreams as it is about music. Born and raised in Kazakhstan, just 13 years old, she brought her mom along for the journey of a lifetime. She traveled thousands of miles to stand on one of the world’s biggest stages, ready to show what she could do. Despite her nerves, she sang with a fire that made everyone in the room feel every note. Here’s what happened when Daneliya gave everything she had on that stage.
Introducing Daneliya Tuleshova: The Young Star from Kazakhstan
Daneliya Tuleshova, a 13-year-old from Kazakhstan, didn’t come to America alone. She was joined by her mom, who stood close, ready to catch her if she stumbled. Daneliya’s family is her first audience. She’s spent years putting on “concerts” for her parents, her younger siblings, and anyone else willing to listen. Singing isn’t just something she does for fun, it’s at the center of every memory.
Family members Daneliya sings for:
- Her mom
- Her little brother (about 10 or 11)
- Her little sister (9 years old)
Even before she could imagine singing for thousands, she dreamed about being a star like Beyoncé. It was never just about fame. She said that singing makes her feel “really free,” as if she could let go of every fear. Those living room performances for family were just the start.
“When I sing, I feel really like free,” Daneliya once confided. That freedom kept her moving forward, even as the dream felt out of reach.
Why would a middle schooler leave her home, cross an ocean, and risk everything for one chance? For Daneliya, being on America’s Got Talent was her biggest dream. She’d watched the show hundreds of times. It always felt impossible, as if the stage existed on another planet. But she refused to let go, even when nerves felt overpowering.
Facing the intimidating presence of judge Simon Cowell was no small thing. Daneliya admitted to being especially terrified of him. She also confessed that, sometimes, even imagining herself on stage made her hands sweat. “I’m very nervous. I’m really scared of Simon Cowell,” she said, her honesty as honest as her music.
Here’s a quick look at the key steps she took on her journey:
- Watched countless episodes, dreaming from afar.
- Practiced at home with her family as her first audience.
- Recorded “hundred videos,” each one a small rehearsal for the main event.
- Decided with her mom that she wasn’t satisfied with just dreaming, she needed to try for real.
- Traveled from Kazakhstan to America, carrying her hopes and her mom’s support.
For Daneliya, singing is more than a hobby. It’s the heart of her life. “I don’t imagine my life without singing,” she said. Even with all the nerves, she pushed herself to step into that bright spotlight.
The moment Daneliya walked onto the stage, she looked every bit the nervous teenager. Her voice shook. Her hands fidgeted. But as soon as the first notes of “Tears of Gold” started, everything shifted.
“Tears of Gold,” originally by Faouzia, isn’t an easy song for anyone to sing, let alone a young newcomer on international TV. The notes climb. The lyrics cut deep. Daneliya’s timid expression melted away as she started singing. Her voice, at first gentle, built into something fierce and breathtaking. The audience, silent at first, burst out in applause as her performance grew more powerful.
She sang with a depth that belied her age, a blend of heartbreak and hope threaded through every lyric. Each big note drew cheers, each soft moment drew the room closer. The judges watched, wide-eyed, as she carried the song’s emotion all the way through. The performance became a kind of transformation, turning timidness into confidence in only a few minutes.
As the last chorus soared, the audience rose in a standing ovation. Applause filled the room, echoing even after the music stopped. Daneliya stood at the center, a little shocked at how many hearts she’d just touched. Her nerves, present a moment before, seemed to melt in the warmth of the cheers.
The judges didn’t just clap, they gave words that Daneliya will likely remember for a lifetime.
“I thought it was really cool. I mean, you seemed so shy and then the music starts and boom, you transform into this different person. You have a lot of swag on the stage. You can belt it out for a really long time. This was a very loud song so I would be lovely to hear you sing something more quiet where we can actually hear your voice a little bit more. But for this first audition, I thought it was great.”
– Heidi Klum
Heidi’s words cut to the heart of what everyone saw that night. Daneliya, so shy and almost shrinking before the music, changed instantly once she began to sing. The confidence that came from her voice didn’t seem forced. It was real. Heidi hoped to hear a quieter, more subtle song next time to fully appreciate the detail in her voice, but she praised how Daneliya owned the stage.
Another judge offered a colorful analogy, saying Daneliya was “like this little caterpillar right before the song and the music comes on, then you’re this beautiful butterfly and you really just blossom in front of our eyes.” Nothing could have fit better. The transformation was visible, emotional, and unforgettable.
As the feedback poured in, support from the crowd made it clear: Daneliya had won over the room. Even those at home, far from the TV studio, could feel the hope and excitement wrap around her performance.
Daneliya’s journey didn’t end when the applause faded. The moments after her audition held a mix of relief, gratitude, and hope for what might come next. She was still the same teenager, humble, honest, a bit shy, but with new courage.
The judges’ encouragement told her she was on the right path. The crowd’s cheers lifted her higher. Even as she processed everything, Daneliya was already thinking about her next song, the next stage. Being called a “butterfly” is more than just a nice compliment. It’s a nod to the growth she’s shown and the promise of what’s ahead.
Her determination hasn’t wavered. She still wants to be an American pop star, someone like Beyoncé, someone who inspires and moves millions. The hard work isn’t finished. For Daneliya, it’s just beginning.
“Tears of Gold” is a song packed with emotion, originally performed by Faouzia. The lyrics are raw, exploring heartbreak and giving everything to someone who might not appreciate it. This makes it a powerful choice for any singer, and especially meaningful for Daneliya at her audition.
Faouzia is known for her strong vocals and ability to convey real feeling in her music. Daneliya’s take on the song brought new life to the lyrics, connecting her own hopes and struggles to every note.
Fans who loved Daneliya’s performance might want to check out Faouzia’s original version, which is widely available on music streaming platforms.
Conclusion
Daneliya Tuleshova showed the world that courage isn’t about never feeling scared. It’s about singing out even when your heart’s pounding out of your chest. Her America’s Got Talent audition laid bare every hope, each sleepless practice night, the long journey with her mom, and the power of dreaming a little bigger.
Her voice turned nerves into beauty, shyness into presence, and dreams into reality. Daneliya’s story is a reminder that anyone, no matter their age or where they come from, can step into the light and find their music heard.
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