Audience members were moved to tears, and the judges gave Madison a standing ovation when she finished. Afterward, Madison said with emotion, “I sat at the piano as a broken teenager, not knowing what the heck was going to happen to my family and life, and to sing it on the stage in front of three idols, it was just really surreal.”
Several viewers told Madison on Instagram that the song deeply resonated with them. “This one had me in tears,” said one. “I did lose my brother to suicide and her words just hit me in the heart. It’s been nine years and I still need him. What a songwriter!”
“My brother committed suicide a few years ago,” said another. “This song was everything.”
If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal ideation, dial 988 for the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Correction: A previous version of this article stated that Haven Madison is 16. She is 17 years old.
