Meet Kristen Cruz, the TikTok Star Heading to the ‘AGT’ Live Shows
Photos by Trae Patton/NBC Reading Time: 2 minutes
Singer Kristen Cruz is among the final eleven acts to perform in the America’s Got Talent live shows this week for a chance to earn America’s vote and make it to the Finals of Season 17. Kristen has gained a following on social media for her singing videos.
‘AGT’ Singer Kristen Cruz Is Popular on TikTok
The 19-year-old singer from Texas introduced herself to the AGT judges by sharing that she likes to post videos of herself singing and making drinks like matcha, coffee, and protein shakes. She added that she had tried to get a job at Home Depot before realizing she would rather pursue her dream of singing.
Kristen currently has 4.5 million followers on TikTok, where she has posted videos of herself singing songs by artists such as Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, and Michael Jackson. She also frequently performs Christian music on her various social media platforms.
The singer has released three singles since 2020, including the originals “Essence of the Moment” and “Ride,” as well as a cover of the Dani and Lizzy song “Dancing in the Sky.” Kristen currently has almost 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
In her audition, Kristen shared that she hopes “to inspire people, to make them feel that you don’t have to be anything else but yourself,” adding, “I don’t have to be the industry standard.”
SEE ALSO: THESE ARE THE ‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’ ACTS GOING TO THE LIVE SHOWS
Kristen Impressed the Judges in Her Audition
In her audition for Season 17 of AGT, Kristen performed a cover of “I See Red” by Everybody Loves an Outlaw, showing off a powerful and soulful voice that wowed the judges and had the audience cheering. The whole panel gave her a standing ovation for the performance.
Heidi Klum said she wants Kristen’s voice, calling her “a star already in the making.” Sofia Vergara praised her confidence, calling it “sexy.” Simon Cowell said he was surprised by her performance, calling her voice “seasoned” and complimenting her song choice.
“I like her a latte,” Howie Mandel quipped before voting yes, along with the other three judges. Now it’s up to America to decide if Kristen should move on to the Finals. Catch her next performance during Tuesday night’s live show, and vote for her on the NBC website or the AGT app.
