Standing before a live audience and countless viewers at home, 11-year-old Serena Rigacci took the stage on Romania’s Next Star and delivered a performance far beyond her years. Hailing from Pisa, Italy, this talented young singer chose an ambitious piece for her moment in the spotlight—Whitney Houston’s legendary version of “I Will Always Love You.” At the time, Serena had already appeared on Italian TV shows like Ti lascio una canzone, but this performance would become the moment that introduced her to international audiences.
That choice alone would intimidate most singers, let alone a child. The song is considered one of the most challenging in pop music history, showcasing Houston’s unmatched vocal range and control. Originally written and performed as a country ballad by Dolly Parton, Houston’s dramatic 1992 rendition for The Bodyguard became the best-selling single by a female artist of all time.
Serena may be just 11, but her vocal maturity and stage presence made a lasting impression. From the soft opening notes to the soaring final chorus, she delivered every phrase with confidence and heart—drawing immediate praise and stunned reactions from judges and viewers alike. Her performance was so admired that she earned the Popularity Award on Next Star, marking her as one of the standout young voices of the season.
Whitney Houston herself began singing at age 11 in her church’s junior gospel choir, and while every artist is unique, there’s something poetic about Serena’s age and choice of song. Though no one can truly replicate Houston’s singular talent, Serena’s heartfelt tribute reminds us of the next generation’s potential to honor and reimagine musical greatness.
In the years after her breakout moment, Serena’s career continued to grow rapidly. She later competed on X-Faktor Hungary, where she finished as runner-up, gaining a loyal fanbase and proving she could shine on a major international stage. She also explored new musical directions, collaborating with global artists such as Sean Kingston (“I Know You Want Me Tonight”), Alkaline, and Famous Dex on the project “Overseas.” Beyond pop music, she stepped into theater as well, taking on the role of Ariel in the Italian musical La Sirenetta.
Today, Serena Rigacci—born August 28, 2002, and now 22 going on 23 in 2025—continues to develop her career with determination. She studies at the University of West London, training in voice, acting, dance, and piano while working on new music and performing across Europe. She also serves as a testimonial for the Arpa Foundation, using her platform to support meaningful causes.
Even with all she has achieved since, many fans still think back to that unforgettable Next Star performance—the night an 11-year-old girl stepped under the lights, took on one of the hardest songs ever written, and delivered it with a power and purity that audiences still remember today. More than a decade later, the YouTube video still circulates with millions of views, rain effects falling around her as she sings, giving the moment an almost cinematic beauty. The footage may be low-quality, but her voice cuts through time itself—a rare blend of talent, heart, and courage that simply refuses to fade.