Nightbirde’s “It’s Okay”: A Song of Strength and Hope that Touched the World

On a stage famous for dazzling lights and immense dreams, sometimes it’s the quietest moments that linger longest in the memory. In 2021, during a season of America’s Got Talent saturated with dazzling performances and heartwarming stories, one audition stood apart—not only for the performance itself but, most importantly, for the palpable courage behind it. Jane Marczewski, known by her stage name “Nightbirde,” stepped onto the stage and, with a smile that glowed as brightly as any spotlight, transformed her pain into poetry and her struggle into song.

A Smile Beyond Circumstance

Nightbirde’s introduction was gentle yet profound. “Hi, hello. How are you?” she began in response to host greetings, instantly charming those present with her thoughtful tone and self-effacing humor: “I’m awesome, I’m so happy to be here.” When asked her real name and why she chose “Nightbirde,” she revealed the artistry behind it—a name as ethereal and resilient as the woman herself.

The judges, curious and warm, navigated the typical questions: Where are you from? What do you do? How old are you? But it was when Nightbirde revealed, in an almost off-handed way, that she had been battling cancer, the room shifted. “I have not been working for quite a few years,” she said, her voice steady and clear. “I’ve been dealing with cancer.” The admission, so personal and raw, was delivered with the kind of grace that turns vulnerability into connection.

When Simon Cowell, not known for sentimentality, asked how she was feeling now, Jane’s response was unwavering: “Last time I checked, I had some cancer in my lungs, my spine, and my liver.” The audience held its breath, sensing the enormity of her struggle masked by her infectious optimism.

More Than the Bad Things

Perhaps the most powerful line of the prelude came when Nightbirde insisted: “It’s important that everyone knows I’m so much more than the bad things that happen to me.” It was a statement not only about her own life but an invitation to everyone watching to see their identities as greater than their struggles—an anthem for all who have ever felt reduced by their darkest chapters.

The Song: “It’s Okay”

And then, with a gentle nod, Nightbirde began her original song, “It’s Okay.” The opening lines set the stage for resilience: “I moved to California in the summertime I changed my name thinking that it would change my mind I thought that all my problems, they would stay behind But I guess I lied.”

With each lyric, Nightbirde exposed wounds but also wove in hope. The refrain, “It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay,” became more than a reassurance—it was a mantra of self-acceptance. “If you’re lost, we’re all a little lost, and it’s all right.” Her performance was not flawless in a traditional sense; it was more than that. It felt real, lived, and urgent. Music became more than entertainment on this stage—it was therapy, confession, and celebration rolled into one soulful melody.

The song’s bridge, confessing, “I wrote a hundred pages but I burned them all,” bore the weight of countless battles fought in silence and solitude. It was art as catharsis, and the abstraction of pain became a collective experience, shared by all who watched and listened.

An Uplifting Judgement

Following her performance, Nightbirde received a standing ovation that quickly enveloped the theater. The judges were visibly moved. Simon Cowell, rarely one to show his emotions, paused before saying, “There have been some great singers this year. I’m not going to give you a yes.”

Instead, he stood and reached for the elusive Golden Buzzer, sending confetti raining down and Nightbirde directly to the next round. As the gold sparkled in the air and Nightbirde wept, supported by a thunderous applause, it was clear that this was not a victory for vocal talent alone—it was a celebration of bravery, authenticity, and the unbreakable human spirit.

The Aftermath: An Anthem for Many

After her audition aired, Nightbirde’s story went viral, resonating with millions across social media and the world. Her song climbed digital charts, and her message—“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy”—became a rallying cry for those facing their own battles.

Despite her advancing illness, Jane continued to inspire, documenting her journey with honesty, humility, and hope. She demonstrated that true artistry isn’t just about technical mastery—it’s about connecting through shared humanity.

Legacy of Light

Jane Marczewski, though she ultimately passed away in 2022 at age 31, left behind more than a song. She left a blueprint for finding beauty amid hardship and courage in the face of despair. Her story and her music continue to give comfort, reminding us that we are so much more than the bad things that happen to us—and it’s okay to be lost sometimes.

Nightbirde’s “It’s Okay” was not just an audition piece. It is a testament to the resilience found within us all, a gentle but powerful affirmation that even in moments of suffering, hope can take flight.

“It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay. If you’re lost, we’re all a little lost, and it’s all right.”

Her message endures—a night bird’s song that reminds us the darkness cannot silence the music within.