Oxford HS Shooting Survivor Receives Standing Ovation for Moving Performance on America’s Got Talent

Ava Swiss chose a song that she said allows her to “remember the good” amid the horror of the November 2021 tragedy that claimed the lives of four Oxford students.

Ava Swiss performs on America's Got Talent. Credit: Getty Images
Ava Swiss performs on America's Got Talent. Credit: Getty Images

The judges of “America’s Got Talent” were left speechless after an emotional performance by an 18-year-old high school shooting survivor on the show’s July 26 episode.

Ava Swiss, a senior at Oxford High School in Michigan, chose to sing “Remember” by Lauren Daigle. She said the song allows her to “remember the good” amid the horror of the November 2021 tragedy that claimed the lives of four students.

“I chose this song because back on November 30, my brother and I were a part of the Oxford school shooting,” Swiss said. “We lost four of our students and seven others were injured, one of which was a teacher. It’s been hard. I remember my brother and I, we were talking to each other and said there’s no way we were ever stepping foot back in the school. But we’ve actually been in person in school for about two months now, so things are getting better.”

“I remember my community, my family, just the love. And I remember that it’s all there for me, and it’ll help me get to where I need to be,” she continued.

Following her performance, Swiss received a standing ovation from the audience and all four judges, who voted unanimously to push her into the next round of the competition.

“In life, it's tough to show up, especially after going through incredible trauma,” said judge Howie Mandel. “The fact that you can break through that and shine the way you did today is so inspirational for every human being.”

Judges Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara offered similar praise, saying that Swiss was “incredible” and that her singing “took my breath away,” respectively. Simon Cowell also offered the teen high compliments, calling her “gusty” and noting that “this is one of those auditions I will never forget.”

Each judge also took to Twitter to commend Swiss on her talent and resilience.


 

The November 2021 shooting that claimed 4 lives was carried out by a 15-year-old gunman who was also a student at Oxford. The suspect, who has been charged with two dozen crimes, is being tried as an adult in a trial that is slated to begin in January 2023.