You’ve only got one life to live, so you’ve got to make it count. It’s short, but oh, it can be so sweet. There’s so much to live for, so much to do, see and experience that makes this limited time on the planet richer and fuller and well-rounded. It’s about chasing your dreams, understanding them, and going for them no matter what you’ve been through.
Ashly Williams, 24, brought the room to a standstill when she sang the first note of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Her version sounds a little different than others, however.
Ashly’s version of the ballad is steeped in emotion. The young woman is spilling her heart onto the floor through the lyrics and music. When she was just a girl, Ashly’s mom was suddenly taken away from her and her family, leaving everyone with a lot of pain and devastation. Ashly says, “It was the worst moment of my life.”
Ashly visits her mom’s grave and tells her all the things that are going on in her life, but she still wishes her parent was there to share these moments. And as much as she wants her mom to be right here with her right now, it’s something she tries not to think about. She tries to remain positive and uses that as a way to fuel her dream, a dream she is making happen for her mom. She is dedicating all of this to her.
And her performance? She nails it. Ashly has all the attention on her from the moment the music starts. She is Whitney incarnated. Every syllable, every word, every high and low note comes out with so much meaning and feeling. You know she’s got her mom and family on her mind. Midway, she cries tears of joy, prompting everyone else to cry along with her, including the judges.
By the time she reaches the last note, she’s got everyone hooked. Ashly is captivating. All judges are in tears, and beside themselves, singing her praises. Ashly’s family is SO excited to see her successfully complete the song and have the judges respond so positively. Simon sums up the whole performance, “This is why we brought the show to America. To find someone like you.”
Do you think Ashly has what it takes to win the season?
Click below to watch this soul-stirring version of a classic brought to life.
