{"id":463244,"date":"2026-03-07T21:43:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T21:43:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/463244\/"},"modified":"2026-03-07T21:43:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T21:43:11","slug":"britains-got-talent-child-star-unrecognisable-17yrs-after-audition-that-silenced-the-judges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/463244\/","title":{"rendered":"Britain’s Got Talent child star unrecognisable 17yrs after audition that silenced the judges"},"content":{"rendered":"

Britain’s Got Talent child star Natalie Okri looks completely unrecognisable 17 years after her viral audition on the show which left the judges in shock\"Child<\/p>\n

Child star Natalie Okri is now unrecognisable 17 years later(Image: Instagram)<\/p>\n

Britain’s Got Talent <\/a>has captivated viewers for nearly two decades, unveiling extraordinary young performers, yet one child’s audition continues to rank amongst the programme’s most-viewed moments. Former child sensation Natalie Okri, <\/a>who mesmerised both judges and spectators with her vocal prowess on the ITV<\/a> talent competition, looks completely different 17 years on.<\/p>\n

The gifted vocalist was merely 10 years old when she commanded the stage in 2009, delivering a stunning rendition of Alicia Keys’ chart-topper No One. Her performance left the judging panel utterly speechless whilst the crowd leapt to their feet in appreciation. Though she progressed to the semi-finals of the third series, her journey concluded following her interpretation of Jamelia’s anthem Superstar.<\/p>\n

\"Natalie<\/p>\n

Natalie Okri appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 at just 10-years-old, and her rendition of Alicia Keys’ No One is now one of the most watched BGT auditions of all time on YouTube(Image: ITV)<\/p>\n

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The competitive atmosphere was palpable as she faced formidable opposition from the likes of Susan Boyle<\/a> and dance troupe Diversity.<\/p>\n

Sixteen years later, her memorable audition has become one of BGT’s most-watched clips on YouTube<\/a>, amassing an extraordinary 130 million views alongside 553,000 likes, reports Belfast Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Simon Cowell’s label, Syco Entertainment, swiftly secured her signature in 2010. However, Natalie chose to depart in 2012, prioritising her academic commitments over her burgeoning musical career.<\/p>\n

Now aged 27, she has made her way back into the music scene. Natalie continues to perform and produce music whilst building her digital presence across Instagram<\/a> and TikTok platforms.<\/p>\n

She has also featured regularly on BBC<\/a> 1Xtra radio. Recently, Natalie delighted her TikTok followers by sharing footage of herself performing the identical track that launched her into the spotlight back in 2009.<\/p>\n

Accompanying the footage, she penned at the time: “POV: I sang this song on BGT when I was 10 years old and got 127million views on YouTube… Now I’m singing it at 25.”<\/p>\n

The comments were awash with heartwarming messages from admirers and recognisable personalities, with ex-Strictly Come Dancing participant Saffron Barker amongst the earliest to respond: “Omg this was my favourite audition of all time.”<\/p>\n

One devotee expressed: “OMG, I still remember your audition!” Another shared: “I watched your audition on repeat at 10.”<\/p>\n

A third remarked: “Sorry, how are you 26 already? I remember watching you on tv as a kid.” Another enthused: “I swear you don’t know how much I loved that vid.” One supporter was left stunned, exclaiming: “Noooo wayyyy that was youuuuuu??!!!!”<\/p>\n

\"Natalie<\/p>\n

Natalie recently shared a clip of her performance to her social media platforms<\/p>\n

\"Natalie<\/p>\n

Natalie continues to perform and produce music(Image: Instagram)<\/p>\n

Beyond her musical pursuits, the performer frequently shares glimpses into her personal life with her dedicated following. She recently announced her marriage to husband Shola Elijah.<\/p>\n

Offering fans a peek at her big day, she posted several photographs on Instagram with the caption: “You’re looking at your newest Nigerian Bride and Groom. Here’s to the most Holy Love.”<\/p>\n

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