Everyone’s got a song that takes them somewhere. It’s that one song that transports you to a moment caught in time, to a place forever locked in your mind and your soul. A song that plucks you from wherever you are physically standing, and takes you to a place where you are figuratively reliving. Certain songs have that power, and for me, it’s this one. This song is European sensation Robyn’s chart-topper “Dancing On My Own,” and it’s been re-done and slowed down to perfection for the judges on “Australia’s Got Talent.” It’s my favorite!
The singer’s name is Mikayla Jade and she’s 18-years-old from Adelaide. Dressed in nondescript clothing, fresh-faced with no makeup and natural hair, Mikayla steps on the stage, nervous.
She’s about to perform a heavy song, done by other contestants on previous shows who have succeeded with it, so she knows she’s got to bring everything she’s got to the table. The stakes are high, and she wants this oh-so-badly. The judges’ backs are turned, and it’s just her on the stage. This moment is for her. She tilts her head back, takes a deep breath and lets go.
Mikayla’s voice is low and reverberates beautifully, a perfect fit for the song. Her timbre is unique and gives her voice distinction. As she progresses into the song, she picks up speed and confidence, and then before she knows it, all four judges turn around towards her with big eyes and jaws dropped – everyone wants her. It’s at this point, she’s reached the end of her performance (or so she thought) and breaks down in tears. “You seem very surprised that you got turns. Are you surprised?” asks judge Boy George, to which she replies, “I’m shocked.” I love this song, and she did an excellent rendition!
The teen gets asked a few questions, and she confesses the previous year has been the hardest of her life, having been bullied and losing all her friends. It’s at this point that the judges learn Mikayla write songs in her spare time, so they invite her to share one of her original songs. Before she can even answer, stagehands are running up towards her with a guitar! As shy as she is, she complies and plays and sings beautifully – her original piece is amazing! She’s a gem with a long successful road ahead of her!
Click below to watch Mikayla shine bright like a diamond for her breakout performance singing not one, but two songs!
