Jane Marczewski, known professionally as Nightbirde, died February 19 from cancer. She was 31. 

This past summer, Nightbirde performed on America’s Got Talent with an original song called “It’s OK.” Her voice stunned the judges. “I’m not going to give you a yes,” Simon Cowell told her. “I’m going to give you something else,” then he hit the golden buzzer, showering Nightbirde with golden ticker tape. 

Just after her performance on the show, Nightbirde told AGT host Terry Crews that she had a 2% chance of survival from the cancer that had spread to her lungs, liver and spine. “I have a 2 percent chance of survival, but 2 percent is not 0 percent. Two percent is something, and I wish people knew how amazing it is.”

She maintained a positive attitude, at one point telling the AGT judges that “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” Cowell joined Nightbirde on the stage and hugged her. “Everything about that was really special,” he told her. 

Nightbirde loved Jesus and lived her life singing and telling others about Him. Her family released an obituary to NBC4i in Ohio. It reads in full:

Jane Kristen Marczewski, age 31, also known as Nightbirde, of Nashport OH, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 19, 2022 after a four-year battle with cancer. She most recently resided in San Clemente CA with her brother Andrew.

She was born December 29, 1990 in Zanesville OH to Mitchell and Sharon Marczewski. She is survived by siblings Mitchell Jr (Brook); Andrew and Katelyn Marczewski; grandparents Richard and Elizabeth Rumora; Uncle Keith and Aunt Sheryl Ross; Nephews Mitchell III and Jude Marczewski; niece Magnolia Marczewski and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was a 2009 graduate of Licking County Christian Academy and a 2013 graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg VA with a marketing degree.

Many remember her as the winner of Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent in 2021 with the hit song It’s OK which charted No. 1 on iTunes and charted on Billboard. Her other top songs include New Year’s Eve, Girl in a Bubble and Brave.

Before she became Nightbirde, she dedicated her high school years volunteering with the youth ministry at Cornerstone Church in Licking County OH. She also spent many nights and weekends leading worship at Christian events throughout Ohio. It was during this time when she cultivated her love for music and ministry.

During college she continued her love for music by becoming a prolific songwriter and performer. When she was not writing or singing, she shared Jesus with underprivileged youngsters in her neighborhood while providing them snacks after school.

When she resided in Nashville TN, she was involved at The Belonging Church leading worship and participating as a youth camp counselor. She also enjoyed sharing Christ with the women at the Davidson County Jail. Many now know the Lord because of her evangelism and commitment to Christ.

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 communicated through music and the strength she found in Jesus.

Nightbirde’s family is planning a memorial on March 4, 2022, and has opened a GoFundMe in her memory. 

Please pray for Nightbirde’s family as they grieve her loss. 

Nancy Flory, Ph.D., is a senior editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.