The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’: HOW LOCAL SINGER DID
10-year-old wows judges with Clean Bandit’s ‘Symphony.’
Ten-year-old Johns Creek singing phenom Angelica Hale came in second on NBC’s summer hit show “America’s Got Talent” Wednesday night.
She was unable to fend off 12-year-old ventriloquist and singer Darci Lynne Farmer, who combined humor, ventriloquism skills and charm to take home the $1 million prize to conclude the show’s 12th season.
Angelica received raves after a powerful cover of Clean Bandit’s “Symphony” on Tuesday night.
Warren Woodruff, an Atlanta-based classical music specialist who teaches Angelica musicality and piano, was blown away by her last performance.
“I think she outdid herself once more,” he said.
And despite the fact Angel- ica didn’t win, she got just as much airtime as the victor.
“She has so many engagements lined up, she’ll be fine,” Woodruff said.
And just think: Classical singer Jackie Evancho — who was also 10 years old when she came on “America’s Got Talent” in 2010 — also came in second in season five, and her career is still going strong seven years later.
Angelica is no overnight sensation. The vocal prod- igy had been spending years in vocal training.
Tricia Grey, a vocal coach for 40 years with studios in Alpharetta and east Cobb, began working with Angel- ica when she was just 5 years old.
At first, Grey was reluctant to take her on, given her young age, but she realized quickly that Angelica was a fast learner. “I’d give her something and she’d get it right away,” Grey said. “Someone else would have to practice things she’d pick up scary quick. I’ve never seen a child do that.” Angelica’s work ethic is unparalleled, she added. “She never missed a lesson all these years,” Grey said. “She never phones it in. She’s never tired. She’s never bored even doing vocal exercises. She’d go home and work and work.” Earlier this year, Angelica’s parents, James and Eva, hired vocal coach Tara Simon, who has a studio in Smyrna and has experience in reality TV. Simon competed in season two of the U.S. version of “The X Factor” in 2012 on Fox. Via FaceTime sessions, she helped Angelica shape her next four performances, including the finale. Simon said they had a month to practice the quarterfinal and
semifinal performances but only five days to put together “Symphony” for the finals.
“I designed the melodic lines in which she sings as well as the riffs,” Simon said. “I helped her execute them properly.” She liked the Clean Bandit song because “it showed her off in all the right places, not just in the big hook.”
Simon has nothing but admiration for Angelica: “The kid is so courageous and a joy. I can be picky and she loves it. She thrives on it.”
She also gives kudos to Angelica’s parents. “They’re all in. Angelica is all in. There is a trifecta between parents and child. I’m grateful they entrust such a special little girl to me. It’s a calling I don’t take lightly.”
Both Darci and Angelica will perform at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas Nov. 3 and 4, Angelica announced on Instagram after the show.