If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a 15-year-old from Milton Keynes takes on one of the hardest songs in the world on live television, Sarah Ikumu’s Britain’s Got Talent audition is your answer. This teenage powerhouse didn’t just sing well—she delivered a jaw-dropping performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” that left judge Simon Cowell so impressed he immediately smashed the Golden Buzzer.
Here’s the thing: this isn’t just another talent show clip. Sarah’s performance became one of the most memorable Golden Buzzer moments in BGT history, and even years later, fans still get goosebumps watching it. So let’s dive into what made this performance so special, why this song is considered incredibly difficult, and whether taking on such a challenge was absolutely worth it for young Sarah.
The Song That Has Everyone Talking
Before we talk about Sarah’s performance, let’s understand what she actually took on. “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls is legendary for being one of the most vocally demanding songs ever performed on talent shows.
Why This Song Is So Hard
- The song requires massive vocal power and control across multiple octaves
- It demands incredible emotional delivery—you can’t just sing the notes, you have to feel every word
- Jennifer Hudson’s famous version set an incredibly high bar that few dare to attempt
- The climax requires sustained high notes that exhaust even professional singers
- Most contestants avoid it precisely because failing would be painfully obvious
At just 15 years old, Sarah didn’t just attempt this monster—she owned it completely.
Sarah Ikumu’s Golden Buzzer Moment
When Sarah walked onto the London Palladium stage, she didn’t look like someone about to attempt one of the hardest songs in the world. She was a Year 11 student studying for her GCSEs, the daughter of Kenyan immigrants who had been singing in church choirs since age five.
The Performance That Stunned Everyone
From the first note, something extraordinary happened. As the Music Man noted, “you wouldn’t know it by looking at her, but 15-year-old Sarah Ikumu packs a bombastic and soulful voice that took Britain’s Got Talent by storm.”
What made her performance so remarkable:
- Technical mastery: She displayed a strong command of her voice despite her young age
- Emotional power: Judge Alesha Dixon was “totally flabbergasted by the power the teen was putting out onstage”
- Stage presence: The audience stood up and cheered before she even finished
- Authenticity: Simon said she “made it your song” rather than just copying previous versions
Simon’s Reaction Says It All
Simon Cowell doesn’t give Golden Buzzers lightly. After Sarah finished, he immediately hit the buzzer, sending the crowd into absolute overdrive. His comments were telling:
“Sarah I’ve heard this song a lot. It started off really well and I thought ‘yeah this girl’s great.’ And then it was like you became possessed halfway through. It was quite incredible. And for someone of your age to stand on this stage, with all the nerves and all the pressure, to not just nail the song but you made it your song.”
Amanda Holden called it “mind-blowing” and couldn’t believe Sarah was only 15. Alesha Dixon, who knows soul music better than most, said: “You are not allowed to have that much talent at your age – it’s insane.”
Was Taking On This Hardest Song Worth It?
Here’s where we get to the real question in our title: Sarah Ikumu sings the hardest song, but will it be worth it? Looking back at what happened, the answer is absolutely yes—and here’s why.
Immediate Rewards
- Golden Buzzer glory: She became the first Golden Buzzer act of BGT 2017’s audition round
- National attention: Viewers went wild on social media, with one fan saying, “I’ve watched Sarah Ikumu’s audition three times, and I got goosebumps every time”
- Family pride: Her parents, including her pastor father Alex Gatoto, celebrated on stage with her
- Judges’ endorsement: Simon called her “the best singer who’s come on here” across all BGT seasons
The Journey After
Sarah didn’t just rest on her Golden Buzzer moment. She returned for the semi-finals, where she tackled Prince’s “Purple Rain”—another incredibly demanding song.
Even though she finished third in the semi-finals, the judges brought her back as a wildcard in the final, where she sang “Rise” by Andra Day. She also returned to Britain’s Got Talent Christmas Spectacular to perform Lily Allen’s “Somewhere Only We Know.”
Long-Term Impact
Choosing to sing one of the hardest songs in the world launched Sarah’s career in ways that playing it safe never could have. Today, she has professional music videos online, an official Facebook page, and continues to build her musical journey with her parents’ support.
More importantly, she proved that age doesn’t limit vocal greatness. As Alesha Dixon put it, Sarah is a “superstar” who deserves Simon’s help to go far.
What Makes Sarah’s Story So Special
Sarah Ikumu’s journey from singing in church choirs at age five to Golden Buzzer stardom is genuinely inspiring. Her parents encouraged every step—her father being a pastor and her mother a carer, both supporting her through competitions like Milton Keynes Young Musician of the Year.
At 14, she won her school’s “H-Factor” talent show at Hazeley Academy. She even spent two-and-a-half years in Kenya with her parents, continuing her singing passion there. This background gave her the foundation to handle the pressure of the London Palladium stage.
Final Thoughts on Sarah’s Bold Choice
So, Sarah Ikumu sings the hardest song, but will it be worth it? Looking at everything—from the Golden Buzzer moment to the lifelong memories, the career launch, and the inspiration she gave to fans worldwide—the answer is crystal clear: absolutely, 100% yes.
Sarah proved that sometimes the biggest risks create the most beautiful moments. She didn’t just survive singing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”—she thrived, made it her own, and became one of Britain’s Got Talent’s most unforgettable acts. If you haven’t watched her performance yet, you’re in for a treat. Just be prepared for serious goosebumps.
FAQ: Sarah Ikumu Britain’s Got Talent
What song did Sarah Ikumu sing on Britain’s Got Talent?
Sarah Ikumu sang “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls during her 2017 audition, which earned her Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer.
How old was Sarah Ikumu when she got the Golden Buzzer?
Sarah Ikumu was 15 years old when she received Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent 2017.
Did Sarah Ikumu win Britain’s Got Talent?
No, Sarah Ikumu didn’t win Britain’s Got Talent. She finished third in her semi-final but was brought back as a wildcard for the final, where she sang “Rise Up” by Andra Day.
Why is “And I Am Telling You” considered one of the hardest songs?
“And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is considered one of the hardest songs because it requires massive vocal power, emotional delivery across multiple octaves, and sustained high notes that exhaust even professional singers.
What happened to Sarah Ikumu after Britain’s Got Talent?
After BGT, Sarah continued performing, including at the Christmas Spectacular, singing Lily Allen’s “Somewhere Only We Know.” She has professional music videos online and continues building her music career with her parents’ support.
Where is Sarah Ikumu from?
Sarah Ikumu is from Milton Keynes, UK. She is the daughter of Kenyan immigrants and began singing in church choirs at age five.
