Mom, 39, channels Whitney Houston in a moving 'America's Got Talent' performance

Taking on a Whitney Houston song is a risky move for any performer, but it paid off Tuesday for "America's Got Talent" contestant Glennis Grace.

The 39-year-old wowed the "AGT" judges and studio audience with a moving rendition of the legendary Houston’s “Run to You.”

“Ever since I was a little kid, I knew I was made to sing for lots and lots more people. I’m a bit nervous just to sing for you guys and you,” she said before performing, gesturing to the judges and the audience.

Just seconds later, the native of Holland commanded the stage with a cool, confident air. She won the votes of all four judges, earning a rare smile from demanding judge Simon Cowell and a standing ovation from the remaining judges and the theater audience.

“I’m just sitting here thinking you look amazing, you sound amazing,” Cowell said. “I feel like I’m looking at a star already.”

Judge Mel B seconded Cowell’s praises, but pushed Grace to go further: “it’s almost like you sounded exactly like Whitney Houston. I want you to take Whitney Houston, embody her, but then I want to see more of you.”

Grace said she lacked confidence as a kid and struggled watching her parents’ rocky marriage. Now, she has an 11-year-old son of her own.

“The only reason you’re not a star yet is because we haven’t seen you and we haven’t heard you,” judge Howie Mandel said. “How lucky are we that we get to watch you explode on this stage tonight. Not only did you make yourself proud, but you made your son proud.”

Grace said her son was the reason she was standing on the stage of the NBC talent competition.

“He believes in me so much that he’s inspired me to do ‘AGT,’” she said. “It’s the most important thing to have his support — otherwise, I wouldn’t do this. I want to show my son you always have to go for your goals and your dreams, because dreams come true.”

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WSBTV