Matt Mauser, Widower Who Lost Wife in Same Helicopter Crash as Kobe Bryant, Auditions For 'AGT'

Matt Mauser delivered an emotional audition for America’s Got Talent on Tuesday night (July 6).

The singer’s name might sound familiar as he is the widower of Christina Mauser, who died in the same helicopter crash as Kobe Bryant in January 2020.

Click inside to watch Matt’s audition for AGT…

“On January 26, 2020, I lost my wife, in the same helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant,” Matt revealed to the judges as he began his audition.

Christina was the basketball coach on the flight as they were heading to a tournament before a crash claimed all of their lives, including the pilot’s.

In a pre-taped package, Matt reflected on the impact Christina had on his life.

“She was just this very humble, powerful, beautiful human being,” Matt added, while talking with host Terry Crews. “When she left that day, she kissed me and she said, ‘I love you.’ And that was the last thing my wife ever said to me.”

In the days after the crash, Matt explained that his focus “immediately went to my children,” and he knows his wife “would want me to carry on, and she would want our kids to have happy lives.”

He went on, saying, “I don’t know if it’s possible, but I’m gonna try.”

Matt performed Phil Collins’ 1984 single, “Against All Odds”, with their three children watching on.

“We felt your emotion,” judge Howie Mandel told Matt. “If you’re able to move strangers, and we can feel it in our hearts… there aren’t words to describe it.”

Sofia Vergara added, “It was very emotional, very touching. Thank you. Thank you for being here.”

Simon Cowell then asked Matt what he’d like to get out of being on the show.

He thought about it for a moment before answering: “I’d like to make sure that my children see that, in spite of the grief that we’ve been through this year, that that grief is not going to define who we are as a family. And that my children see that you have to find joy in life and you have to continue.”

“If this can in any way help my children see that you have to chase your dreams, then I’ll take it,” he added.

Watch Matt‘s full audition below:

He’ll move onto the next round, as he got four yeses.

Last month, a viral TikTok group went on the show.