AGT Contestant Jane ‘Nightbirde’ Marczewski Dies At 31 After Long Battle With Cancer

"America’s Got Talent" season 16 contestant Jane Marczewski, also known as Nightbirde, passed away after a long battle with cancer, her family confirmed.

"It is with the deepest heartache that we confirm that after a four-year battle with cancer, Jane Marczewski, known to many of you as Nightbirde, passed away on February 19th, 2022. We, her family, are devastated by her passing and unimaginable loss," a statement from her family read, as reported by People.

The 31-year-old captivated many of the show’s viewers, as well as the judges, after delivering a heartwarming performance of an original composition called "It’s OK." Before her performance, Marczewski told the judges that she was battling cancer and that it had spread to her lungs, spine and liver.

"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy," Marczewski had said.

Deeply touched by her courage and positivity, Simon Cowell awarded her the coveted Golden Buzzer which led her to advance to the next round of the competition.

Nightbirde eventually dropped out of the contest in August 2021 to focus on her chemotherapy. She broke the news to her fans in an Instagram update saying, "Since my audition, my health has taken a turn for the worse and the fight with cancer is demanding all of my energy and attention. I am so sad to announce that I won’t be able to continue forward on this season of AGT. Life doesn’t always give breaks to those that deserve it—but we knew that already."

In a virtual interview aired on the show in the same month, Marczewski said, "It was beautiful to see the world welcome that song into their own dark night," adding, "I'm overwhelmed by it."

The show also released a statement regarding Nighbirde’s death, saying, "Your voice, your story, and your message touched millions. Nightbirde will always be a member of the AGT family. Rest In Peace, Jane."

The singer’s family, "devastated" by her death, said, "Those who knew her enjoyed her larger-than-life personality and sense of humor. She had a witty joke for every occasion—even if the joke was on her. Her lasting legacy will be the gift of hope she gave to so many through her music and the strength she found in Jesus. We thank everyone for their messages of love and support."