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NBC Insider America’s Got Talent: All-Stars

Why Darius Mabda Was in Tears Before His AGT: All-Stars Audition

The 14-year-old Romania's Got Talent winner couldn't help but get emotional when he took the stage.

By McKenzie Jean-Philippe
Romania's Got Talent Winner Darius Mabda Gets Emotional Before His Performance | AGT: All-Stars 2023

Just seconds after he stepped onto the stage during America's Got Talent: All-Stars' fourth round of Auditions, Darius Mabda burst into tears. The emotional moment immediately touched fans and the Judges alike.

How to Watch

Watch AGT: All-Stars on NBC and Peacock.

And as it turned out, the 14-year-old was overwhelmed by the AGT stage. "I'm so nervous because this is my first time in America, and it's my dream to be here," Mabda said. "I'm more nervous in America's Got Talent: All-Stars because it's the biggest stage in the world."

The teen dancer is originally from Oradea, Romania and won Romania's Got Talent Season 12 last year. However, he was inspired to begin dancing six years after watching AGT as a child.

Lucking for Mabda, his nerves seemed to disappear during his hypnotizing performance set to Shawn Mendes' "In My Blood." The routine brought Heidi Klum to her feet. "I mean, you really are incredible. You're borderline a contortionist, also," she said.

Howie Mandel described the young dancer as "Nadia Comăneci meets Baryshnikov," while Simon Cowell explained that while he was initially unsure if Mabda would go far in the competition, he quickly had a change of heart.

"You were so nervous, Darius, and then you started and I'm thinking, 'Kind of seen this before,'" Cowell said. "And then it all changed. I have a lot of respect for you. You're 14 years old. After winning the show you come all the way over here and you are competing with some of the very best. I think after that you've given yourself a shot, I really really do." 

Mabda nearly advanced to the Final when he ended up in the Top 3 alongside Ndlovu Youth Choir and eventual winners Power Duo. But something tells us his career is only just beginning.

"Thank you @agt,@agtauditions! It was such a great experience and i can’t realise that my dream came true!" he said in an Instagram caption. "I'm so thankful for everything that’s happening in my life! Thank you all for your support!🙏🏻✨"

Watch AGT: All-Stars Mondays at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock.