Brad Paisley awarded his Golden Buzzer to Sophie Pecora, a 15-year-old singer-songwriter, on America’s Got Talent last night (7/16).

Brad was a guest judge on the episode of the talent competition when the young girl took the stage. She performed a song that she wrote about bullying that she calls the “most personal” out of all the songs she has written.

Following the performance Simon Cowell told her, “I say this as a father: Bullying is always going to happen, but if you don’t care or even think about them, it means you win. You continue talking about them, they win. I don’t want you talking about these people ever again because they aren’t worth talking about, but I love your voice.”

Brad tells her the song is so honest that he feels like he knows her from hearing just this one song by her. He also says, “Young people (are) not understanding that it isn’t that big of a deal when you look back at life. You have schooled so many people in this moment.” He then advances her to the live shows by giving her his Golden Buzzer.

Watch the performance and special moment when Brad Paisley gives Sophie Pecora the Golden Buzzer in the video at the top of the page. Brad explains why he gave Sophie the Golden Buzzer in the video below.

By: Buck Stevens