When Ashly Williams was 14 years old, she got the worst news of her life.
Her mother Vanessa Adolph had been murdered, and her body was left in a rock quarry.
“I was 14 going on the age of 15 when I got the devastating news that my mother was murdered,” she told the X-Factor cameras.
“It was the worst moment of my life.”
Appearing on the X-Factor USA at the age of 24, Ashly was determined to make her dreams come true.
“This is the moment that I’ve been waiting for,” she revealed.
“[It’s] the moment that my mother would be proud to see me accomplish.”
Ashly had auditioned for the show the year before but didn’t make the cut. This year, she was back and better than ever— and determined to blow the judges away.
For her audition, Ashly chose to perform “I Will Always Love You” in honor of her mother.
Originally written and recorded in 1973, the song was written by Dolly Parton as a farewell to her mentor and former partner Porter Wagoner after she decided to pursue a solo career.
Parton’s recording was successful, but when it was redone by Whitney Houston, it spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. For a singer, this song can be a dangerous choice. Few were blessed with a voice like Houston, making most attempts sound amateurish at best. But little did anyone know, Ashly was about to blow them away.
Taking the stage in an adorable red skirt and grey sweater, Ashly is initially nervous.
In fact, when Simon asks what’s interesting about her during the judges’ small talk, she has absolutely nothing to say. “I’m working on it,” she stutters after struggling for a moment. But when the music starts to play, she immediately transforms.
When she starts to sing, her voice is crisp, clear and controlled— revealing a powerhouse quality the moment the chorus hits.
As she belts out the iconic lyrics, the judges and audience are completely mesmerized. The crowd cheers as her voice hits the incredible peaks of the song. Even the infamous Simon can’t contain a smile.
Before she can even finish, the entire crowd is forced to their feet.
“I’m speechless. I had chills all over my arms and legs,” said judge Demi Lovato. Then Simon comes in with comment that immediately forces the young singer to tears.
Now, Ashly is part of the girl band June’s Diary.
After being eliminated from the show, she went on to participate in Kelly Rowland’s Chasing Destiny series, where Rowland hunts for talented singers to form a new girl group. After she made it to the end as a finalist, June’s Diary was formed.
Since being uploaded, Ashly’s stirring X-Factor audition has been viewed more than 56 million times.
“I still look at this video. She is just WOW.”
“Whitney Houston’s not dead! She lives on through this girl! Yes, girl use all that pain and put that in your voice! I LOVE her.”
“I still couldn’t imagine being the one she was in love with and listening to her sing that for me all alone. That’s going to be one lucky guy!! I hope she makes a ton of money with her talent.”
Watch the incredible performance below.
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