Amanda Mena, a fifteen-year-old from Boston, Massachusetts, took the stage as a singer and a young woman who had overcome adversity. Her birthplace was the Dominican Republic, and she came to the United States when she was four years old. She had a hard time adjusting because she didn’t know English. Some individuals even told her to “get out” since she was “bullied a lot” because she didn’t look like them or could speak the language. Through it all, she developed “tough skin” and a strong bond with music, which, with her mother’s support, became her primary means of escape and solace.
Aretha Franklin’s timeless soul hit “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” was Amanda’s choice for the performance. Her voice captivated the judges with its powerful, mature, and innately soulful quality the instant she started. Despite her young age, she sang with an assurance and intensity that belied her years, channeling the hurt she had experienced into raw vocal strength. Simon Cowell proclaimed that her audition would be remembered for a long time and praised her for having “genuinely natural soul”; the judges were immediately captivated by her authentic talent and enthusiasm.
An exhilarating moment of support marked the conclusion of the performance. Judge Mel B utilized her Golden Buzzer because Amanda’s tale and voice were so moving. “This is what I’m gonna say to all those bullies: Yes!” Mel B yelled out to Amanda’s previous bullies before slamming it. As the golden confetti descended on Amanda, she transformed her past hurt into a breathtaking and moving triumph, securing her place in the live performances and earning an embrace from the Spice Girl herself.
