People Weren't Ready For This 9-Year-Old's Voice On 'America's Got Talent'

Nine-year-old Angelica Hale started her “America’s Got Talent” audition with a bold statement when she said she wanted to be “the next Whitney Houston” and a “superstar.” She then quickly proved why she may well be on her way to stardom.

Angelica’s audition aired on the talent show on Tuesday. Before quickly sharing her excitement about learning she was going to be a big sister, she blew the judges and audience away with her performance of Andra Day’s “Rise Up.”

Watch Angelica’s audition below.

The Georgia native made it to the next round of the show (obviously), and her audition has racked up more than 1.8 million views on the “America’s Got Talent” YouTube channel as of Thursday.

On Wednesday, Angelica shared with NBC affiliate 11Alive that she’s faced some obstacles on her way to “America’s Got Talent.” About four years ago, she had to have a kidney transplant. Her mother donated her kidney after she learned she was a match.

“It’s kind of hard, but I get through it all,” Angelica said of her recovery and regular hospital visits.

When 11Alive’s Melissa Long asked Angelica what advice she had for other kids who want to follow her path, the 9-year-old offered some encouraging guidance.

“I tell them to follow their dreams and to never give up,” she said. “And when things are blocking your path you’ve just got to keep pushing forward to achieve your dreams.”

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