Celine Tam Tsz-kwan, the nine-year-old Hong Kong girl, sang “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney movie Moana in the semifinals of the America’s Got Talent show on Tuesday night.
Celine’s performance won the applause from the audience and judges – except Mel B, Apple Daily reported.
Mel B said Celine “conquered the stage like an already prepared, well-auditioned performer,” but called the song choice “too much musical theater”, adding that she did not think that the song showcased Celine’s voice.
It was the second time that the judge hit out at her choice of song. The young girl sang “When You Believe” in the quarter-finals in August, but Mel B said the song was too big for her.
But other judges and the audience seemed to disagree with Mel B.
Simon Cowell said Celine’s performance was unbelievable, while Heidi Klum thought Celine was a bright star and that she sang crystal clear. Howie Mandel said that Celine was adorable and hoped all her dreams come true.
Celine and another young singer, 10-year-old Angelica Hale, were both previous recipients of the Golden Buzzer and both are now hoping to be among the last five finalists.
Celine’s first audition performing Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” in June has received more than 33 million views on YouTube.
Read: Celine Tam’s song choice called ‘too big’ by AGT judge
Read: 9-year-old HK girl gets Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent
Read: Nine-year-old HK girl knocks ’em dead on America’s Got Talent
Wow amazing voice