Oftentimes on America’s Got Talent, audiences will hoot and holler for a fantastic performer, rising to their feet to clap or dance along with the musician or dancer. But rarely do you see an audience so stunned that they seem to be hardly breathing.

Brian Justin Crum, a competitor on this season of America’s Got Talent, received that chilling reaction with his emotionally-charged cover of Radiohead’s “Creep.” Undoubtedly the most popular song from the legendary alternative-rock band, this intense ballad requires not only intensely difficult vocals, but a very intense portrayal of the emotional lyrics – both of which Brian flawlessly delivered.

At this point in the competition, the audition process is long over. Competitors now have to bring their absolute best A-game to stay in the running. It may be safe to say that many people were unsure if Brian could top his original audition song, which got him to this point in the show; his performance of Queen’s “Somebody to Love” was awe-inspiring, especially how he nailed those tough, lofty notes originally sung by the great Freddy Mercury.

But it seems, by the shocked and teary reaction from the judges, that Brian may have outdone himself with his intense choice of a ballad.

Brian eases into the song with soft intensity and sadness, crooning with his beautifully rich tone until he reaches the breaking point of the song – and from there, the performance goes from lovely to extraordinary.

So far, all four judges (which this season are Mel B., Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel) have already used their Golden Buzzer (a button which sends an act straight to the final round of the competition) on wonderful performers they saw during auditions. However, contestants do have a chance to be selected for a Golden Buzzer by a guest judge which is new to the panel each week.

While Brian didn’t receive the Golden Buzzer from the guest judge of the week, famous comedian George Lopez, he still received a powerful standing ovation and a completely glowing and emotional response from all the judges. All you have to do is look at the flabbergasted look on Howie Mandel’s face – the judge who is usually prone to an encouraging smile and cracking jokes to lighten the mood – to know that everyone in the room was extremely moved by what Brian did.

Truly, even watching it from behind a computer screen is an emotional experience. Brian not only has a FANTASTIC voice and vocal technique, which he used to nail the climax of the song (which is both vocally and emotionally very demanding), but his mere presence is an amazing force. From the way he stands and gestures, to the deep, cutting look in his eye, Brian has the kind of presence that draws an audience in. We can only imagine what it was like to see this performance live!

Watch the video below to hear the gorgeous cover and see the judges’ moved reaction yourself – you may be surprised to see you’ll need some tissues, too!