It’s been 9 years since Susan Boyle was first introduced to the world on the Britain’s Got Talent stage. Ever since her debut, the belting soprano has sold a whopping 20 million albums, easily making her the biggest success story to emerge from the reality TV competition show. But, just because she is a successful recording artist, doesn’t mean she has forgotten about the show that gave her, her biggest break.

Earlier this week, the songstress returned to the program, this time on the American’s Got Talent stage, to compete in its spin-off program, America’s Got Talent: The Champions. Predictably, the 57-year-old crushed it, singing a rendition of “Wild Horses” that brought the whole house to its feet.

In an Instagram post written soon after her recent appearance, Boyle gushed about the incredible experience of getting to step back on the international talent show stage. She wrote:

I was absolutely thrilled when I was invited to perform on America’s Got Talent: The Champions. To perform for the best boss in the world, Mr Cowell, and to prove to everyone that there is still life in me yet, were the two main reasons I wanted to take part. The crowds reaction was unbelievable and to then have the golden buzzer from @officialmelb well I was truly speechless, and it felt fantastic to know I was through to the finals! I hope you all enjoyed this performance! I had the time of my life being back on the stage singing ‘Wild Horses’ after all these years! 

Clearly, it wasn’t just Cowell who was impressed by the performance, it seems as though the contestant herself was equally as impressed by her passionate reception. And, in case you didn’t read her words closely enough, Boyle revealed that judge Mel B graciously rewarded her with a Golden Buzzer for her incredibly moving performance.

If you’re not an America’s Got Talent fan, a Golden Buzzer is a tiny, yet very powerful device that sits atop all four judges’ podiums. Each judge has the opportunity to ring it once, following the performance of an exceptionally great contestant. Performers who are awarded the Golden Buzzer make it through to next round, regardless of the other judges’ votes, allowing for more argument-free tie-breakers.

It’s a powerful device in the AGT narrative, and one that has come to symbolize a certain level of elevated status for those contestants making their way through the audition rounds.

So, now that Susan Boyle has a Golden Buzzer for America’s Got Talent: The Champions, we can say with certainty that we will see her in the forthcoming Episode 2. Honestly, we wouldn’t expect anything else from the megastar, but you never know with these reality TV competition shows–they love to shock and nothing is ever promised!

Now that you’ve got some background on what Boyle has achieved in the past decade–and what it looks like she may achieve on this new spinoff–be sure to watch her entire audition below. Not only is this an impressive TV moment, but her performance is particularly memorable!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Susan Boyle’s return to AGT. Are you a fan of Boyle? Do you think that her recent audition rightfully earned her a Golden Buzzer? Who is your all-time favorite AGT competitor?