Entertainment
Young Teen’s Risk Of Remaking Whitney Song Makes Simon Halt Audition
It was risky to make such a change to one of Whitney’s songs, especially for such a young girl.
Kathleen Shipman
07.15.19

The world is full of some pretty amazing musical talent. So if you’re going to enter one of the TV singing competitions, it’s a good idea to wow the judges with something unique.

When 16-year-old Lauren Platt took the stage of The X Factor UK, it was obvious she had the look. However, little did anyone know she had prepared a song that would help her stand out from the rest.

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You only have one chance to impress the panel of judges.

On shows like American Idol, The Voice, or the Got Talent series, the contestants have to do everything they can to have a successful audition. So, it’s very crucial that musicians pick “the right” song.

Lauren had decided to sing a Whitney Houston classic, but it’s probably not one that you’re thinking of. “I Will Always Love You” and “I Have Nothing” are two choices that are commonly seen on shows like these. She had a different idea, though.

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YoutTube Screenshot

The teen seemed extremely nervous at the beginning of her audition. Between the crowd, the judges, and all the viewers at home, it’s no wonder that a lot of contestants are a big ball of anxiety up on stage.

All her nerves seem to float away as she began to sing. When everyone realized Lauren was covering Whitney Houston’s pop classic, “How Will I Know,” they cheered with excitement.

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Yet, Lauren’s rendition sounded quite different than the original. Instead of a fun, upbeat dance song – she slowed it down and added some soul. It’s obvious she was pouring her heart into it.

Her family stood watching from the sidelines. You could tell how proud of Lauren they were. All their emotions were written on their faces.

Lauren’s voice is so beautiful and mature it can fill a room with goosebumps. Especially mixed with the love song – her performance was nothing less than divine.

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Whitney Houston’s recording of “How Will I Know” was released in 1985. It became so popular, it even reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Ironically, the tune was originally created by Shannon Rubicam and George Merrill for singer Janet Jackson. However, she turned it down.

The teen’s unique spin was so incredibly done, that Simon stuck his hand up while she was still singing. He was ready to vote.

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After the crowd finally quieted down the judges were ready to share their reactions. The first said,

“You know what, that is actually the smartest audition we’ve had so far on this stage. What a smart move to take a well-known song like that and make it current – and you can sing!”

Mel B’s response was a little more dramatic. She told Lauren,

“I’m so excited right now, I could slap ya – like seriously!”

The poor teen was a tad bit taken aback, but knew it was all in good fun. Mel continued,

“I mean you’ve just got everything. You’re young, you’re fresh, you’re original, you can sing, you’re confident. You tick every single box and more.”

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The X Factor judges were so impressed by Lauren’s audition that they all gave her “yeses” to advance to the next round. The look of happiness on her face is just priceless.

Getting to see someone so young think outside the box is really inspiring! It’s a chilling performance that’s been viewed more than 2,600,000 times.

Watch it for yourself below.

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