When Sarah Ikumu stepped onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage in 2017, she already had one thing in her favor: confidence.
The 15-year-old singer had chosen one of the biggest vocal challenges she could possibly attempt — “And I Am Telling You” from Dreamgirls.
Then she started singing.
Sarah Ikumu Takes on a Huge Song
Before her performance, Sarah explained that she had chosen the song because it would show her vocal ability.
Simon Cowell immediately recognized how ambitious the choice was.
Then the music began.
Sarah started the song with control before building toward its powerful sections.
The performance quickly became the focus of the entire room.
The Judges Rise to Their Feet
By the time Sarah finished, the audience and judges were on their feet.
The 15-year-old had delivered a performance that earned a standing ovation.
But there was still one major surprise waiting.
Simon Cowell Hits the Golden Buzzer
Simon Cowell reached across the judges’ table and pressed his Golden Buzzer.
Golden confetti filled the stage as Sarah celebrated with her family.
Simon later praised the performance, saying that although he had heard the song many times, Sarah had made it her own.
The Golden Buzzer sent her directly through to the live stages.
Sarah Returns With “Purple Rain”
Sarah’s journey continued in the live semifinals.
She performed Prince’s “Purple Rain” and once again impressed Simon Cowell.
However, she did not initially receive enough public votes to automatically advance to the final.
Instead, the judges selected Sarah as their Wildcard act.
That gave her another opportunity to perform.
Sarah Reaches the Final
Sarah returned to the stage for the 2017 grand final.
She performed Andra Day’s “Rise Up” as the Judges’ Wildcard.
Although she did not win the competition, she finished seventh in the final.
Her journey had taken her from a confident audition to the Golden Buzzer, the semifinals, a Wildcard comeback and ultimately the BGT final.
Final Thoughts
Sarah Ikumu’s original audition remains one of the memorable moments from Britain’s Got Talent 2017.
At just 15, she chose the demanding “And I Am Telling You” and delivered a performance that earned a standing ovation.
Simon Cowell responded with his Golden Buzzer, sending Sarah directly into the live stages.
Her BGT journey continued all the way to the grand final, making that first audition the beginning of a remarkable story.
