When 28-year-old Avalon Penrose stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage, no one expected the emotional rollercoaster that was about to unfold. With a warm smile, she shared her story: she had been a gifted opera singer as a child, but a severe panic disorder forced her to quit at just 14. For over a decade, she stayed away from the stage — terrified of performing.
But AGT became her chance at redemption.
Her goal? Not just to sing again, but to show others with anxiety that fear doesn’t have to win.
To cope, Avalon developed a quirky and completely unconventional method: she discovered she could only perform opera confidently if she made fun of it at the same time. What happened next was unlike anything the judges had ever seen.
Chaos Begins: Opera Meets Comedy
Avalon started singing the beloved classic “Time to Say Goodbye.” Her voice was astonishing — rich, controlled, and clearly trained.
But then… the chaos began.
In the middle of this gorgeous operatic performance, she reached into her handbag and began hurling small stuffed toy chickens across the stage. The contrast was so bizarre that the judges froze in disbelief.
Howie Mandel stared, confused.
Sofia Vergara couldn’t stop laughing.
Simon Cowell squinted, trying to understand what on earth he was witnessing.
Some judges were impressed by her voice. Others thought the antics drowned out her true talent. Then Simon, clearly intrigued, made a bold decision:
“Do another song,” he said. “But keep the act going.”
Round Two: Complete and Total Mayhem
Avalon agreed — and launched into “Habanera” from Carmen.
And this is when the audition went completely off the rails.
Simon Cowell stood up from the judges’ table…
walked toward the stage…
and started throwing the stuffed chickens at her himself.
The audience screamed with laughter.
The judges lost all composure.
The entire performance turned into a ridiculous, hilarious, unforgettable opera circus.
Yet despite all the absurdity, one thing remained undeniable:
Avalon Penrose can sing.
Even while dodging flying chickens, her voice soared effortlessly over the orchestra track, proving she wasn’t just a comedian — she was a real opera talent battling her fears in the most creative way imaginable.
⭐ A Standing Ovation and Four Big YESes
By the end, the judges were completely entertained, thoroughly confused, and hugely impressed. Avalon’s unique blend of world-class vocals and fearless self-mockery made her audition one of the most unforgettable moments of the season.
With four enthusiastic “YES” votes, she advanced to the next round — not just as a singer, but as a performer who turned her anxiety into a weapon of creativity and comedy.
Avalon didn’t just return to the stage…
She owned it.
Her wild, wonderful audition showed millions that fear doesn’t have to stop you — sometimes, you can laugh right through it.