Triumphing over cancer and bullies with his violin, Raleigh boy gets Golden Buzzer on America's Got Talent

A young violinist from Raleigh is going to Hollywood after getting a coveted Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent.

Tyler Butler-Figueroa, 11, has been playing the violin since he was 7. His audition, which impressed the judges and the audience, aired Tuesday night.

His violin has an orange ribbon on the body; he was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 4.

Tyler's mother said she noticed he looked pale when they were eating dinner.

“A mother’s instinct said, ‘Let me get him to the emergency room,’” she said on the show.

Blood tests revealed Tyler had leukemia.

“It was the worst day of my life,” his mother said.

Tyler underwent chemotherapy and lost his hair. Classmates thought his cancer was contagious and avoided him, he said.

“When I lost my hair, I was really sad and embarrassed at the same time to go to school,” Tyler said. “They used to make fun of me and laugh at me because I was different.”

When he was 7, he saw a flyer at his school for free violin lessons and immediately wanted to play.

“I would just practice in my bedroom, and the more I did it, the better I got,” Tyler said.

He’s been in remission for about four years, he said.

“When I play the violin, it helps me forget about all of the bad stuff,” Tyler said. “I just didn’t want to be the kid with cancer. So now I’m the kid who plays the violin.”

Before he began his audition, he cued the audience members to clap their hands. They followed suit, cheering.

When he started playing “Stronger,” by Kelly Clarkson, the crowd cheered louder. He danced to the music while playing and added a flourish to some notes.

His 80-second performance earned a standing ovation from all four judges: Simon Cowell, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Howie Mandel.

“You are an extraordinary young man,” Cowell said after his performance.

“Most people are bullied because they’re better than the people who bully them,” Cowell added. “I think you have such an amazing talent, such a personality, and I would like to say something on your behalf to the bullies.”

Cowell then reached to the center of the judges’ panel and pressed the golden buzzer, which automatically sends contestants to the live shows in Hollywood.

Tyler and his mother began crying as golden confetti fell, and the audience got on its feet for another standing ovation.

“Look at that,” Cowell said, joining Tyler on stage and pointing to the crowd.

“You enjoy every moment of this,” Cowell said to Tyler.

Host Terry Crews joined Tyler and his mother on stage, asking the boy how he felt.

“I feel very proud of myself, and I feel very happy,” Tyler said.