America's Got Talent on NBC: Meet Lily Meola, discovered by Willie Nelson while she was performing at one of her gigs

For any budding vocalist, being named Willie Nelson's apprentice is an enormous honor. Lily Meola has her sights set on seducing the judges and audience of "America's Got Talent" after achieving this remarkable achievement in 2013. The 27-year-old will soon perform in front of Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel. While we'll have to wait and see if she's able to win over the judges and the audience in order to claim the $1 million first prize and the chance to perform as the opening act in Las Vegas. You may read all about Meola here while you wait.

Who is Lily Meola?

The Maui, Hawaii native now residing in California is no stranger to the music industry. Meola has spent her entire childhood listening to excellent music because she is the daughter of Nancy Meola, the legendary manager of Shep Gordon's assistant. When she was 11, she started singing after getting a part in a musical play at her school. Nancy started securing employment for her daughter after seeing how well she performed.

The Maui, Hawaii native now residing in California is no stranger to the music industry. Meola has spent her entire childhood listening to excellent music because she is the daughter of Nancy Meola, the legendary manager Shep Gordon's assistant. When she was 11, she started singing after getting a part in a musical play at her school. Nancy started securing employment for her daughter after seeing how well she performed.

Meola's life was drastically transformed when Willie Nelson saw her play at one of her engagements. Meola recalled this in an interview with Wasserman Music: "Willie handed me a napkin with a few song titles written on it after the event and asked, 'Would you like to record any of these?'" He questioned my interest in appearing on his duet record. I responded, "Hell, yes. She later collaborated with the iconic singer on a duet for his album "To All the Girls," released in 2013. Even Nelson and his boys took her on tour. Her career quickly took off, and she released her self-titled debut album in 2015. She was also listed as one of the "10 new country performers you need to know" by Rolling Stone.

Meola informed the well-known Jackson Brown that she had no idea where to begin when writing songs, and he taught her the craft. She apparently learned everything she needed to know about writing songs on the piano from Brown in a single lesson. Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC, season 17 of America's Got Talent airs. Every Tuesday from 8 to 10 p.m. ET/PT, you may watch brand-new episodes.