Deaf singer blows America's Got Talent judges away with emotional performance

A 29-year-old American woman who lost her ability to hear at the age of 18 received a standing ovation after singing a heartfelt tune about overcoming her condition.

During an airing of America’s Got Talent last night, singer Mandy Harvey told judges of her struggles to reconnect with her childhood passion of singing 10 years after becoming deaf.

“I have a connective tissue disorder so basically I got sick and my nerves deteriorated,” Ms Harvey said.

“So I left music after I lost my hearing and then figured out how to get back into singing with muscle memory, using visual tuners and trusting my pitch.”

Judge Howie Mandel then asked whether Ms Harvey had removed her shoes in order to feel the vibration generated by her music.

“Is that how you’re feeling the music?” he asked.

“Yeah I’m feeling the tempo -- the beat -- through the floor,” Ms Harvey confirmed.

Ms Harvey performed a song she penned herself, titled Try, explaining the song chronicles her efforts to “do more with my life than just give up”.

At the judge’s invitation Ms Harvey launches into her song, inspiring tears and earning a standing ovation mid-performance from audience members.

Judge Simon Cowell is the first to signal his approval, defying his reputation for being a harsh critic by slamming the show’s “golden buzzer”, which secures Ms Harvey’s place in the show’s next round.

“Mandy, I don’t think you’re going to need a translator for this,” Cowell said, referencing Ms Harvey’s attendant translator.

Overwhelmed, Ms Harvey begins to cry, as her father appears from the wings to embrace her.

Cowell also approaches to hug Ms Harvey, giving her two thumbs-up.

Many audience members can be seen performing the sign language gesture for applause.

“Honestly I never think I’m going to be surprised or amazed by people, and then you turn up,” Cowell said.

“I mean just the fact you are you -- but it was your voice, your tone, the song was beautiful.

“Congratulations! You go straight through to the live shows.”