When a preschooler walks onto a massive reality television stage, the audience usually braces for a sweet, simple rendition of a nursery rhyme or a Disney classic. Five-year-old Sophie Fatu completely flipped the script during her 2018 audition for America’s Got Talent. Dressed in a tiny pink skirt and speaking with an incredibly precocious vocabulary, she didn’t choose a child’s song. Instead, she took on one of the most famous jazz standards in American history, instantly cementing herself as one of the most memorable acts of Season thirteen.
Meet the Performer
At just five years old, Sophie Fatu traveled all the way from Charleston, West Virginia, to Los Angeles for her massive television debut. The trip was a major milestone for the young girl, who cheerfully informed the judges that it was her very first time flying on an airplane.
Before the music even started, Sophie had the entire judging panel wrapped around her finger. When asked who her favorite judge was, she quickly replied, “Mr. Simon,” securing a massive smile from the notoriously tough music executive. She also adorably admitted that she had seen him press the Golden Buzzer before and hoped for good luck on her own big day.
The Performance That Captured Everyone’s Attention
The moment the dramatic, swelling orchestral track of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” began playing over the auditorium speakers, the judges looked genuinely shocked.
Holding a microphone that was almost as big as her head, Sophie delivered the iconic lounge-singer anthem with unbelievable charm. While she certainly sounded like a five-year-old, her timing, phrasing, and theatrical arm movements proved she had a deep understanding of the classic jazz style. She swung back and forth, belting out the lyrics about living a long, full life and doing things her own way, which created a hilarious and adorable contrast to her tiny stature.
The Judges’ Reactions
The judging panel was absolutely mesmerized by the young jazz singer’s confidence. Simon Cowell found the song choice brilliant, noting the comedic value of a kindergartener singing a song meant for someone at the end of their life.
“Normally people about ninety sing that song about what their life’s been about,” Cowell laughed. “You’re singing it at five! You are hilarious.”
Cowell was so charmed by Sophie’s personality that he jokingly offered to set her up with his young son, Eric. “I want you to date my son. He just split up with his girlfriend, so I’m going to have to make an introduction.”
The rest of the panel echoed his praise. Mel B told the young girl she sang “like an angel,” while Heidi Klum applauded her fearlessness. “We see so many people here, a lot of grown-ups, and they’re shaking, they are so nervous,” Klum pointed out. “And you just did it like that.”
The panel easily handed the young performer four massive “Yes” votes, declaring her “happiness in a bottle.”
What Happened Next?
Sophie’s successful audition made America’s Got Talent history. At the time, she became the youngest contestant to ever pass the audition round and advance to the Judge Cuts. She returned for her second performance with yet another Frank Sinatra classic, performing an adorable cover of “New York, New York.”
While she was ultimately eliminated before the live shows, her television exposure turned her into a viral sensation. Sophie continued to perform jazz classics, appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Little Big Shots, proving that true talent does not have an age limit.
Watch the Full Performance
Watch five-year-old Sophie Fatu steal the show with her classic jazz audition in the video below.
