“I have no words to express my gratitude or how fantastic and magical that moment was for me. I never thought it would occur to me,” Ariani Putri

On America’s Got Talent, Simon Cowell has helped another aspiring superstar realize their ambitions.

The program from Tuesday began with auditions as Cowell and the other judges, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofa Vergara, resumed their nationwide search for the best talent. When vocalist Putri Ariani took the stage, they had found what they were searching for.

The 17-year-old Indonesian singer-songwriter told cameras before her Golden Buzzer-winning performance that she is blind but hopes that it won’t define her as a performer.

People seeing me as a blind person rather than a musician is my toughest struggle, she said. However, I feel like a rockstar when I’m singing.

In addition, Putri discussed her aspirations for the future, which include attending Juilliard in New York City, becoming a well-known singer like Whitney Houston, and earning a Grammy. She told the judges, “I hope I can win America’s Got Talent so I can achieve my dream.”

Episode 1802 of “Auditions” on America’s Got Talent Putri Ariani is depicted — (NBC/Trae Patton/Photo)
Ariani Putri.
NBC/Trae Patton
The young woman then took a seat at the piano and gave a breathtaking rendition of one of her original songs. Simon entered the stage as the audience and judges stood to applause and invited Putri to do a second song because he “like[d] her voice so much.”

Putri did it without hesitation, earning even further accolades from the judges for her amazing singing. Heidi complimented her on “sounding so beautiful,” and Howie said, “I think an angel just descended on our stage. A lot of people don’t believe in angels.

Putri had “a glow” about her, and Simon remarked on this before inquiring as to her plans to attend Juilliard. Before hitting his Golden Buzzer, he added, “I don’t know if this is going to make a difference or not. You are among the best vocalists we have ever had on our show, in my opinion.

He subsequently told host Terry Crews that he gave Putri his Golden Buzzer because she was “brilliant,” and he said, “I am blown away, and you’re a great songwriter.”

In the episode “Auditions 2” of America’s Got Talent, Putri Ariani is depicted — (NBC/Trae Patton/Photo)
The Golden Buzzer is pressed by Simon Cowell.
NBC/Trae Patton
After the thrilling event, Putri told PEOPLE that everything still seemed strange.

She says, “I can’t express how thankful I am or how fantastic and precious that moment [was] for me. “It’s just amazing. I never imagined that would occur to me.

In the episode “Auditions 2” of America’s Got Talent, Putri Ariani is depicted — (NBC/Trae Patton/Photo)
Ariani Putri.
NBC/Trae Patton
She continues, “It’s such a fantasy, and this was my first trip to America. “I’m overjoyed since I’m so well-liked there. I can’t even speak.

Simon’s request for a second song may have surprised some vocalists, but Putri claims she handled it well. “I [felt] happy because he wanted to listen to me more,” she says. I specifically wrote that song for Simon.

In the episode “Auditions 2” of America’s Got Talent, Putri Ariani is depicted — (NBC/Trae Patton/Photo)
Putri Ariani and Simon Cowell.
NBC/Trae Patton
Fans will probably draw comparisons between Putri and season 14 winner Kodi Lee, who won the competition after captivating crowds with his amazing voice and piano playing and later receiving the Golden Buzzer from then-judge Gabrielle Union. Due to an optic nerve hypoplasia problem he had at birth, Kodi is likewise blind like Putri.

Putri tells about Kodi, 26, “I watched him and I think that he’s amazing and [a] nice person,” adding that she is motivated by him. “I desire to resemble him. Like him, I want to win America’s Got Talent.

“Winning AGT means more to the world than it does to me, in my opinion. How can I make a difference in the world and help those who live in similar circumstances to me and in nations where I do to realize their dreams? she asks. “I just want to say that [people like me] are capable, and we are equal.”

She continues, “I hope those watching me love me.” Of course, cast your vote for me because without it, I won’t be able to win America’s Got Talent.

Putri is the first act of season 18 to receive a Golden Buzzer from the judges. A group of South African singers known as Mzansi Youth Choir won the show’s first-ever Audience Golden Buzzer last week for their moving homage to the late AGT season 16 performer Nightbirde.