Young girl fighting cancer sings heart-wrenching 'Greatest Showman' song for talent show audition

Second grader Brielle Bird, 9, has the voice of a songbird. Brielle is currently battling cancer, stage 4 neuroblastoma, for the second time following a relapse in January 2024. And despite her physical challenges, she did not let it stop her from auditioning for her school's talent show.

In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Brielle sang "A Million Dreams" from The Greatest Showman, just a few days after receiving bad new from her doctors. "When you’re tired, I’ll keep fighting for you!" Brielle's mom Kendra wrote in the video's caption.

Brielle dressed up for the audition. She wore a sweet powder blue dress with bows, knee-high socks and Mary Jane style shoes with a matching headband. She sings from her heart, belting out "A Million Dreams" while holding a lantern.

Her mom Kendra shared more about Brielle's battle with captions in the video as she sang. "We got some pretty devastating news a couple days ago. Brielle's cancer is spreading, with a new tumor growing in her pelvis," she wrote. "Chemotherapy is no longer working, nor do they have any other options."

Despite this, Brielle was determined to audition for her school's talent show. "She has been planning to audition for the school talent show for weeks. She was not going to let her aching leg stop her from making this happen. I tried to carry her into the school, but she shook her head 'no'," she wrote.

In an amazing show of strength, she made her way into school. "She limped into the school, and down to the music room. Though a little nervous, she sung her heart out. And I cried my eyes out," she added. "Brielle, you are changing the world. You are my hero! 9 years old, fighting cancer for the second time, and bringing people to their knees. Keep fighting. And when you're tired, I'll keep fighting for you!"

“Keep Fighting”: A Community Uplifted by Brielle’s Strength

The emotional video got a rousing response from viewers. "I need @thehughjackman to see this, 😭" one wrote. Another commented, "What a beautiful job she did. I hope your sweet Brie feels nothing but pride and all the love we here are sending both of you. 💕💕💕" And another viewer added, "Sobbing. Brielle you are so special & Brave. What a beautiful voice! A perfect audition 💕 We are sending all our love and prayers to your family 🙏🏻"

And there is good news: Brielle made the talent show! In a follow-up video on Instagram, Brielle found out the good news by looking at a list at school.

A Little Girl with a Big Voice and an Even Bigger Heart

Brielle was initially diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma when she was just four years old in 2020, according to Rally Foundation. She spent the next two years undergoing multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and stays in the hospital. For 22 months, she was in remission. However, the cancer came back in January 2024, and she continues to fight it to this day.

And through it all, Brielle Bird continues to shine.

Despite the toll her illness has taken, Brielle's voice—and her spirit—refuse to dim. Her unforgettable performance of “A Million Dreams” at her school talent show sparked more than just a viral moment. It became a beacon of hope. From that stage to the hospital room, Brielle has shown the kind of courage that lifts everyone around her.

Her family has given the world beautiful glimpses of that strength: her sheer joy at making the talent show, the sacred blessing from their faith community, the moments that hold both joy and gravity. And her hometown has stepped up in return, rallying around Brielle and her siblings with love. Neighbors came together to build a special “healing home” tailored to her needs—a physical space made with hope and heart.

Support keeps pouring in. Fundraisers, prayers, and messages from strangers across the globe reflect just how far Brielle's light has reached. Her family’s simple but powerful motto—“We Fight”—has become a shared call to action. And while the road ahead is uncertain, one thing is clear: Brielle's legacy is already transforming lives.

Her voice, in every sense, still sings. And the world is listening. If you would like to support Brielle's healing journey, you can check out her Support Now page here.