Alice Fredenham didn’t tell her friends or family that she had decided to try out for “Britain’s Got Talent.” In this way, if the judges rejected her, she wouldn’t have to tell anyone.
When the judges asked Alice how she felt as she took the stage, she said, “Scared.” Alice told interviewers that she had battled stage fright all of her life before taking the stage.
Alice was anxious because she was afraid of the judges and thought their rejection of her was a sign that she was inadequate. As her song began, the audience held their breath.
The jazz staple “My Funny Valentine,” which was once Chet Baker’s signature song, was chosen by the contestant to be performed. As the initial notes were played, the stadium fell into an uncomfortable quiet.
Alice then sang the first line, “My funny Valentine, Sweet comic Valentine.” She sounded a bit wobbly. Notably, Simon Cowell had his head lowered. Perhaps he didn’t want to make Alice feel more anxious by staring at her.
However, Alice ramped up the volume and achieved surprising notes as she got to the line, “You make me smile with my heart.” Simon smiled as he looked up.
Alice made arm gestures that were evocative of Nina Simone’s live performances throughout the song. Simon and the other judges were rendered incoherent by her. Alice’s sultry rendition of “My Funny Valentine” earned her a standing ovation from the audience and all four judges, as well as a spot to the next round.
