Thirteen-year-old Angelina Greene came to the stage with a personal story of how music had become her sanctuary. She shared that following her parents’ divorce, the difficulty of the situation was eased significantly by her dedication to singing, which she had pursued seriously since the separation. Describing her mother as her closest confidante and best friend, Angelina approached the massive auditorium with a visible nervousness. Despite her young age and evident anxiety, she was prepared to share her heart and use music as a form of emotional therapy, setting the tone for an intensely moving audition.
For her performance, Angelina chose to sing “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders. Her rendition of the powerful ballad was delivered with a maturity and depth that completely belied her age. The emotional weight of the song, combined with her pure vocal quality, created a mesmerizing moment in the theatre. As the performance concluded, the judges were visibly affected, recognizing that she had successfully achieved the ultimate goal of music: moving her audience emotionally. Judge Mel B later remarked that she felt the presence of an “old soul inside of that little 13-year-old body,” acknowledging the surprising depth of the young singer’s artistry.
The judges were unanimous in their praise for Angelina’s talent and vulnerability. Even the famously stern Simon Cowell was thoroughly impressed, calling it one of his favorite auditions and memorably stating that she made his “goosebumps have goosebumps.” However, it was Mel B who, captivated by the powerful emotional connection and the sheer talent displayed, reached forward and slammed the coveted Golden Buzzer. This dramatic action sent Angelina straight through to the live shows, confirming the panel’s belief that her ability to channel her personal pain into a beautiful, resonant performance made her a truly special find.
