In a potentially calamitous moment, a 12-year-old girl from Easley, South Carolina, transformed an interrupted audition on โAmericaโs Got Talentโ into an indelible experience for both the judges and the audience.
As Ansley embarked on her rendition of Aretha Franklinโs โThink,โ judge Simon Cowell unexpectedly halted her performance, expressing disdain for the background music, which he deemed โhorrible, horrible.โ
After a brief pause, Cowell proposed that Ansley proceed without any musical accompaniment. Although initially taken aback, she graciously accepted, even indulging in a sip of water from Cowellโs cup, playfully dubbed โmagic water.โ The audience and judges rallied behind her with resounding applause.
Buoyed by newfound confidence, Ansley commenced singing the song with the finesse and composure of a seasoned professional.
Her performance captivated all four judges, eliciting unanimous โyesโ votes and securing her advancement to the next round.