When Jacob Lewis from Butlerville, Newfoundland and Labrador, stepped onto the stage of Canada’s Got Talent in 2025, few could have predicted just how deeply his performance would resonate. Within moments, however, the air shifted. His heartfelt delivery, layered with sincerity and quiet strength, silenced the crowd in the best way possible. And then, something remarkable happened: country music legend Shania Twain, in her very first season as a judge on the show, rose to her feet and hit the Golden Buzzer. In an instant, gold confetti rained down, Lewis’s journey took a dramatic leap forward, and the audience erupted in celebration.
For Jacob, this was more than just a television moment. The Golden Buzzer does not simply signify approval; it serves as an immediate ticket to the semifinals, skipping rounds that can otherwise be daunting and exhausting. It also came with a $25,000 prize from sponsor CIBC, a sum that will help him invest in his music career—whether through recording new songs, touring, or expanding his creative reach. For a young musician from a small community, that financial boost can be transformative. It opens doors to professional opportunities that might otherwise remain closed.
What made the moment even more powerful was Shania Twain’s involvement. Twain, who grew up in Timmins, Ontario, has often spoken about how challenging it was for her to break into the industry as a small-town artist. She knows firsthand the uphill climb faced by musicians who don’t have ready access to big-city connections or major platforms. Her decision to back Jacob Lewis wasn’t just about rewarding a good performance; it was about recognizing the raw authenticity of a young artist who reminded her of the struggles and resilience she herself once embodied. In pressing the Golden Buzzer, Twain was, in many ways, paying forward the opportunities she wished she had received earlier in her own career.
The audience that evening felt it, too. As Lewis sang, his voice carried both vulnerability and conviction. Viewers described being moved to tears, not only by the technical quality of his performance but by the emotional weight he brought to each note. The other judges—already seasoned in spotting talent—were visibly touched, nodding along and exchanging glances that said they knew they were witnessing something special. It is rare for a contestant to capture both the crowd’s and the judges’ hearts so quickly, but Jacob managed it with remarkable ease.
The symbolism of this moment extends beyond the stage. Shows like Canada’s Got Talent thrive on unexpected discoveries, and Jacob Lewis embodies that spirit. He represents the idea that talent can emerge from any corner of the country, even from communities far removed from Canada’s major entertainment hubs. For aspiring musicians across rural regions, seeing someone like Jacob succeed is more than inspiring—it is proof that their dreams are possible, too. Twain’s choice to elevate him highlights the importance of using a platform to amplify voices that might otherwise remain unheard.
As the season continues, all eyes are now on Jacob. Fans are eager to see what he will bring to the semifinals, and there’s a growing buzz around how far he could go in the competition. Some speculate that he may even be a frontrunner for the entire season. His story is resonating not only because of his voice but also because of the narrative of perseverance, humility, and small-town pride. Social media lit up after his Golden Buzzer moment, with clips of his performance being shared widely, drawing comments from viewers who admitted they watched the clip multiple times and still felt goosebumps.
Meanwhile, the $25,000 award will no doubt provide Jacob with a practical foundation to pursue projects that had previously only been dreams. Perhaps he will use it to record an album, produce professional videos, or even travel for collaborations. These are the kinds of steps that can significantly accelerate a young artist’s career. And with Shania Twain’s endorsement now behind him, opportunities may arise that go far beyond what money alone could accomplish. A nod from an international star of Twain’s caliber carries immense weight in the music world.
For Shania, the Golden Buzzer moment was also a statement about her role as a judge. Being new to Canada’s Got Talent, she had the chance to set the tone for how she would use her influence. By choosing Jacob Lewis, she sent a clear message: she values heart over polish, sincerity over flash, and authenticity over theatrics. In doing so, she reminded audiences why she remains one of Canada’s most beloved performers—because she has never lost touch with her roots or forgotten the importance of giving back.
As Jacob Lewis prepares for the next stage of the competition, one thing is certain: his life has already changed forever. That single performance brought him national attention, financial support, and the backing of one of the biggest names in music. Whether he ultimately wins the season or not, his Golden Buzzer moment has carved out a place for him in Canadian entertainment history. Viewers will remember it as one of those rare instances where everything aligned—the performance, the emotion, the judge’s decision—and a new star was born in front of our eyes.
With the spotlight now firmly on him, Jacob carries not only the hopes of his own dreams but also the pride of his hometown and the encouragement of countless Canadians who see their own struggles reflected in his story. The road ahead will be challenging, as the competition only grows tougher, but his Golden Buzzer moment has given him momentum that few contestants ever achieve. It is more than a shortcut to the semifinals—it is a symbol of what happens when raw talent, emotional honesty, and the right opportunity come together at the perfect time. And as the season unfolds, fans across the country will be watching closely, eager to see how far Jacob Lewis can soar.
