When 13-year-old Evelyn Aronte from Phoenix, Arizona, took the stage, she exuded a contagious, confident attitude that instantly won over the judges with her sharp vision. She said she was “pumped” and that, in addition to becoming a singer, her aim was to perform on Broadway, break into the mainstream, and eventually become a celebrity like her idol, Cynthia Erivo. Howie Mandel remarked that the best auditions come from those who know exactly what they want, and the judges praised her extraordinary focus. Evelyn faced a formidable task: demonstrating that her untapped potential matched her lofty goals, given the high standards imposed for a young singer.
Evelyn choose “Defying Gravity” from the show Wicked, one of the most challenging anthems in musical theater, for her audition. The audience was in disbelief as soon as she spoke. The dramatic flair and remarkable maturity of Evelyn’s voice were entirely out of character for a 13-year-old. With the poise and conviction of an accomplished Broadway veteran, she skillfully handled the song’s intricate high notes and shifting dynamics. The entire crowd erupted in applause by the time she was done, having witnessed an incredible performance that turned the small girl into a complete diva in front of their eyes.
Her performance clearly had an impact on the judging panel. Sofia Vergara likened her potential to that of a princess, while Heidi Klum described her as “perfect” and said she will go “very, very far.” Even though he didn’t like the song, Simon Cowell, who is known for being critical, acknowledged that he had to admire Evelyn’s unquestionable skill and drive. He commended her for having the “guts” to perform such a difficult song and finally concluded that the program needed to support such tenacity. Evelyn had three “yeses” and a clear route to becoming a superstar when her talent won the panel over, despite one judge’s initial opposition.
