Nightbirde

Jane Kristen Marczewski (December 29, 1990 – February 19, 2022), known professionally as Nightbirde,[1] was an American singer-songwriter.

Nightbirde
Birth nameJane Kristen Marczewski
Also known as
  • Jane Marczewski-Claudio
  • Jane Claudio
Born(1990-12-29)December 29, 1990
Zanesville, Ohio, U.S.
DiedFebruary 19, 2022(2022-02-19) (aged 31)
San Clemente, California, U.S.
GenresPop, electropop, folk
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
InstrumentsVocals, piano, acoustic guitar
Years active2011–2022
Websitewww.nightbirde.co

Previously having released two EPs and several singles, Nightbirde auditioned on America's Got Talent in 2021, where she received a Golden Buzzer for her original song "It's OK". However, she decided not to compete in the quarterfinals because of worsening health due to cancer.[2]

Early life and education

Marczewski was born on December 29, 1990[3] and originated from Zanesville, Ohio.[4][5] She had three siblings, and started songwriting at age six,[6] when she helped her mother finish the lyrics for a song.[7] As a young Christian,[8] Marczewski volunteered and participated in various church ministries.[9] She was a 2009 graduate of Licking County Christian Academy,[10] and graduated from Liberty University[11][12] (where she studied communications) with a marketing degree.[13]

Music career

Marczewski uploaded her first songs and gave her first live performance in 2011, while a student at Liberty.[14] She released a three-song EP in 2012, called Lines, on which she sang and played acoustic guitar.[7][13] In 2013, she released Ocean & Sky, a six-song EP that she funded on Kickstarter.[11]

Remaining in Lynchburg, Virginia after graduating, Marczewski was a popular performer locally.[14] She returned to Ohio in 2014, and following her marriage, moved in 2015 to Nashville, Tennessee (where she later resumed performing under her married name, Jane Claudio, with her husband acting as her producer).[15] Credited as Jane Marczewski-Claudio, she contributed music for the 2015 documentary film, Leonard Knight: A Man & His Mountain.[16]

Nightbirde adopted her professional stage name based on a recurring dream in which birds sang outside her window at night in anticipation of the morning.[17] "It felt so poetic that these birds were singing as if it were morning, and yet there was no sign of it yet, and that’s what I want to embody."[18] Her first single under that name was "Girl in a Bubble", released in March 2019.[19][20]

In April 2019, she opened for Tori Kelly at Liberty.[14][15] In August 2020, following her second cancer diagnosis and remission, she released "It's OK".[21]

Nightbirde peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard "Emerging Artists" chart in June 2021.[22]

Her song "New Year's Eve (The Remix)" peaked at No. 14 on iTunes in December 2021. It also charted in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.[23][24][25][26]

Nightbirde's style, a mix of folk and pop,[11] evolved into electropop.[20]

America's Got Talent

In June 2021, she performed as Nightbirde during the 16th season auditions on America's Got Talent. During her post-performance interview with the judges, she offered an inspirational statement:

"It’s important that everyone knows that I’m so much more than the bad things that happen to me... You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy."[27][28]

Nightbirde subsequently received a Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell for her performance of her original song "It's OK".[5][28][29] The song became No. 1 on iTunes[29][30] and No. 2 trending on YouTube.[12]

In August 2021, before she could compete in the show's quarterfinal round, Nightbirde withdrew from the competition because of worsening health.[12][31][32] Cowell encouraged her not to return to the competition, saying "you don't need the stress right now."[33][34]

Nightbirde appeared via remote broadcast during the live quarterfinals of AGT on August 11, 2021 to express gratitude and give an update on her health.[35][36]

Personal life

Marczewski was married to musician Jeremy Claudio.[15] The couple separated in 2020, after which she moved from Nashville to Long Beach, California.[4][37]

Nightbirde sold merchandise on social media and raised money for medical expenses via GoFundMe.[38][39]

Health and death

Marczewski was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017,[4][14][15] and declared cancer-free in July 2018.[19] Her cancer recurred in 2019,[18] and she was given three to six months to live,[4] but she was again declared cancer-free in 2020.[21][6] Prior to her America's Got Talent audition, Marczewski was told that the cancer had metastasized to her lungs, spine and liver.[40][1] With only a 2% chance of survival,[28] she gave health updates on CNN and social media.[41][42][43] According to Nightbirde, “I have a two percent chance of survival, but two percent is not zero percent. Two percent is something, and I wish people knew how amazing it is.”[44]

Marczewski died from the disease on February 19, 2022 at the age of 31,[45][46] surrounded by family in her San Clemente, California residence.[17] The Marczewski family created The Nightbirde Memorial Fund, a new foundation that donates to cancer research and will help support those unable to afford the treatment they need.[47]

The AGT judges and host released condolences on social media.[48][49] America's Got Talent: Extreme honored Nightbirde at the end of the "Auditions 2" episode on February 28, 2022. A title card read "In Memory of Jane 'Nightbirde' Marczewski" (with a photo of her).[50]

A celebration of life was held in Ohio on March 4, 2022.[51]

Discography

EPs

Singles
List of singles, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart position Album
US
Dig.
[54]		 AUS
Dig.
[55]		 CAN
Dig.
[56]		 UK Down.
[57]
"Girl in a Bubble"[58] 2019 ———— non-album singles
"Fly"[59] ————
"It's OK"[29] 2020 ————
"New Year's Eve"[60] ————
"It's OK" (Live at Maple House Sessions)[61] 2021 31121
"Brave" (Live at Maple House Sessions)[62] ————
"New Year's Eve (Yacht Money Remix)"[63] ————
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

See also

References
  1. Sandra Gonzalez. "'America's Got Talent' contestant Nightbirde dies after cancer battle". CNN. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  2. "Nightbirde's Dramatic 'America's Got Talent' Return Makes Simon Cowell Emotional". MSN.
  3. Brian Hofmann (February 21, 2022). "Family releases obituary for Jane 'Nightbirde' Marczewski". Nbc4i. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  4. Johansen, Brad (June 16, 2021). "Nightbirde opens up about her battle with metastatic breast cancer, becoming 'AGT' sensation". Columbus, Ohio: WCMH-TV. Retrieved September 20, 2021 – via WKBN-TV.
  5. Crone, Madeline (June 9, 2021). "Cancer Patient Nightbirde's Performance of 'It's OK' Leads Simon Cowell To Hit Golden Buzzer in Emotional 'AGT' Moment". American Songwriter. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  6. "ABOUT". NIGHTBIRDE. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  7. Wells, Brent (November 28, 2012). "Focus On: Singer/songwriter Jane Marczewski". The News & Advance. Lynchburg, Virginia. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  8. "Nightbirde, who shared music, message of hope on 'America's Got Talent,' dies at 31". February 21, 2022.
  9. "Family releases obituary for Jane 'Nightbirde' Merczewski". February 22, 2022.
  10. "Nightbirde Dies at 31: Christian Singer and 'America's Got Talent' Contestant Inspired Many in Life". February 23, 2022.
  11. Wells, Brent (May 29, 2013). "Love hurts: Singer/songwriter Jane Marczewski opens up on latest EP". The News & Advance. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  12. Williamson, Jeff (August 2, 2021). "Nightbirde cannot continue 'America's Got Talent' journey as 'my health has taken a turn for the worse'". Roanoke, Virginia: WSLS-TV. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  13. McAlpin, K. (May 1, 2012). "Student musician pursues dream". Liberty Champion. Liberty University. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  14. Gillis, Casey (March 30, 2019). "Musician Jane Claudio, after beating cancer, will return to the stage for Lynchburg show". The News & Advance. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  15. Ramsey, Suzanne (July 1, 2019). "The Resurrection of Jane". Lynchburg Living. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  16. "Leonard Knight: A Man & His Mountain (2015): Full Cast & Crew". Watchmode. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  17. "'Jane was an amazing person:' Zanesville singer and AGT star 'Nightbirde' dies at 31".
  18. Rebeca (August 2021). "Nightbirde, is it really okay?". Story Watch (interview). Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  19. Menard, Drew (June 12, 2019). "Taking Flight: Alumna musician Jane 'Nightbirde' Claudio on her rebirth after beating cancer". Liberty Journal. Liberty University. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  20. Castel, Gregory (March 26, 2019). "Meet Nightbirde, the 'Girl in a Bubble'". Earmilk. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  21. Dulava, Valeria (August 21, 2020). "After a tumultuous year, Nightbirde finally declares 'It's OK' in an electrifying follow-up to her debut". Earmilk. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  22. "Emerging Artists". Billboard. August 8, 2017.
  23. "Nightbirde - 'New Year's Eve (The Remix)' - American iTunes Chart Performance". iTunes Charts. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  24. "Nightbirde - 'New Year's Eve (The Remix)' - Australian iTunes Chart Performance". iTunes Charts. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  25. "Nightbirde - 'New Year's Eve (The Remix)' - Canadian iTunes Chart Performance". iTunes Charts. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  26. "Nightbirde - 'New Year's Eve (The Remix)' - British iTunes Chart Performance". iTunes Charts. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  27. "Nightbirde, cancer patient with 2 percent chance of survival, stuns with emotional 'AGT' song: 'I'm so much more than the bad things that happen to me'".
  28. Dicker, Ron (June 9, 2021). "Cancer Patient Jane Marczewski Melts Simon Cowell With 'Stunning' Voice On 'America's Got Talent'". HuffPost. Retrieved September 20, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  29. Long, Andy; Thompson, Stephanie (June 10, 2021). "After AGT Golden Buzzer, original Nightbirde song 'It's OK' topping iTunes download charts". WCMH-TV. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  30. https://headlineplanet.com/home/2021/06/10/nightbirdes-its-ok-reaches-1-on-us-itunes-song-sales-chart-following-golden-buzzer-winning-americas-got-talent-performance/
  31. Melas, Chloe (August 3, 2021). "'America's Got Talent' contestant departs show due to cancer battle". CNN. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  32. Ojomu, Nola (August 2, 2021). "America's Got Talent: Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act Nightbirde forced to pull out as cancer takes a 'turn for the worse'". Metro. UK. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  33. Naquin, Talia. "Simon Cowell shares update on Ohio singer 'Nightbirde' amid cancer battle". Cleveland, Ohio: WJW TV. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  34. September 14, Karen Mizoguchi; Pm, 2021 08:00. "AGT: Simon Cowell on Nightbirde's Success After Her Exit, His 'Amazing' Frontrunner to Win Season 16". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved January 10, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  35. "Simon Cowell fights back tears as Nightbirde returns to 'AGT'". August 12, 2021.
  36. "America's Got Talent: Nightbirde returns after dropping out". MSN.
  37. Bharath, Deepa (July 25, 2020) [July 24, 2020]. "Hundreds gather in Huntington Beach to be baptized with cold dunk in the ocean". The Orange County Register. Retrieved September 20, 2021.
  38. "Cowell's tribute, other honors for 'Nightbirde' Jane Marczewski". February 23, 2022.
  39. "Nightbirde GoFundMe tops $630,000 to help pay medical bills after Ohio singer leaves 'America's Got Talent' amid battle with cancer". MSN.
  40. Keegan, Kayla (June 10, 2021). "'AGT' Star Nightbirde Delivers a Health Update After Sharing Cancer Diagnosis". Good Housekeeping. Retrieved September 20, 2021 – via MSN.
  41. "'It's a lot to carry but such an honor': Nightbirde describes fight to Chris Cuomo - CNN Video".
  42. "Cancer-battling singer 'Nightbirde' captures hearts on 'America's Got Talent' - CNN Video". CNN.
  43. "Nightbirde's Last Words Shared by 'AGT' Star's Family in Touching Video About Grief". February 22, 2022.
  44. "Jane 'Nightbirde' Marczewski: 5 ThingsAbout The 'AGT' Star Tragically Dead At 31After Cancer Battle". Hollywood Life. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  45. Evans, Greg (February 21, 2022). "Jane "Nightbirde" Marczewski Dies: 'America's Got Talent' Star Was 31". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  46. Mizoguchi, Karen (February 21, 2022). "AGT Star Jane 'Nightbirde' Marczewski's Family Is 'Devastated by Her Passing': 'Unimaginable Loss'". People. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  47. "Cancer research foundation created in honor of Nightbirde, who rose to fame on 'America's Got Talent' last year". February 23, 2022.
  48. "'America's Got Talent' contestant Nightbirde dies after cancer battle". CNN.
  49. "America's Got Talent breakout Nightbirde dies at 31 after cancer battle".
  50. "'America's Got Talent: Extreme' Tributes Nightbirde Following Singer's Death". Outsider. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  51. "AGT: Extreme Pays Tribute to Jane 'Nightbirde' Marczewski After Singer's Death". People. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  52. "Lines EP". bandcamp. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  53. "Jane Marczewski on Apple Music".
  54. "US Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  55. "Australian Digital Song Sales". Billboard. June 26, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  56. "Canada Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  57. "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  58. "Nightbirde". Spotify.
  59. "Nightbirde Music".
  60. "Nightbirde on Apple Music".
  61. Nightbirde (2021). "It's OK (Live Maple House Sessions)". Spotify.
  62. "America's Got Talent's Nightbirde Sings Another Beautiful Original Ballad 'Brave'". Waynation. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  63. "New Year's Eve (Yacht Money Remix)".
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