Singing a song immortalized by Barbra Streisand means stepping into some seriously big shoes. Streisand, one of the most powerful voices of the 20th century, didn’t mess around when it came to showing off her vocal chords. That means the songs that she made famous are seriously difficult to perform. Anyone who tries to sing one sets themselves up for a major challenge.
But that’s exactly what 9-year-old Cora Harkin did on the stage of Ireland’s Got Talent.
Her diminutive form and pom-pom-decorated hair served as the foundation for her unbelievably powerful voice. Cora took the stage and belted out Streisand’s famous “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” making the judges’ jaws drop.
Cora performed with Streisand’s famous attitude, even pointing to the judges a couple of times as she sang.
“Don’t tell me not to fly — I’ve simply got to,” she sang. “If someone takes a spill, it’s me and not you!”
Cora definitely was risking “taking a spill” by trying to sing such a difficult song on national television. But the 9-year-old’s vocal range and ability surpass even most adults, much less children her age.
When she finished the song, all four judges sprang to their feet to give her a standing ovation.
Meanwhile, the crowd screamed and clapped. Cora had been completely composed during her performance, but hearing the applause, she looked like she might cry. She trembled a little as she thanked the audience and looked out over the sea of cheering people.
“This is the second coming of Miss Barbra Streisand,” said judge Michelle Visage. “Goodness, you just commanded that stage.”
Other judges praised her for her pitch and her ability to take center stage.
Judge Jason Byrne even got the 9-year-old giggling with some good-natured teasing.
“Cora, I would not like to live in your house,” he said. “Your parents must have to keep fixing the windows every day. I don’t even know where that’s coming from out of your head. You were so good. Well done.”
Judge Louis Walsh, meanwhile, was mincing no words about what he thought, predicting that audiences will be seeing Cora for a long time to come.
“I think we could be looking back at this clip in about 20 years’ time, and we’ll be saying, ‘Remember it all started on that show Ireland’s Got Talent?’” said Walsh. “I don’t think you realize how good you are and how good you’re gonna be.”
This is huge praise, considering that Walsh is known for being extremely blunt in his criticisms of bad performances. Praise from him is well-deserved — and no one has ever deserved it like this dynamic little girl!
Cora’s mind-blowing performance earned her four enthusiastic yeses from the judges.
She was able to stay composed as she ran off the stage. Once backstage with her family, however, she broke down into happy tears.
If Louis Walsh is right, we haven’t seen the last of this incredibly talented girl.
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