In a three-minute performance, “X Factor UK contestant Gamu Nhengu captures Simon Cowell’s attention and breathes fresh life into a song composed before she was born.”
Nhengu, who is 18 years old, responds that she wants to be someone and do something that people will remember when asked why she became a singer. She appears unnerved in front of the four judges and talks with conviction and assurance.
The song “Walking on Sunshine” was picked by Nhengu. It’s by the 1980s new wave group Katrina and the Waves. Despite not being a one-hit wonder, Katrina and the Waves are most known for a single from 1985. “Walking on Sunshine” is a staple of 1980s movies and sentimental movies.
In her introduction, Nhengu informs the judges that she has changed some aspects of her song. The audience and judges are naturally curious because she doesn’t identify what she modified, whether it was a lyrical modification or a different arrangement. Once the introductions are through and Nhengu starts singing, she does not let her audience down.
The other three judges are grinning, but Simon Cowell looks like he skipped breakfast and has an upset stomach. “ In response to Nhengu’s assertion that she altered her music, Simon replies, “I’m interested to see what you’ve done with this song.”
Although Simon maintains a dejected expression throughout the song, the listener instantly recognizes Nhengu’s vivacity and snark. Although her changes were minor, they changed the song’s overall meaning. Nhengu’s rendition of the chorus instead starts with “you’re my sunshine/but you gotta go,” as opposed to the original song’s opening line, “you’re my sunshine/and don’t it feel beautiful.”
Clearly, the song is about a breakup based on this. She is told by Nhengu that she does not want to live her life waiting for a potential romantic partner. Nhengu’s commanding performance, from her body language to her sarcastic delivery to her outfit, fits her temperament beautifully. Nhengu has a floor-length dress on, and she has a beautiful rose bow in her hair.
The other judges have nothing but positive things to say about Nhengu. Louis Walsh practically gushes, praising the young musician’s attitude, song selection, and vibrancy and saying that she has “something incredibly delightful” about her. Nhengu is “soulful,” according to Walsh, and anyone who watches would concur.
Simon, though, didn’t seem really impressed. “I’m leaving, to be honest with you,” says Simon. The house music changes when the room goes silent. You sang one of my worst songs ever, I think. Simon then pauses for a moment. Before Simon can respond, “You did something different with it-I like you,” the entire world seems to come to a stop.
Simon continues to praise Nhengu’s jazzy style as she appears to breathe for the first time in a while. After Game describes her mother while sobbing, all four judges vote in favor of her. Even as Nhengu’s lover enters the stage to congratulate her joyful daughter, Simon declares, “a million percent yes.” It’s sometimes best to change things around to show how amazing you are.
