When 15-year-old Sarah Ikumu walked onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage in 2017, she immediately showed incredible confidence.
She had chosen Jennifer Hudson’s powerful “And I Am Telling You” from Dreamgirls for her audition.
Then she started singing.
Sarah Ikumu Takes on a Huge Song
Sarah explained that she had chosen the song because it would showcase her vocal ability.
It was an ambitious choice.
Simon Cowell questioned whether she could really take on such a huge song.
But Sarah quickly answered that question with her voice.
Her performance grew more powerful as it continued, eventually bringing the audience and judges to their feet.
Simon Cowell Hits the Golden Buzzer
When Sarah finished, Simon Cowell pressed his Golden Buzzer.
The moment sent Sarah directly toward the live stages of the competition.
It was a major moment for the young singer and one that immediately made her one of the season’s memorable contestants.
Amanda Holden described her audition as “mind-blowing,” while Simon called the performance “quite incredible.”
Sarah Returns With “Purple Rain”
Sarah later returned to the competition for the semifinals.
This time, she performed Prince’s “Purple Rain.”
Again, her powerful vocals received a huge response, with all four judges standing.
Simon praised her performance and described her as the best singer to have appeared on Britain’s Got Talent up to that point.
However, Sarah did not initially advance through the public vote.
The Wild Card Changes Everything
Sarah’s BGT journey could have ended there.
Instead, the judges selected her as their Wild Card for the Grand Final.
That gave her another opportunity to perform in front of the nation.
For the final, Sarah chose Andra Day’s “Rise Up.”
She ultimately finished seventh in the 2017 competition.
Final Thoughts
Sarah Ikumu’s BGT story began with confidence, a huge song and a powerful voice.
At just 15 years old, she performed “And I Am Telling You,” earned a standing ovation and received Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer.
She later performed “Purple Rain,” returned to the final as the judges’ Wild Card and finished seventh after performing “Rise Up.”
Her journey remains one of the memorable Golden Buzzer stories from Britain’s Got Talent Series 11.
