Entertainment
13-Year-Old Rocks Etta James Song With Ending Note That Sends Judges To Their Feet
Within the first notes all four judges spun around as she rocked this Etta James classic. But I have to admit I had the same reaction when she hit that final note – I was not expecting that at all.
Kathleen Shipman
07.18.19

On The Voice Kids, it’s important for judges to choose wisely when selecting contestants. After all, their goal is to work with only the brightest stars.

Sometimes, however, they don’t need long to realize a youngster’s potential. One memorable audition took place when 13-year-old Demi van Wijngaarden walked onto the stage.

YouTube Screenshot
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YouTube Screenshot

The Voice Kids is a reality TV talent competition that’s spread worldwide. This particular performance took place on the Dutch version of the series.

All of the red chairs were facing away from Demi as she stepped into the spotlight. What’s great about this aspect of The Voice is that it allows the contestants to be judged on their singing talent alone, without looks swaying a decision.

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YouTube Screenshot

The teen began her audition with a bang.

Using her powerful set of lungs, Demi belted out the first line of “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” by Etta James. Everyone’s ears immediately perked up.

But that was all it took for some of the judges. In under five seconds, Demi’s voice convinced Marco Borsato to slam his red button and turn his chair around.

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YouTube Screenshot

Nick & Simon immediately followed, flipping their team chair as well. It gave them a chance to see who was behind the incredible talent.

Since Demi had only performed the first lyrics of the song – would the judges continue being impressed throughout her blind audition?

The teen then sang the second line,

“I get a feeling that I never, never, never, never had before, no no.”

They were words that sent Marco over the edge with excitement. He jumped from his seat and even had to bite his fist in order to calm himself.

Marco wanted Demi to be on his team, that’s for sure.

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YouTube Screenshot

Yet, there was still one judge that hadn’t of turned her big chair, musical artist Angela Groothuizen.

As the song picked up the pace, Demi kicked her performance up a notch too. This caused Angela to hit her button like the others – unable to deny that the youngster was quite gifted.

Now all the judges were able to enjoy Demi’s audition with their ears AND their eyes. The teen definitely had the look of a pop star as she confidently danced around the stage.

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Picking the right song to audition with is a huge key to a contestant’s success. For Demi, she was able to demonstrate her strong vocal abilities and high energy with her selection.

Etta James released “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” back in 1962, which is considered an R&B tune that also includes some gospel, soul, and blues. Christina Aguilera famously covered the song for the film, Burlesque, and its soundtrack album.

Demi proved in her blind audition that she was a showstopper. The judges couldn’t contain their amazement as she completely nailed the performance from beginning to end.

YouTube Screenshot
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YouTube Screenshot

Even the internet went crazy over Demi’s rendition of “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” Since The Voice Kids posted the video on YouTube in 2013, it’s been watched over 54 million times.

There are many talented singers that have walked onto The Voice, but not all of them have what it takes to be a superstar. At just 13-years-old, Demi managed to set the room on fire.

It only took five seconds to have the judges going nuts over Demi. You can witness it for yourself below!

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