Nobody realized how much Aliki Chrysochou had previously overcome simply to get on the stage of Britain’s Got Talent in 2013. Aliki, who was born in Cyprus and was studying music in the UK, had her life abruptly turned upside down when she contracted encephalitis, a severe infection of the brain that prevented her from walking or even speaking normally. Despite the doctors’ warnings that she would never fully recover, she gradually regained her ability to talk and sing because to her unwavering will and love of music.
She picked an unusual song for BGT: Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life (Wake Me Up Inside),” a strong rock ballad that felt achingly real coming from someone who had battled her way out of quiet. The theater went silent as she started. Her voice glided over the song with the ease of a skilled classical singer and the intensity of someone who meant every word. Her voice was pure, controlled, and emotive. The judges and audience were totally captivated by her when she struck the big notes.
The audience gave her a standing ovation when she was done. In addition to praising her amazing vocal prowess, the judges also commended her for the strength of character—a young woman who had every reason to give up but instead decided to stand in front of the spotlight and sing about her experience. Aliki became one of the most memorable and inspirational singers to ever take the BGT stage as a result of that audition, which did more than merely advance her to the next round.
