On โAmericaโs Got Talentโ (AGT), there are no limits when it comes to showcasing raw talent, no matter your age.
While many contestants are adults in their 20s or 30s, others in their 70s or 80s still impress with their skills.
And then, there are children who manage to wow the audience and judges with their incredible talents, even if they havenโt hit their teenage years yet!
While the audience is usually supportive and encouraging to young contestants, Simon Cowell doesnโt always make things easy.
Heโs known for his tough critiques, and thatโs exactly what happened to a young performer named Ansley Burns.
As she stepped onto the stage, her infectious energy and sweet personality immediately caught the attention of the judges and the crowd.
Simon was quick to comment on her charming Southern accent as she introduced herself.
Ansley, hailing from Easley, South Carolina, had everyoneโs attention when she announced that she would be singing Aretha Franklinโs hit song, โThink.โ
Cowell, shocked, asked her if she was really going to tackle such a huge song at just 11 years old.
Burns confidently responded that she was ready to do it.
What the judges didnโt know was that this wasnโt her first time performing in front of an audience.
Burns has her own YouTube channel where she shares videos of her singing, including a standout performance of the hymn โHow Great Thou Art,โ which has garnered lots of attention.
Even at just 11 years old, her powerful voice had already impressed many online.
Not to mention, her local performances had helped her build enough buzz to land her a spot on the national AGT stage.
When Ansley started her performance of โThink,โ she was accompanied by a loud backing track.
She belted out the tune with all her might, but it quickly became apparent that Simon wasnโt happy.
He kept glancing around, clearly distracted by something, and after a short while, he raised his hand to stop the performance.
Simon explained that the backing track was too distracting and wasnโt letting him properly judge her vocal ability.
What happened next could have easily rattled any young performer.
Simon asked Ansley if she could restart her performance, but this time, a cappellaโwithout any music at all.
Burns froze for a second, no doubt feeling the pressure of the moment.
To calm her nerves, Simon offered her some water, showing a rare moment of compassion, and encouraged her to try again.
After taking a breath and gathering her composure, Ansley launched into the song once more, this time without the backing track.
Her voice filled the auditorium, and the audience began clapping along, clearly enjoying her unaccompanied vocals.
As her performance progressed, Ansleyโs voice soared to new heights, and she nailed the high notes with precision.
Despite the rocky start, she delivered a powerful rendition that wowed everyone.
The situation could have thrown anyone off, but Ansley showed the grace and composure of a seasoned performer.
As viewers have seen many times on AGT, it takes more than just a good voice to succeed.
Itโs all about stage presence, the right song choice, and staying calm under pressure.
Ansley certainly demonstrated all of that during her audition.
In the end, Simon recognized Ansleyโs talent and made sure she had a fair second chance.
After such an intense experience, sheโs surely ready to handle anything that comes her way in future performances.
Check out Ansleyโs unforgettable audition in the video below!
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