logo
facebook.com/Kisua Butler-Figueroa / youtube.com/America's Got Talent
facebook.com/Kisua Butler-Figueroa / youtube.com/America's Got Talent

11-Year-Old AGT Violinist Opens up about Being Bullied for His ‘Contagious’ Cancer

Kareena Koirala
Jun 17, 2019
09:03 A.M.

America’s Got Talent's golden buzzers are rare and the acts that get it are always beyond fantastic. Especially when Simon Cowell is the one pressing it. Simon’s buzzer took 11-year-old Tyler Butler Figueroa, who had cancer and was bullied in school to the live shows in Hollywood.

Advertisement

Young Tyler was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just four and a half years old. As if that wasn’t enough for the little guy to handle, his classmates spread the rumor that his cancer was contagious.

Tyler Butler Figueroa. | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition

Tyler Butler Figueroa. | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition

Because he was bullied for being a victim of the deadly disease, he picked up the violin to show everyone that he was more than a kid with cancer.

After winning the battle with cancer, the young violinist went on to earn himself the golden buzzer on Tuesday night's show from judge Simon Cowell, sending him straight to the finals.

Tyler Butler Figueroa in America's Got Talent. | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition

Tyler Butler Figueroa in America's Got Talent. | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition

Advertisement

Tyler’s golden buzzer was preceded by Kodi Lee’s performance when judge Gabrielle Union pressed the buzzer. Kodi is a young man who is blind and battles autism but his performance was enough to win most of the battles in the initial stages.

"The doctors treated me with chemotherapy," he said in a pretaped interview. "When I lost my hair, I was really sad and embarrassed at the same time to go to school."

Tyler Butler Figueroa in America's Got Talent. | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition

Tyler Butler Figueroa in America's Got Talent. | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition

His embarrassment was topped up with relentless bullying at school.

"They used to make fun of me and laugh at me because I was different. They would spread rumors to say that my cancer was contagious."

Tyler's mom was beyond happy when her precious child was honored for his talent. "I was like, 'Oh, my God, I’ve got my son back,'" she said.

Advertisement
Tyler Butler Figueroa in America's Got Talent. | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition

Tyler Butler Figueroa in America's Got Talent. | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition

"I just didn’t want to be the kid with cancer. So now, I’m the kid who plays the violin." added Tyler, who has been in remission for almost four years.

Tyler Butler Figueroa in America's Got Talent. | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition

Tyler Butler Figueroa in America's Got Talent. | Source: YouTube/InsideEdition

For his heartwarming performance, The North Carolina native performed “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson on violin, commanding the stage and entrancing the audience.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Christina Applegate’s Husband Made Her Feel ‘Beautiful’ about Her New Body & Helped Her Fight Cancer and MS

January 18, 2024

Prince Harry Seen at Las Vegas Event after Visiting Ailing Father, King Charles, Sparking a Heated Stir

February 09, 2024

Why Meghan Markle Didn't Visit Cancer-Striken King Charles, Ex-butler Explained

February 08, 2024

Prince Harry Chose ‘Not to Be in the Same Room with His Stepmother’ While Visiting His Ailing Father, Her Friend Claims

February 15, 2024

Prince Harry Chose ‘Not to Be in the Same Room with His Stepmother’ While Visiting His Ailing Father, Her Friend Claims

February 14, 2024

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Arrive in Canada on Private Jet, Igniting Backlash: Photo & Details

February 14, 2024

Joyce Bulifant Learned She Had Disorder in Her 40s – Decades Later, She Is Still a ‘Lovely Lady’ Enjoying Family Life

December 20, 2023

Toby Keith's Life before & after He Was Diagnosed with Stomach Cancer – Photos

February 06, 2024

Nicole Kidman, 56, Reveals Why She Used to Lie about Her Height – Details

January 19, 2024

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Respond to Criticism with Defiance – Details

February 16, 2024

Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Spend Valentine’s Day in Luxury, Sparking Criticism from Online Users

February 15, 2024

Users Notice Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Looking Thinner During Their Skeleton Racing Outing: Photos

February 16, 2024

Meghan Markle Looks ‘Truly Happy & Relaxed’ Posing for New Portrait Shortly after Rebranding

February 14, 2024

Kim Novak Turns 91: Inside Her Life with New Look as She Chose ‘Normal Life’ with Husband Far from Hollywood

February 16, 2024