When it comes to competing on a reality singing show, it definitely takes a lot to stand out.
Ever since American Idol debuted, these shows have been popping up all over the place to try and discover untapped talent around the world.
In the early stages, those who audition for spots will need to show poise and discipline in their first impressions to the judges. After that, they have to keep their focus as they compete against other contestants who are just as talented.
For those who make it through all those stages, there’s no telling what can happen in the final rounds.
That was the case on this particular performance from The X Factor’s 2008 season.
The contestant in question was Alexandra Burke, a contestant who had worked her way up through the show with a series of stunning vocal performances.
In the show’s final rounds, she decided to perform Beyoncé’s “Listen,” originally released to go on the Dreamgirls soundtrack. Although it’s not easy to perform any Beyoncé song, this one is especially challenging.
Regardless, Burke shows from the very beginning that she’s more than up to the challenge.
As the lights turn down, Burke sings the instantly recognizable first notes—and the crowd is already cheering.
Before long, her voice is absolutely soaring through the high notes. Although there are plenty of high notes that require plenty of technical talent, Burke also delivers them with so much raw power that the audience is on the edge of their seats.
Still, there’s another surprise in store for the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, I absolutely can’t believe I’m about to introduce this woman to the stage,” Burke says. “Please welcome my hero, Beyoncé.”
At those words, the real Beyoncé emerges from backstage and the entire crowd goes wild.
Although Burke’s performance had been incredible up to that point, Beyoncé’s presence takes the entire thing to a new level.
As always, her voice is technically flawless, soulful and so, so powerful! For her part, Burke is in tears at the fact that she gets to share the stage with her idol! As Beyoncé hits some of the truly high notes, her voice is so powerful that it shakes the entire crowd.
For the big finale, the two of them begin harmonizing and trading notes back and forth. When they finally hit the last big note, the note is so pure that it overloads the speakers!
When it’s all over, the crowd erupts with so much applause.
Although shows like The X Factor provide a way for all kinds of talented people to follow their dreams, Burke definitely never expected this!
Though this performance must’ve clearly been a career highlight for her, Burke has since gone on to have a musical career of her own. After winning the show in 2008, Burke inked deals with Epic Records, RCA Records and Syco Music.
She later released a cover of “Hallelujah” which set a record in Europe for single sales in a day, with more than 105,000 copies. Still, as this story shows, sometimes there’s nothing more impactful than making a great impression on the people we look up to the most.
Congratulations to Alexandra Burke and Beyoncé for bringing the house down in their performance! Watch the full thing in the clip below:
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