By LIZ THOMAS

Diva in the making: Arisxandra Libantino, 9, stunned the judges on Britain's Got Talent with her incredibly powerful voice


When she arrived on stage she was so shy she could barely speak.

But as soon as nine-year-old Arisxandra Libantino was told to sing – she could have rivalled Whitney Houston or Diana Ross.

The tiny schoolgirl stunned Britain’s Got Talent judges and the audience with her powerful voice during her audition.


Shy: Arisxandra had to be coaxed out on stage for her audition in Birmingham, but transformed into a star when she started singing


Accompanied by her parents Aristotle, 35, and mother Elma, 32, she had to be coaxed out on to stage at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre.

She was barely audible when judges asked her name and what she wanted to do.
But as soon as the spotlight fell on her to perform she transformed into a diva beyond her years.

Miss Libantino sang And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going, which Jennifer Hudson performed in the film Dreamgirls.


Incredible: The judges, including Amanda Holden, were blown away by the tiny schoolgirl's performance


The judging panel looked visibly shocked, while the audience cheered as she delivered a note perfect rendition of the song.

Miss Libantino finished to a standing ovation from the judges and the crowd – and was hailed as the best singer yet.

Hasselhoff told Miss Libantino: ‘Are you really nine years old? You are the best singer we have had on the show.


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‘You are so sweet. You came out. You owned that song. You channelled the diva. Great job.’

Miss Holden added: ‘It is like you channelled some [other] voice from somewhere. You have the biggest set of lungs ever for someone so small.

‘I can’t believe it. I thought you were going to sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow. You are a little diva in the making.’

Her father Aristotle, who is a care assistant, revealed that his daughter began singing when she was aged four and used to practise for hours in front of the mirror.


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Simon Cowell does not feature in the auditions phase episodes because of his tight work schedule and plan to launch The X Factor in the U.S – he will return for the live shows.

Piers Morgan also left the show to concentrate on his career in America – so this year comedian Michael McIntyre and Baywatch star David Hasselhoff are on the panel alongside Amanda Holden.


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Mr Donnelly revealed: ‘We’ve had lots more pole dancers, dog acts, comics and magicians this year. There has been lots of very talented singing children this year, so that will be quite a competitive area.’

The show starts on Saturday April 16th on ITV1.


ARISXANDRA LIBANTINO.mp4



source: dailymail