Mackenzie Sol Wins Golden Buzzer 21 Years After Meeting Simon Cowell

On Night 4 of Auditions for Season 21, 25-year-old Mackenzie Sol returned to the stage in front of judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel and Sofía Vergara — 21 years after first meeting Cowell when he auditioned for The X Factor at age four. He recalled backstage that "that moment in that room is when I knew I wanted to be a singer," and admitted, "I’ve never had nerves like this," with his mother and family in the audience.

Sol sang "Back to Friends" by Sombr, bringing the audience to its feet and his family to tears. Mel B rose to press the Golden Buzzer, saying, "I think you are absolutely, extraordinarily fabulous. And I’m glad I got to speak first because I’m gonna do this," as Sol gasped, "No way!" He has built a large online following, amassing over 12 million followers on TikTok, and previously tried his luck on American Idol.

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