Avery Dixon, 21, appeared on America’s Got Talent on Tuesday, soulfully playing his saxophone and amazing the judges, according to Hollywood Life

Dixon revealed that he was born 24 weeks premature, weighing 1 pound, 8 ounces. He shared that growing up, he was also bullied by his peers at school.

“I was in such a dark place, I actually wanted to commit suicide,” Dixon told the judges of his experience with bullying, USA Today reports. “When you’re in that mindset, the only thing you wanna do is quit. … That’s when I started actually learning how to play (the saxophone).”

Detailing some of his life story with the judges, the saxophonist said his vocal cords don’t close completely, causing his voice to be “airy.”

Dixon’s soul-stirring ability moved usually stern judge Simon Cowell.

“Every time I hear a story about a kid being bullied at school, it breaks my heart,” Cowell said, according to USA Today. “Any one of those idiots who bullied you now I hope is watching this audition. All of us were willing you to be good; I didn’t know you were gonna be great.”

Dixon’s story and performance brought host Terry Crews to tears. The host ultimately hit the Golden Buzzer, allowing Dixon to advance to Hollywood.

“You touched the heart of every human being in this building right now,” Crews said, according to USA Today. “You’ve been bullied all your life, but you tell every bully that you have got a big brother named Terry Crews who is here, who’s got your back. All those bullies are gonna have to watch you succeed.”