When a young girl steps onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage, the judges typically expect a sweet, nervous, or shy vocal performance. Eleven-year-old Asanda Jezile completely shattered those expectations. Bringing a fierce, undeniable energy to her 2013 audition, she transformed the stage into her own personal concert arena, delivering an unforgettable rendition of Rihanna’s “Diamonds” that left the entire auditorium screaming for more.
Meet the Performer
At just eleven years old, Asanda Jezile arrived at Britain’s Got Talent with a level of confidence that takes most artists decades to build. During her pre-audition interview, she proudly described herself as “a little bit of a diva,” naming pop icons BeyoncĂ© and Rihanna as her biggest musical inspirations.
She admired the fierce, commanding energy her idols brought to the stage and fully intended to replicate it. According to her parents, music was her entire world. She sang constantly around the house, sometimes to the point where they had to remind her to stop singing and focus on her homework. That unbridled passion was evident the moment she gripped the microphone.
The Performance That Captured Everyone’s Attention
The moment the opening track of Rihanna’s global hit “Diamonds” began to play, Asanda flipped a switch. She did not just stand at the microphone stand and hit the notes; she performed with intense, choreographed dance moves, hip isolations, and a sassy attitude that perfectly matched the massive pop anthem.
Her vocal power was highly impressive for an eleven-year-old, capturing the rich, rhythmic phrasing needed to pull off a Rihanna track. Every time she executed a sharp dance move in sync with the beat, the massive crowd erupted in cheers. She navigated the stage with natural swagger, maintaining intense eye contact with the audience and proving that she was a born entertainer.
The Judges’ Reactions
The judging panel—Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and David Walliams—watched the audition with dropped jaws. Before the music even stopped, they were exchanging looks of sheer disbelief at the young girl’s raw star power.
Alesha Dixon, a seasoned pop star herself, was absolutely thrilled. “I cannot believe my eyes,” she told Asanda. “You know, when you are on the money, your voice is incredible. I can see you on a record already.”
David Walliams played heavily into the song choice, telling the young vocalist, “You were like a little diamond.” Meanwhile, Amanda Holden admitted she was “lost for words,” praising the eleven-year-old for having “all the moves” of a true pop star.
However, the highest praise came from notoriously tough judge Simon Cowell, who recognized her unique x-factor. “We’ve had a lot of people your age over the years performing,” Cowell noted. “I’ve never seen anyone who’s got such amazing stage presence for an eleven-year-old. I think you are seriously, seriously good.”
Unsurprisingly, Asanda walked away with four massive “Yes” votes.
The Emotional Story Behind the Performance
While Asanda commanded the stage like a seasoned professional, the raw emotion of the moment was felt most heavily in the wings. Her parents stood alongside presenters Ant and Dec, watching their daughter conquer the massive television platform.
Her father was visibly moved, fighting back tears of pride as the judges showered his young daughter with praise. When Ant and Dec asked Asanda where she got her incredible talent from, she instantly credited her parents, pointing to them offstage and sharing a beautiful family moment before celebrating her successful audition.
What Happened Next?
Asanda’s journey on Britain’s Got Talent was only just beginning with her audition. Her massive stage presence carried her through the rigorous selection process and straight into the live semi-finals. She consistently delivered high-energy pop performances, winning over the British public and successfully earning a spot in the Series 7 grand final.
While she did not take home the ultimate crown that year, Asanda proved she was a force in the entertainment industry. Years later, she returned to the spotlight to compete in Eurovision: You Decide in 2018, continuing to pursue her dream of international pop stardom.
Watch the Full Performance
Watch Asanda Jezile channel her inner diva and shock the judges in the official video below.
