Nightbirde Sings It's Okay and Shares Her Cancer Story

Hi. Hello. Hi. Hi. How are you? I'm awesome. I'm so happy to be here.

Well, we're happy you are. What's your name? My name's Jane.

When I sing, I go by Nightbird. Aw. That's nice. Nightbird? That's right.

Uh, did you sing-- Do you sing for a living?

Um, not, not recently. Where are you from?

I'm from Zanesville, Ohio. Okay. How old are you?

I'm 30. 30 years old. And the dream is to be a singer.

What are you gonna be singing for us tonight?

I'm singing an original song called It's Okay.

It's Okay? Yeah. It is. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.

What is It's Okay about? Uh, It's Okay is the story of the last year of my life.

All right. And who are you here with? I'm here by myself.

It's okay. And what do you do for a living?

Um, I have not been working for quite a few years.

I've been dealing with cancer. Oh, sorry. Oh.

No, it's okay. Okay. Yeah. I'm okay. All right.

Can, can I ask you a question? How are you now?

Uh, last time I checked, I had some cancer in my lungs, my spine, and my liver.

Wow. So you're not okay. Uh, well, not in every way, no.

You got a beautiful smile and a beautiful glow. Mm-hmm. You do. And nobody would know. Thank you.

You got a beautiful smile and a beautiful glow. Mm-hmm. You do. And nobody would know. Thank you.

It's important that, uh, everyone knows I'm so much more than the bad things that happened to me.

Yes. Yes. All right. Sing for us. Good luck.

Nightbird.

I moved to California in the summertime.

I changed my name thinking that it would change my mind.

I thought that all my problems, they would stay behind.

I was a stick of dynamite and it just was a matter of time, yeah.

Oh dang, oh my, now I can't hide. Said I knew myself, but I guess I lied.

It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay.

If you're lost, we're all a little lost, and it's all right.

It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay.

If you're lost, we're all a little lost, and it's all right.

It's all right, it's all right, it's all right.

I, I wrote a hundred pages, but I burned them all.

Yeah, I burned them all. I blow through yellow lights and don't look back at all.

I don't look back at all. Oh dang, oh my, now I can't hide.

Said I knew what I wanted, but I guess I lied.

It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay.

If you're lost, we're all a little lost, and it's all right.

It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay.

If you're lost, we're all a little lost, and it's all right.

Oh, it's all right to be lost sometimes.

Wow.

You know, it's funny because singers come on, and, and I, and I think about authenticity.

You know, when you feel it, when it moves you.

That felt like the most authentic thing I have heard this season.

That was surprising to hear. It was powerful, it was heartfelt, and I think you're amazing.

You gave me chills. I mean, your voice is so beautiful to listen to.

It was beautiful all the way around. Your voice is stunning.

Mm-hmm. It is. Absolutely stunning. And I, I totally agree with what Howie said, you know, about authenticity.

There was something about that song after the way you just almost casually told us what you're going through, and, oh, you know...

You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy.

Um, there are, however... There have been some great singers this year.

Um, and I'm not gonna give you a yes.

I'm gonna give you something else.

Everything about that was really special.

Oh, thank you so much. Will I ever breathe again?