Becky O’Brien was watching Britain’s Got Talent last year with her eldest son, Jack, 11, when he said, “Mum, you’re really good at singing. Why don’t you get up there and do it?” Coming out of an abusive relationship with the support of her five kids, Becky decided to listen to Jack and go for her singing dream.

Perhaps the most touching parts of Becky’s audition were the camera shots of her children throughout her performance. The children were pictured adorably wiping away tears, cheering, and clapping the whole time.

Simon Cowell, notorious for speaking his mind with no filter, had a lot to say about Becky’s performance. He looked a little bit choked up — which is rare for him — and, after pausing for the massive applause, said, “Wow, I was not expecting that. Your voice is so beautiful, so authentic — it was just so emotional. This is why we love making this show, is to find people like you.” After a shot of Becky wiping her eyes, he added, “That was your moment and you took it, and it was fantastic.”

You go, Becky!