In 2017, America’s Got Talent delivered another season filled with talent, surprises, and unforgettable moments, but one performance in particular continues to stand out in the memory of fans around the world. That performance belonged to Yoli Mayor, a young woman whose voice, passion, and authenticity left an indelible mark on the competition. Taking on Ed Sheeran’s hauntingly emotional ballad “Make It Rain,” Yoli stepped onto the stage with a presence that was both commanding and deeply vulnerable. The result was a performance that not only stunned the judges but also won over the hearts of millions of viewers.
The beauty of Yoli’s rendition lay in its raw emotional depth. From the moment she opened her mouth to sing, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The song, already known for its intensity and soul-stirring lyrics, became something entirely different in her hands. Every note carried weight, every phrase felt charged with genuine emotion, as though she wasn’t simply performing but reliving an experience. Her voice, powerful yet textured with vulnerability, seemed to tell a story beyond the words. It was the kind of performance that didn’t just sound good—it made you feel something.
Ed Sheeran’s “Make It Rain” is not an easy song to sing. It requires not only impressive vocal control but also the ability to dig deep emotionally and convey its heaviness. Many singers might shy away from such a daunting piece, but Yoli embraced it wholeheartedly. She pushed her voice to its limits, delivering soaring highs and soulful lows that mirrored the song’s stormy nature. It was as though she poured her entire heart into the performance, leaving nothing behind. By the time she reached the chorus, the audience was completely captivated, hanging on every word and every breath.
The judges, seasoned veterans of the music and entertainment industries, were visibly moved. Simon Cowell, who is often the hardest to impress, leaned forward with that rare expression of genuine awe. His praise for Yoli was heartfelt, calling her not just a contestant but a true artist. Coming from Simon, those words carried immense weight. Heidi Klum, who has always had an appreciation for voices that are unique and emotionally resonant, applauded Yoli for her authenticity. The rest of the panel echoed the sentiment, showering her with compliments that reflected not only her vocal talent but also her ability to transform a song into an unforgettable experience.
‘America’s Got Talent’ 2017: Yoli Mayor’s Rihanna cover [WATCH] – GoldDerby
One of the most striking aspects of Yoli’s performance was her stage presence. Despite her nerves—which she admitted to in interviews—she carried herself with confidence and grace. She didn’t rely on flashy effects, elaborate choreography, or distractions. Instead, she stood there with the microphone, letting her voice and her emotions do all the work. The simplicity of her presence only amplified the power of her delivery. The spotlight on her face, the quiet moments between verses, the way she closed her eyes to lose herself in the music—it all added up to a performance that felt intimate, almost as though the audience had been invited into her personal world for those few minutes.
For viewers at home, the performance was just as impactful. Social media exploded with reactions, with fans praising her incredible range, her soulful delivery, and her courage to take on such a challenging piece. Many commented that Yoli had managed to breathe new life into a song they already loved, giving it a rawness and honesty that only she could provide. Some even described getting chills or tearing up while watching, which is perhaps the greatest compliment an artist can receive.
What made Yoli’s moment on America’s Got Talent so memorable wasn’t just her talent—it was the authenticity behind it. In a competition filled with dazzling acts, elaborate productions, and performers eager to stand out, Yoli reminded everyone that sometimes, less is more. A voice, a song, and a heart willing to be vulnerable are often all it takes to create magic. And magic is exactly what she created that night.
Her performance also cemented her as a major contender in the competition. While many talented singers graced the stage that season, few managed to combine technical ability with emotional storytelling in the way Yoli did. She didn’t just sing “Make It Rain”—she transformed it into her own story, and in doing so, made it unforgettable. That ability to interpret and personalize a song is what separates good singers from great artists, and Yoli proved she belonged firmly in the latter category.
Looking back, it’s easy to see why her audition and subsequent performances resonated so strongly with audiences worldwide. She represented more than just a contestant chasing a dream—she embodied the reason people love shows like America’s Got Talent in the first place. It’s about discovering hidden gems, witnessing ordinary people step into extraordinary moments, and being reminded of the sheer power of music to connect us all.
From the first trembling note to the powerful final chorus, Yoli Mayor’s performance of “Make It Rain” was electrifying. It wasn’t about perfection, though her voice was near flawless—it was about connection. She connected with the song, with the judges, with the audience in the theater, and with millions watching at home. That kind of connection is rare, and when it happens, it leaves an impression that lasts far beyond the competition itself.
For Yoli, that night on stage was more than just an audition—it was a declaration. A declaration that she was here, that her voice mattered, and that she had something to share with the world. And for those who witnessed it, whether in person or through a screen, it was a reminder of the incredible journeys that unfold when talent, courage, and opportunity come together.
In the crowded history of America’s Got Talent, where countless performers have graced the stage, Yoli Mayor’s soulful rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Make It Rain” remains a highlight. It’s a performance that continues to be replayed, remembered, and celebrated. More importantly, it’s a moment that solidified Yoli as more than just a contestant—she became a true artist in the eyes of the world. And in that unforgettable performance, she showed that when passion meets talent, the result is something truly extraordinary.
