Can you imagine a 9-year-old walking onto the Holland’s Got Talent stage—completely unknown—only to reveal a voice that sounds like it belongs to a legend from centuries past? That’s exactly what happened when Amira Willighagen took the stage, leaving both the judges and audience in absolute awe.
“Ave Maria” has long been a cherished masterpiece, often associated with Christmas, but its beauty transcends seasons. Originally composed by Franz Schubert in 1825, the song has been performed by some of the greatest voices in history. Yet, what Amira did with it during the 2013 semi-finals of Holland’s Got Talent was nothing short of magical.
Dressed like an angel, she sang like one too—her voice soaring through the air with a power and purity that no one expected from a child. The moment she finished, the stunned silence was quickly followed by an explosion of applause. Not only did she win that round, but she eventually took home the winner’s title for the entire competition.
What makes Amira’s performance even more astonishing is the contrast between her mature, operatic voice and her youthful innocence. The moment she finished her final note, she transformed back into a bright, beaming little girl—reminding us all that she’s still just a kid with an extraordinary gift.
Her performance of Ave Maria has since gone viral, racking up over 115 million views and counting. It’s a voice that only comes around once in generations, and the world can’t get enough of it.
Watch Amira’s breathtaking performance below—you’ll get chills!