Fayth Ifil, a 12-year-old from Swindon, introduced herself to the judges with a mixture of nerves and excitement. She shared how surreal the moment felt, even pinching herself to make sure it was real When asked by David Walliams if she had ever lost confidence, Fayth bravely admitted to receiving “a bit of negative energy” from different schools, but credited her supportive parents for helping her overcome it and giving her the strength to audition .
Fayth then launched into an electrifying rendition of “Proud Mary,” the iconic song by Tina Turner . From the moment the music started, she commanded the stage, transforming from a shy girl into a confident performer. Her powerful, raspy vocal tone and energetic stage presence were immediately apparent, as she delivered the opening verse .
As the song built to the chorus, Fayth incorporated dynamic movement and her signature “rolling” chant . Her delivery was full of soul and raw emotion, showcasing a maturity beyond her years and drawing huge cheers from the audience. She made the classic song her own while maintaining the spirit of the original .
The performance continued to build in intensity, with Fayth singing the verse about leaving a good job and heading to New Orleans, demonstrating her vocal stamina and ability to sustain a high-energy performance . She effortlessly nailed the powerful vocal runs and the famous “rolling on the river” refrain, earning a rapturous response from the crowd .
During the judges’ critique, David Walliams offered the ultimate praise, stating that “just occasionally on this show someone comes on the stage you think they are born to be a superstar” . Simon Cowell echoed this sentiment, referencing her confidence and personality, and relating her experience with negativity to his own, emphasizing that being “as good as you are, you win” .
Ultimately, the enthusiasm of the judges was cemented when Simon Cowell pressed the Golden Buzzer . The shower of golden confetti signaled that Fayth Ifil was instantly sent through to the live semi-finals, validating her immense talent and proving that her determination had triumphed over any past negativity .
You can watch the full video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF1fNQ-b15k
