There is something so special about seeing someone in their 90s continuing to do what they love, in front have thousands of people, no less!
On Britain’s Got Talent, 96-year-old Nora Barton took to the London Palladium stage, a stage that has seen the likes of The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Sir Elton John and just about anyone other larger-than-life performance you can think of.
“She’s sung for people all her life, and so at 96, this is a treat,” Nora’s daughter Pam says.
Leaning against the piano that Pam sits down at to accompany her, Nora is totally at ease in front of thousands of strangers.
Pam starts to play, and instantly the audience is captivated by Nora’s singing, “When you are in love, it is the loveliest night of the year,” the song opens. “Stars twinkle above, and you can almost touch them from here.”
The song “Loveliest Night of the Year” was originally sung by Ann Blyth in 1951.
And there is something about Nora’s rendition that seems to capture the essence of this song and take the listener back to the 50s, even if they weren’t alive then.
In short, Nora has a timeless sound in her voice that can make you nostalgic for a time you never experienced; it is an incredible feeling.
She starts to sway as she sings, and it’s almost as if she is dancing with Mario Lanza instead of Ann Blyth in “The Great Caruso.”
Some people might assume that the audience and judges are only fawning over Nora because she is a lovely older woman with charm, but that’s just not the case.
One commenter writes:
“It wasn’t just sentimentality. This lady hit some legitimately difficult notes clear as a bell. There are professional singers whose singing voice falls apart long before they’ve reached her age.”
This is so true—Nora hits notes in a soprano that many young singers struggle with.
It’s clear that her passion and love for singing have allowed her to keep her voice healthy. Even the judges see how Nora has nurtured her talent over the many decades she has been singing.
“So, kiss me, my sweet. It’s the loveliest night of the year,” Nora sings as she finishes her song.
The crowd and judges are on their feet celebrating her. But, to Nora, it seems like it’s just another moment of singing like she always does. This is part of her charm! “Thank you very much,” she says to the audience.
One of the judges, David Williams, says to Nora, “You are a very special lady because you are full of life, full of laughter, full of joy, and you just entertained the nation at 96.”
Another judge, Aleshia Dixon, says, “Once a show woman, always a show woman.”
It probably doesn’t need to be said, but Nora earns “yeses” across the board from the judges, meaning she moves onto the next round of Britain’s Got Talent.
From watching this performance, anyone can see that Nora has lived a long life full of love, passion, and singing. It is also clear that the entire theater is exuding respect for Nora and how she carries herself at 96-year-old!
There’s not much more to say—the performance is an incredible moment!
Make sure to hear Nora’s beautiful voice for yourself by checking out the video below. You won’t regret the listen!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
