Her cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Think” earned her a standing ovation from all four judges in the auditions.
And after an agonising wait over the weekend, former Junior Eurovision winner Destiny Chukunyere competed on Tuesday night’s semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent 2017. Unfortunately, her second attempt at an Aretha cover wasn’t quite enough to see her through to the final — but there’s still some hope yet.
Destiny Chukunyere: “Respect” at Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Final
Destiny kept her Aretha theme going by opening the show with another of the soul singer’s classics, “Respect”. It wasn’t smooth sailing from the off though, as technical difficulties slightly delayed Destiny’s start.
That didn’t put Destiny off. Working a kaleidoscope of colours on stage, she brought the confidence and vocals that won her the Junior Eurovision Song Contest two years ago. All four judges then paid her compliments.
“I love that you have a God-given talent,” said David Walliams. “To take on a song that huge and conquer it like you did is incredible. It is your destiny Destiny to be a star”.
Alesha Dixon commented that Destiny made “that look so easy, it’s just effortless.” Amanda Holden agreed, saying Destiny is “a born entertainer.”
Simon Cowell wasn’t quite so keen on Destiny covering Aretha Franklin again, but then turned that into a positive.
He told Destiny that “there are probably 5, 10 West End producers watching this show now, like the guys who produce Motown. If I was one of those guys, I would hire you tomorrow to put you on a show like that to kick-start your career. Because your talent, your voice is exceptional.”
Best of luck @destinychukuny @BGT. Thank you for being a true Ambassador for Malta & for flying the flag with dignity,charisma,talent,& soul pic.twitter.com/s8wyPXBtIQ
— Marie-Louise Coleiro (@presidentMT) May 30, 2017
Britain’s Got Talent semi-final 2 results
This year’s Britain’s Got Talent has a slight change to the usual results. Now there is no judges vote between the 2nd and 3rd placed act. Instead, tonight’s top two finalists were decided solely on by public votes.
Eight-year old Issy Simpson won tonight’s second semi-final, with fellow magician Matt Edwards finishing as the runner-up ahead of dancing couple Grace & Ali.
However, all hope is not lost for Destiny. The judges will have their say on this year’s wildcard after all five semi-finals, with one act going straight to Saturday’s final. Let’s hope they still respect Destiny’s voice when all is said and done!
What did you think of Destiny’s performance? Do you think she deserved to go through, and do you think she’ll earn the judges wildcard? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments section below!
She is not British so…of course they didn’t pick her. Although it’s a shame, she has an amazing voice. Good luck, Destiny! Hope she’ll represent Malta in Eurovision 2019 (she’ll be able to participate only after she’s 16, and she’ll turn 16 in August 2018).
She should’ve sang anything else than Aretha Franklin..
I agree, but was it even her choice? What she needs now isn’t a role in a jukebox musical but a place where she can develop as a singer of original songs.
Do hope the judges reflect on her stunning voice not easy to found a 14 years old with a great talent like her . She was born with a special gift .Good luck Destiny
She should’ve sang Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You” instead..
Unfortunately Destiny is not eligible for a wildcard as she was not in the top 3.
I’m loving it that the Junior Eurovision winner can’t even make it past our semi final. Time Europe got a taste of its own medicine (Blue 22nd in the televote, I don’t think so! 😛 )
I understand your point of view, and I have have some things to say.
1) What means ”Chicken Kyiv”, really, no joke, but I’ve heard Crister Bjorkman saying the same thing and I wonder if is something specific in english language.
2) I agree with ”taste of its own medicine”, Europe should decide if it likes UK music industry. If not (and it is fine) should stop going there as mercenaries.
3) Destiny is trapped between shows that can make her famous (JESC, BGT), she needs a break, it is not even preferable to be child star.
You’re both wrong!
1) It doesn’t matter if those who lost the semi-final at the “Got Talent” franchise get a wildcard or if they’re stuck in the semi-final until they complete on another televised contest like Idol, The Voice, or even X-Factor.
2) Some people who argue against the results also point to the predictions on who gets the wildcard and who doesn’t.
3) Some singers don’t need to wait until they’re 18 in order to have a professional singing career. For example, Taylor Swift’s self-titled debut album was released in 2006. Swift was only 16 going on 17.
Chicken Kiev is food, originating from the city of Kiev, it’s funny, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ukraine did start demanding we all call it Chicken Kyiv.
I support Ukraine in it’s conflict with Russia but to assume they control the English language is beyond arrogant
Thank you for the answer.
There’s no public wildcard on Britain’s Got Talent this year. Instead, the judges will decide and it could be any one of the 30 eliminated semi-finalists, regardless of whether they finished in the top 3 or not.