Watch Laura Bretan, 13, blow America’s Got Talent away with a dramatic ‘Nessun Dorma’

1 June 2016, 11:32 | Updated: 28 June 2017, 09:33

Child soprano can also do a mean ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’

A 13-year-old girl from Chicago set season 11 of America’s Got Talent alight last night after she performed ‘Nessun Dorma’ in front of a gobsmacked Simon Cowell.

“That didn’t just happen,” he said, before adding: “That just happened”.

He continued: “I have never heard anything like that in all the years I’ve been doing this show. It was really, really, really special.”

Laura Bretan's Nessun Dorma 'raises deep concerns', says singing teacher >
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The judges even pressed the ‘Golden Buzzer’, which is apparently a sign of ultimate respect in the world of America’s Got Talent.

Bretan already had a series of impressive performances under her belt, including on Romania’s Got Talent (where she spoke fluent Romanian) and in front of Chicago Bulls basketball fans.

'Nessun Dorma' is more normally associated with legendary tenors such as Luciano Pavarotti, but Bretan also sings repertoire more appropriate for her voice: watch the video at the bottom of the page for a pretty good ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’.

However, many in the music world have expressed concerns about a young singer like Laura Bretan forcing herself to mimic older voices. Of course, we wish nothing but success and excellent singing experiences for Ms Bretan - we will be watching her career with interest!

Laura Bretan sings 'Nessun Dorma' on America's Got Talent

Laura Bretan sings 'O Mio Babbino Caro'