The term “child prodigy,” is too often mis-and-overused, but in a few unique instances, the title is more than deserved. Nine-year old Angelina Jordan of Norway certainly qualifies, demonstrating uncanny vocal abilities that are wowing audiences in Asia, Europe and the U.S.
Angelina’s interest in music began at the ripe age of a year-and-a-half when she discovered a YouTube video of “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. The precocious toddler quickly displayed a remarkable sing-a-long talent that her parents both supported and encouraged. Angelina’s musical preferences soon broadened, with jazz legend Billie Holiday becoming a major influence.
In 2014, she and her parents came across an audition announcement for the television program “Norway’s Got Talent,” and after dazzling the judges in her initial audition, Angelina advanced week by week to the finals, which she subsequently won, performing the Louis Armstrong/Ella Fitzgerald jazz/blues classic, “Summertime” and becoming an almost immediate sensation. Her success attracted worldwide attention, leading to appearances on a variety of international television programs, including the popular American daytime talk show “The View.”
Despite her youth and obvious inexperience, Angelina commands whichever stage she occupies with her presence, exhibiting remarkable maturity and poise as she sings. Swaying slightly to the music, her front teeth still developing, she literally mesmerizes audiences as she effortlessly performs such classics as “Fly Me To the Moon” by Frank Sinatra, among others. Possessed of flawless timing and sense of melody, the sky appears to be the limit for this true “child prodigy.”