It’s incredible when the life of a talented young artist all leads up to one defining moment, and after the moment, you realize that the star’s career is only just beginning. That’s what happened for Serena Rigacci in 2014, who always dreamed of belting the lyrics to Whitney Houston’s hit “I Will Always Love You” in front of a full house on the show Next Star.
To say that Serena’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” on Next Star was well-received would be a massive understatement. Ready to perform for several judges and a large audience, Serena Rigacci took center stage with gently choreographed, flickering lights meant to give the impression of falling rain.
The young star-to-be was clad in nothing splashy or attention-grabbing; rather, she wore a simply understated lace, pale pink dress, clearly complimenting her mature skill and composure.
Only two words into the hit song, the young girl’s first impression on the judges and audience was surely a positive one. Everyone in the room was simply blown away, and this was just the beginning. The judges jumped to their feet as soon as she began belting the lyrics with such practiced talent, and members of the audience continually shouted “bravo” to Serena’s young yet masterful skill.
The combination of raw talent and skilled experience, along with a true dedication to capturing the emotion of the song, was all caught on camera by the crew of Next Star. The audience was shown rising to their feet, even before the very difficult key change Houston had incorporated into “I Will Always Love You.” Committing to the key change flawlessly was just another testament to her skill, along with her composure and self-possession, as judges and audience members alike vigorously applauded, some of them even in tears.
See for yourself how this young and talented star in the making captured the hearts of her judges and audience with just one song, and just imagine what the future may hold for Serena Rigacci:
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