Butler-Figueroa was diagnosed with leukemia at age 4 and underwent rounds of chemotherapy that caused his hair to fall out.
"I was really sad and embarrassed … to go to school," he said. "They used to make fun of me and laugh at me because I was different. They would spread rumors to say that my cancer was contagious and they all wanted to stay away from me."
An after-school program offering free violin lessons changed Butler-Figueroa's life at age 7. He gained his confidence back and his mother, Kisua Butler-Figueroa, said she "got my son back."
Butler-Figueroa appropriately performed Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger," complementing his sharp notes on the violin with rock-star dance moves and light-up sneakers. ("First of all, I love your shoes so much," newcomer Julianne Hough said.")
"You are an extraordinary young man," Cowell said. "I think you have such an amazing talent, such a personality, and I would like to say something on your behalf to the bullies …"
And with that, Cowell pushed the golden buzzer, bringing tears of joy to Butler-Figueroa, his mother and probably most of America who tuned in.
"I’m feeling very proud of myself and I feel very happy," the newest "AGT" contestant said.
Butler-Figueroa has something else to be proud of. "I have been in remission for almost four years," he said to the crowd, who gave him a standing ovation.
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