Gamu Nhengu, an X Factor UK competitor, captures Simon Cowell’s heart in a three-minute performance and breathes fresh life into a song composed before she was born.”

Nhengu is 18 years old, and when asked why she decided to become a singer, she says she wants to be remembered. She speaks with confidence and persuasion, and she does not appear nervous in front of the four judges.

Nhengu chose the song ‘Walking on Sunshine’. It’s by Katrina and the Waves, a new wave band from the 1980s. While Katrina and the Waves were not a one-hit wonder, they are best remembered for a 1985 single. “Walking on Sunshine” is a 1980s and nostalgic cinema favorite.

Nhengu informs the judges in her introduction that she has made some changes to her song. She doesn’t specify what she changed, whether it was a lyrical change or a new arrangement, so the audience and judges are understandably intrigued. Nhengu does not disappoint once she gets beyond the introductions and begins to sing.

Simon Cowell, unlike the other three judges, appears to have skipped breakfast and has a rumbly stomach. “I’m excited to see what you’ve done with this song,” Simon says in response to Nhengu’s claim that she tampered with her music.

While Simon keeps his mournful expression throughout the song, Nhengu’s vivacity and wit are immediately apparent to the audience. Her alterations were tiny, but they had a significant impact on the song’s overall meaning. Unlike the original song’s chorus, which begins, “You’re my sunshine/and don’t it feel fantastic,” Nhengu’s interpretation begins, “You’re my sunshine/but you must leave.”

This alludes to the song’s theme: a breakup. Nhengu informs her that she does not want to waste her time looking for a date. From her body language to her acerbic delivery to her clothing, it’s a powerful performance that fits Nhengu’s personality well. Nhengu is dressed to the nines with a floor-length gown and a huge rose bow in her hair.

Nhengu received nothing but praise from the other judges. Louis Walsh almost gushes over the young musician, praising her attitude, song choices, and vitality and adding she has “something incredibly nice” about her. Walsh describes Nhengu as having “soul,” and everyone who watches would agree.

Simon, on the other hand, seemed dissatisfied. “I’m leaving, to be honest with you,” Simon says. The house music shifts and the room becomes quiet. “You sang one of my worst songs ever.” Simon then takes a break. The world seems to come to a halt until Simon responds, “You did something new with it—I like you.”

Simon continues to commend Nhengu on her jazzy approach, and she looks to breathe for the first time in many minutes. After she tells the judges about her mother through tears, all four judges vote yes. Simon even shouts “a million percent yes” as Nhengu’s girlfriend walks out onto the platform to greet her ecstatic daughter. Changing things around is sometimes the greatest way to show how awesome you are. ”