In one of the most poignant moments in America’s Got Talent history, sibling country duo The Reklaws took to the stage during the 2024 season and delivered a performance that transcended music—it was an emotional journey through love, loss, and legacy. Comprised of brother Stuart and sister Jenna, the Canadian siblings have been performing together since childhood, but this time, their act carried a weight unlike any other.
Just months before their audition, the duo lost their beloved mother, Maryanne, after a long battle with cancer. Maryanne had always been their biggest supporter, attending every show, cheering them on from the sidelines, and even helping write some of their earliest songs. Her passing left a void they weren’t sure they could fill, but instead of stepping back, they decided to honor her memory by doing what she loved most—watching them perform.
Their song choice for the night was “Momma’s Song,” an original piece written in secret as a tribute to their mother. As the first chords rang out, the audience immediately sensed the raw emotion behind the lyrics. Stuart’s voice cracked slightly as he sang about memories of family dinners and laughter-filled car rides, while Jenna harmonized softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
But it wasn’t just the music that made this moment unforgettable. Midway through the performance, a spotlight illuminated a single chair placed center stage—a symbolic seat reserved for their mom. On that chair sat a framed photo of Maryanne, smiling warmly as if she were still there, cheering them on. The combination of the heartfelt lyrics, the hauntingly beautiful melody, and the visual reminder of their loss brought the judges to tears.
By the final note, the entire theater erupted into applause, many standing to give The Reklaws a well-deserved ovation. Judge Sofia Vergara wiped away tears as she exclaimed, “That wasn’t just a performance—it was a gift to everyone who has ever loved and lost.” Simon Cowell called it “one of the most authentic and moving acts” he’d seen in years.
Though the siblings didn’t advance to the finals, their impact lingered long after the season ended. Their audition video went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking conversations about grief, resilience, and the healing power of art. Today, The Reklaws continue to tour, using their platform to remind others that love never truly fades—it lives on in the stories we tell and the songs we sing.