Just nine years old, Celine Tam stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage in 2017, tiny behind the microphone but full of confidence. The moment she began singing “My Heart Will Go On,” her voice filled the theater, leaving the audience silent and the judges visibly amazed. By the final note, everyone was on their feet, applauding her incredible first performance.
“This is my dream, being in America’s Got Talent,” she told the panel with calm confidence before her performance. Moments later, Simon Cowell asked in disbelief, “That was obviously you not singing — so who’s singing?” Celine smiled shyly. “It’s me!”
Her name — and her story — were already extraordinary. Born on November 22, 2007, in Hong Kong, Celine Tam was named after her parents’ favorite artist, Céline Dion. Her younger sister is named Dion, completing the family’s musical tribute.
Music surrounded Celine from the start. Her father, Dr. Steve Tam, is a vocal coach who runs singing academies in Hong Kong. He noticed her potential when she was about three years old. “When I was in the car, my dad was driving and then suddenly I just sang ‘My Heart Will Go On’,” Celine recalled in an interview. “And he was like, ‘wow.’”
Her father encouraged her to practice everywhere — even in busy MTR subway stations — to build confidence performing in front of people. He once said, “As parents, we only want to give her the best. But the greatest gift is a family that supports each other with whatever they want to do.”
By age four, she was entering local singing competitions, winning titles and developing a stage presence far beyond her age. Her clear tone and precise phrasing caught attention in Hong Kong and mainland China long before her AGT debut.
On America’s Got Talent, Celine’s voice instantly drew comparisons to her idol. Her performance of “My Heart Will Go On” went viral, earning millions of views online. In the Judge Cuts round, she sang Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” and received the Golden Buzzer from guest judge Laverne Cox — making her one of the first Chinese contestants to achieve that honor on the show.
Her performances were widely praised, but her semi-final song didn’t resonate as strongly. Judge Mel B commented that it “didn’t showcase your voice,” and Celine’s run on the show ended there. Despite not reaching the finals, she had already won international recognition and the hearts of millions.
After AGT, Celine’s career continued to grow. She performed on television shows and events across Asia and Europe, including a duet on German television in later years. Her YouTube channel gained over a million subscribers, featuring covers of artists such as Adele, Alicia Keys, and Whitney Houston — showing her vocal range as she matured.
In 2020, she became an ambassador for the global nonprofit Room to Read, which promotes literacy and education for girls. “Before I could learn my first song, I had to be able to read,” she said in a statement. “Literacy and a love of books allowed me to chase my dreams.”
Now, at around seventeen years old, Celine balances her education with her music. She remains focused on developing her sound and exploring songwriting, moving from child prodigy toward young artist. While she hasn’t yet released a full album, her steady growth and continuing performances show that her journey is far from over.
Celine Tam’s story isn’t about instant stardom; it’s about consistency, support, and passion. From practicing in crowded subway stations to standing under the lights of America’s Got Talent, she has shown what dedication and family encouragement can achieve.
Although Celine Tam didn’t win the America’s Got Talent title, she gained something far more meaningful — a global audience and a voice that continues to inspire millions. Her performances have since attracted over 38 million views on YouTube, and her presence across social media keeps growing every year. Today, she is recognized as one of the most beloved young performers to ever appear on the AGT stage — proof that genuine talent, discipline, and heart can reach far beyond borders.