Nerves are underestimated, and misunderstood. For a performing artist, harnessing that chaotic nervous energy can create pure dynamite. Brook Lynn did that during the Auditions of America’s Got Talent 2026.
The 23-year-old hopeful stepped onto the AGT stage on Tuesday night (June 23) with a bundle of nerves, a dream and a stack of talent. Several minutes later, she had converted the room — and millions more watching on at home — into supporters, and believers.
Hailing from the Netherlands, Lynn addressed her anxiety from the very start. “I’m a little nervous but so excited,” she explained, doing so to “the biggest crowd I’ve ever stood before.”
She continued, “I always loved singing but I didn’t think it was something I could pursue because I deal with a lot of anxiety through my life. My parents didn’t even know that I could sing. And one day, my dad just heard me sing from another room. And when I came out he just sat in his chair with tears, and was, like, so proud. He really encouraged me to pursue singing.”
Her dad sure could spot talent.
When it was time to roll, Lynn shut her eyes and converted those nerves into the right stuff, hitting a powerful rendition of Billie Eilish’s “The Greatest.” It was a performance that was touching and tender, strong and subtle. The Dutchwoman turned anxiety into a singing superpower.
“I loved it. I love you. I love your song. I love your feeling that you were putting into it. You have a beautiful voice,” enthused Sofía Vergara. “You have it all.”
Mel B remarked that Lynn’s vocals “sounded like you were in your happy place. And you sounded so, so beautiful.”
The performance was “haunting,” noted Howie Mandel. “You’ve travelled all this way to a whole other country and to be open about your mental health…it’s tough enough even if you haven’t had those issues, just to walk out on that stage. When you start singing, you’re like a flower. You bloom. And it was just open, and warm and beautiful. Good job.”
As he so often does, Simon Cowell spoke last: “I really hope this boosts your confidence because you really have great range, fantastic presence on stage,” the Brit commented.
Then, the bombshell. Lynn revealed her father passed away some years ago, an emotional detail that audibly swept through the crowd.
“Your father, he would have been very proud of you I think tonight,” Cowell explained. “It was a great audition.”
Each of the four judges gave an enthusiastic “yes,” which sees Lynn progress in this 21st series of NBC’s AGT. Watch the performance below.
