AMIRA WILLIGHAGEN - AVE MARIA - Reaction

[@rocroc]

Outside of the sound recording and family input, I think of this as one of the greatest performances of all time. Here in this tiny body we have a performer who willingly gave everything she had. There was nothing left to give. She reached into her soul and shared it with us. Now at 17 she is growing into a beautiful young women whose wonderful talent has grown even more. I look forward to hearing this "Ave Maria by Gomez" sung again and again as she gets older. Her talent is matched only by her kindness, desire to help others and willingness to make a difference. "The Lords Prayer" - from South Africa and her world wide Christmas Concert in December kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4umaqyAhdWspKs

[@daleennis3140]

She sings like an angel,God has blessed her.

[@morrisp.5583]

So happy that you have discovered Amira. She's an inredible young soprano with a charitable heart as big as her voice. She was 11 here in November 2015 (birth date March 27, soon to be 17). She has many outstanding performances on the 'Grand Stage' with millions upon millions of views. Won 'Hollands Got Talent' 2013 and hasn't looked back. Her stunning first audition on HGT 2013 (singing the aria 'O Mio Babbino Caro') worth a look (available with English subtitles) just to see the shocked judges. Never had a lesson before that audition. Self taught watching KZbin videos. This was big enough news to catch CNN and Anderson Coopers attention (see KZbin) when that first audition went viral. Obviously had instruction soon after that. She's a distance runner (still) and has won many races since very young. Her 'O Sole Mio' duet at 12 (32 million views) is another must see .... as is her OMBC at 10 with Andre Rieu (approaching 50 million views on KZbin alone). Enjoy.

[@stevenM8282]

Amiras recent streaming concerts are a must see. The Christmas performance is not available as yet. The fall concert is avaible on OPTOG.

[@kensibraa4933]

Hi from Australia, One of my favorites performance from Amira is Nessun Dorma at the CIG Classics is Groot Concert in Pretoria South Africa In Dec 2017 at 13 years of age. To my knowledge it has received only one reaction to date despite it clearly being one of her very best. I would very much like you to review it given your reaction here. Not only is her performance of the aria stunning and seemingly well beyond her years but she is also extremely beautiful in that lovely yellow dress which additionally makes one feel she is somewhat older. I have below furnished some background for the aria. Pucini’s Turandot In 1990, the BBC brought opera to the masses when it used Luciano Pavarotti's rendition of "Nessun Dorma" as the opener to its coverage of that year's World Cup. Though the music was an unusual choice for a sporting event, especially one as large as the FIFA finale, the aria's Italian heritage, and lyrics were in perfect harmony with the event, which took place in Italy that year. With millions of people all over the world turning on their televisions and radios to watch and listen to the games, Luciano Pavarotti turned an opera aria into an overnight sensation. Context At the beginning of the opera, which is set in Peking, China, Calaf, an unknown prince, falls in love at first sight with the beautiful but haughty Princess Turandot (The Princess Of Persia). According to royal edict, however, any suitor who wishes to marry her must correctly answer three riddles. Those who fail are killed. Despite protests from his father and his servant, Calaf accepts the challenge and is determined to marry Turandot. In Puccini's Opera 'Turandot' the riddles are - First riddle - 'Straniero, ascolta!' - "What is born each night and dies each dawn?" The answer is "Hope." Second riddle - 'Guizza al pari di fiamma' - "What flickers red and warm like a flame, but is not fire?" The answer is "Blood". Third riddle - 'Gelo che ti da foco' - "What is like ice, but burns like fire?" The answer is "Turandot!" Much to the delight of the princess's father, as well as the entire kingdom, Calaf answers all three riddles correctly. But Turandot refuses to marry this stranger. She doesn't even know his name. The prince then makes a deal with her: If she can figure out his name before dawn, he will gladly die. If she cannot, they will marry. Turandot agrees and the countdown begins. 'Nessun Dorma' is the resultant aria. Late that night, the princess declares that no one will sleep until she learns the name of her suitor. In fact, she cries out that everyone in the kingdom will be killed if no one steps forward to reveal Calaf's identity. Meanwhile, Calaf confidently sings "Nessun Dorma"-"Nobody shall sleep." Italian Text Nessun dorma! Nessun dorma! Tu pure, o, Principessa, nella tua fredda stanza, guardi le stelle che tremano d'amore e di speranza. Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me, il nome mio nessun saprà! No, no, sulla tua bocca lo dirò quando la luce splenderà! Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio che ti fa mia! (Il nome suo nessun saprà!... e noi dovrem, ahime, morir!) Dilegua, o notte! Tramontate, stelle! Tramontate, stelle! All'alba vincerò! vincerò, vincerò! English Translation Nobody shall sleep!... Nobody shall sleep! Even you, oh Princess, in your cold room, watch the stars, that tremble with love and with hope. But my secret is hidden within me, my name no one shall know... No!...No!... On your mouth, I will tell it when the light shines. And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine!... (No one will know his name and we must, alas, die.) Vanish, o night! Set, stars! Set, stars! At dawn, I will win! (Vincero), I will win! (Vincero), I will win! (Vincero)

[@SJOrr]

Thanks for the recommendation and information!

[@chas1355]

Yes, Amira is one of the super rare talents. At age 9 when she won Holland's Got Talent her voice was equal or better than singers several times her age. One Judge likened her to Maria Callas and that was not an over statement. She sings songs from various style but opera really shows the power and purity of her voice. Here's a link to her performance in 2014 where she got a standing ovation from 15,000 attendees. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWqzgmqnhdCfq68 I believe at last count she has performed in about 16 countries. She currently lives in South Africa. Due to the virus problem, her traveling has been very limited but she has done concerts online. Outside of her singing, she a quite an athlete and has won many cross country races. She is also a philanthropist. She gives one half of her earning to charity. She has her own charity that builds playgrounds at schools in South Africa for poor children. Here is her performance of "How Great Thou Art" from her Christmas Album 2017. Her brother is a videographer as well as a violinist. The photos at the end are her. Bluest eyes I've ever seen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6vPl5h-aL6nZqc Finally, here is an online album. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoKtZ6uba55qmNk Once you start listening to her it is hard to stop.

[@johanlotz2897]

She really is something special.

[@graemeblackburn7511]

Hi Shane, thanks for your great reaction to this wonderful young Soprano. I’ve followed Amira’s career since she won Holland’s Got Talent at the age of 9 & it’s been fascinating to watch her mature in voice & personally into a magnificent artist & a truly beautiful person. As you do more reactions, you will learn more about Amir’s journey from her fans that number in the millions world wide. She is a world Ambassador for Peace & her philanthropy in purchasing playground equipment for South African schools that had no equipment from the very first monies she received from her performances ( 10 years of age )is not just commendable, but absolutely outstanding. Anyway, back to more performances for you to check out. ... O Mio Babbino Caro at the age of 10. The world renown musician/conductor Andre Rieu invited Amira to perform at Maastricht with an audience of 15,000 who gave her a standing ovation. 15,000 standing as one. ... Nella Fantasia at the age of 12. ( recommend the concert performance) ... Gabriella’s Song at the age of 14. ( again the concert performance) ... Sound of Music medley at the age of 15. Amira sings about 1 octave above the original by Julie Andrews and nails it. To the best of my knowledge, Amira’s goal is classical & probably true opera.( on stage without microphone.) There is one other performance to mention, & that’s FLOWER DUET where she displays her true operatic voice. I have listened to world renown Opera singers performing this, & Amira’s rendition, in my opinion, is superior to any I’ve heard. Her voice is so clear, & note that she never strains , even in the top register. She does so effortlessly. A bit long winded Shane, but I thought you would be interested. Cheers, Graeme.

[@SJOrr]

Awesome info! Thank you!

[@donaldrennick2273]

I agree that her Flower Duet is superior! Well-described! 🤠

[@luigimanzoni2705]

@@SJOrr I would add Ave Maria - Gounod, duet in Iceland, 2015, O Mio Babbino Caro, same Iceland Christmas Concert, O Mio Babbino Caro and Your Love performance from the Max Prom Concert, Christmas 2017. Really, anything Amira performs that is professionally recorded, (or even just captured on a cell ), can't be beat.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

Nice reaction to Amira. I love this girls voice. Along with a beautiful voice and a huge heart. I love this version of Ave Maria. She does beautifully to other versions as we'll. She does sing other types of songs. Check out her With All My Heart album. Title track and many more great songs. She will be 17 on March 27th

[@jacquidickinson2257]

I enjoy everything she does...a pure clean voice... I particularly .."follow your heart" Amira has a wide range of songs... I sing-a-long and ruin the performance lol. 😂 You will enjoy which ever one's you choose..😊🎶🎶

[@wilfriedmatusch9293]

Stunning it gave me chills head to toe, Opera is her genre of choice. Check out her performance of Ol Sol Mio by Amira when she was invited by Italian tenor Petruzio Buanne

[@jerrylarocque9600]

Amira is a self-taught opera singer. She made her name on Holland's Got Talent singing O Mio Babbino Caro. A must see. She sings the whole song in a majestic outdoor performance with the famous Dutch conductor and violinist Andre Rieu.

[@donaldrennick2273]

Be sure to watch!🤠

[@peterk1948]

I'd have to agree, the emotion she put into the performance was incredible for a 10 year old.

[@nancyangsten2150]

Amira was 11 during this performance. wow.

[@sherryorr4534]

Wow, she's got a wonderful, powerful voice. Pretty talented family, too! You're doing a great job with these, by the way!!

[@normagutierrez6019]

I loved your reaction and can't wait for the next. I never listened to opera before I knew Amira and she is like charming, paceful, so that I recomend to listen at her when People feel sad, anxious, etc. She's a great medicine to soul.

[@acnc64]

Amira had her birthday today she is seventeen she was eleven singing Ave Maria she won Hollands got talent in 2013 at the age of nine

[@mikerobinson2685]

O Sole Mio, Amazing Grace, Flower Duet, ALL in full concert! AND the celll phone blurry recording of Barcelona - that I think truly shows her ability.

[@josephhuskins2029]

Shane welcome to the Amira train. Amira's story is quite amazing. Not only does she have probably one of the best voices worldwide but she is quite the humanitarian. She has a substantial following world wide. Early on in her career Amira sung mostly Opera but now she has branched out to other genres as well including old classics, crossovers and musicals. Amira is very intelligent and sings in about ten languages. There are many songs to choose from with better recordings. My advise to you is to pick one of her songs from classics is groot in South Africa. All these recordings are professionally done with full orchestra and choir. She will not your socks off no matter which one you choose from this series. Some of my favorites are O sole mia, Nella Fantasia, Gabriella Song Nessum Dorma, Sound of Music, you choose. Enjoy your Journey!

[@joseribamardasilva6873]

Amira fantastic Amira wonderful she's an angel from God Amira absolutely perfect

[@jeraldleidy4319]

A's birthday was March 27, 2004. So, on Christmas 2015, the date of the video, Amira was 11, not 10. She will be 17 in a few days. Her video "Max Proms" has two songs "O Mio Bambino Caro" and "Your Love" Or you try Amira doing a "Sound of Music" medley. Or try her singing "Gabriella's Song". Or she sang "Nella Fantasia". Or try her singing "Nessun Dorma" either in the final of "Holland's Got Talent" which she won for the year 2013 or in many other renditions.

[@SilentShadovv]

That performance is perfect. No other song ever have been up there. So sad the recording hasnt been published.

[@ChristopherOtt77]

You pronounced her name perfectly! Good job.

[@graemenicholson7477]

Try 'OHoly Night' performed live at The Hague, 2015 Christmas. The high note at the end rips your heart out, and she hits in bang on....and remember she was only 11 years old. Enjoy! Graeme from England.

[@ytfan3815]

Her singing " O Holy Night " in the Royal Albert Hall is also amazing 😃

[@ZappafansAchilles]

Amira is a real angel or a messenger from another planetary system All actions are so far from the average person that it is impossible to explain without such an understanding. God's blessing to amira and everyone who supports it

[@johnduffy714]

A true talent , and I think the harmonics and setting only added to the emotion

[@phillee2814]

The first real public performance by Amira was this kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3XUhXWigLpneac at which time she had no experience or training at all, but had taught herself from watcing KZbin. She is a VERY inspring young lady, and following her full story is amazing - she is also an extremely accompished long distance runner, ad was regularly winning in the age categories above her own when her singing career took off and made training near impossible because of the lack of freedom brought on by her fame. She set up a foundation with her earnings to provide funding for children in poverty to have play opportunities in South Africa, where she has grandparents. She'd already at that age (9) seen on visits there how children in less affluent areas had so little chance to just play and be children. A beautiful soul as well as a beatiful voice!

[@michaelbarry8513]

Amazing Grace, Nella Fantasia, Sound of Music Medley, Your Love, Gabriella's Song, O Sole Mio, O Mio Babbino Caro

[@joepollard9476]

S J Orr. Gabriella's Song is excellent, from the Swedish film As It Is in Heaven (Amira sings it in Swedish); and also a song medley from the Sound of Music.

[@graemeblackburn7511]

Hi again Shawn . I see you’ve got heaps of Amira’s performances, and I’m certain each & every one of them will blow your socks off. So, hear from you shortly.( as soon as you can squeeze it into you ever growing list. ). P.s. I can be a pest, as I’ll keep reminding you if too long a time has elapsed . Cheers, & looking forward to it. Graeme.

[@armandsontohartono5516]

Very nice reaction Shane. Most likely that you have done some research on her by now. She's phenomenal isn't she ? I think a dictonary full with adjectives won't cover to describe her, would it ? Someone said in a comment that God was showing off when she was born . I think he comes pretty close with that and I'd like to add that , He 's put her in a shopwindow right in front of us apparently , to see what personality she has grown to in all aspects. Thumbs up for your reaction on her . Hope to see more . And here's the pronounciation of Nijmegen The Nerherlands , the city where Amira was born and lived before moving to Potchefstroom SA in 2018 . Nijmegen , N i j = Nei ( sounds like rejecting a bill when voting in a parliament ) , m e g e n = Meghan . So you'll come pretty close when you say: " N ei meghan ". Hope to see you soon wih more reactions . I'd like to suggest this " Hallelujah " by her from 2018 for a reaction : kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6KunatrYtd1eLc

[@SJOrr]

Thanks for the pronunciation! :)

[@marciawelch7936]

You need to listen to her in concert singing Amazing Grace, Ave Maria in concert in Rykjevik a duet. Medly of songs from the movie Sound of Music, Wonderful rendition of Caruso Christmas 2020 concert and the Gabrielle song. Many more wonderful songs from this exceptional your Opera voice... Amira. From South 🌍 and I'm a granny. Her voice is magic! 🌺🌹🌻

[@SJOrr]

Yes! Amazing Grace was amazing!

[@joepollard9476]

She sang another version of the song during HGT (second song), with professional backing.

[@oliveirafilho3264]

Simplesmente fantástica, Amira the best 🙏❤️

[@danielmills9863]

Please check Amira Willighagen's performances on Holland's Got Talent, starting with "O Mio Babbino Caro," followed by Bach/Gounod's "Ave Maria" and then the finals when she sang "Nessun Dorma." Listen to the English version. By the way, these were performed in 2013, when Amira was nine years old, and she won!

[@solonutiket564]

My second favorite Amira is Amira Amazing Grace 2017, really amazing for 12/13 year old

[@waynemeredeth9536]

Amira is an amazing person and singer. She has many live performances that are better sound quality than this one. Suggestions “Gabrielles sang” Swedish, or “Your love” English. Everything she does is a jaw dropping performance that leaves the audience in tears of joy! Read some of the comments on those performances. I have not seen this kind of love and passion for a performer since Elvis.

[@willdejongh8270]

Try Amazing grace or Your LOVE ,

[@lindajenkins8839]

check out "Amazing Grace" and more recently "Sound of Music" medley

[@valeriatetti9394]

Olá.. Amira é uma garota maravilhosa.. Ela começou a cantar desde pequenina quando imitava aos cantores de ópera pela internet... Um belo dia com 9 anos ela se apresentou no programa Got Talent e deixou todos muito surpreso... Sem nunca ter tido aulas de canto.. Ela ganhou o programa e nunca mais parou... Faz muito sucesso e merecidamente já é conhecida no mundo... Obrigada por nos apresentar uma reação tão linda neste domingo!!!.. Grande abraço... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2a2pXmeYrybbac

[@oliveirafilho3264]

Sou fã, fantástica Amira 🙏❤️

[@8768768768976]

SJ Orr: Amira has advanced steadily to a range of operatic and lighter folk music. I've followed all her performances since her winning of the Holland has Talent TV program. I live in the Netherlands with family. My suggestions watch her sing: "Ave Maria", Gounod Duet in Reykjavik Iceland -Xmas Concert 2015 (12 years old) ; Amira Willighagen, Live Concert "Nella Fantasia"- You Tube , 2017 (13 years old); Amira Wilighagen - Your Love" - Song From Her New Album (Theme From Once Upon a Time) - You Tube, Jan. 2018 (14 years old); "Amira Willighagen - Sound of Music -2019 You Tube, Jan. 2018 (14 years old); "Amira Willighagen - Live in Concert -Amazing Grace - You Tube (Jan. 2018) (age 14 years old).... and many more brilliant performances; Amira Willighagen - "The Sound of Music" (Live at Sun Arena) 2020. Recommend your first review (before making a blind selection) two of her great performances after winning the Holland Has Talent Show: Andre Rieu & Amira Willighagen - "O Mio Babbino Caro" - You Tube, July 2014 (performed when 10 years old; Amira Willighagen - "Ave Maria"- HD - Du cote chez Dave TV, Dec. 2014 (performed when 10 years old).

[@michaelbarry8513]

you need to review some of her more recent stuff

[@andrewclayton4181]

The town is pronounced Nye maygen it was liberated by US troops in September 1944 during the Arnhem campaign Amira is exeptional. Try Nella Fantasia or Gabriella's Song. Or Amazing grace......

[@jeanduttlinger]

She won Holland's Got Talent at age 9.

[@michaelmiller2397]

Don't restrain your emotions whenn listening to Amira.

[@rubenoscarrodriguez1577]

SOUND OF MUSIC MEDLEY , YOUR LOVE , GABRIELLA: S SONG , THE LORD PRAY , HOW GREAT THOU ART

[@billharmon8599]

Welcome to Amazing Amira. Here she is at age 10 singing "O Mio Babbino Caro" in Maastricht with Andre Rieu in front of about 11,000 people--truly amazing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWqzgmqnhdCfq68

[@davidschull872]

The most powerful Female Vocalist on the planet also did this song...

[@ytfan3815]

Please check her Lecce / Italy version of Ave Maria, I'm sure you will like it.

[@graemenicholson7477]

Try Davina Michelle, wonderful Dutch singer.....various platforms but You Tube has a plethora of her songs...and she's just beautiful too!.....Also Emma Heesters, also Dutch.....her smile lights up the sky, and he is also pitch perfect....love to hear your comments! Best wishes from England!

[@julieinhester1215]

Check out THE FLOWER DUET ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@chrismarshall8526]

I think she began singing when she was about 7 or 8

[@twovans]

O Sole Mio, Amira kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnWohK2Lqr-oeZI

[@christiaanwillems9031]

Gabriella song 2018 gezongen in Pretoria zuid Africa

[@draco_bane]

... :) that is Ni as in Nine

[@heedoei]

Not the best recording of amira 😏 I love “nella Fantasia “ by her..

[@michaelmiller2397]

Don't sprain your tongue trying to speak Dutch.

[@muprogonzalitos3464]

sublime solo eso puedo decir, S U B L I M E