Jackie Evancho, a 10-year-old Pennsylvania girl who was chosen by YouTube viewers to compete on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” stunned the judges and audience Tuesday (Aug. 10) night with her big voice and even bigger heart.
Evancho, of Pine Township, sang Giacomo Puccini’s aria “O Mio Babbino Caro” and received praise from the judges and overwhelming applause from the audience.
She’s another Susan Boyle, without the baggage. But critics were just as quick to pounce.
Some questioned whether she was lip-syncing after poring over her performance on YouTube, claiming her lips and breathing pattern didn’t match the song precisely.
Others said she was too young to be appearing on stage before such a large audience, and questioned whether her parents where pushing her too hard to perform.
But the judges heaped accolades on her for her talent and the audience gave her a standing ovation.
Host Nick Cannon said Jackie has a timeless voice.
The tiny blonde wore a pink ruffled dress and a big smile, and seemed to sing effortlessly.
After the performance, Jackie said she was so happy she wanted to cry.
Jackie was one of 12 acts who performed on the show.
Four of those performers will join 20 other semifinalists who are competing for $1 million and a contract to perform in Las Vegas.
But she does more than opera; check out Evancho’s cover of Britney Spears’ “Everytime,” from her debut album, which incidentally, is available on iTunes.