Listen to this neurodivergent blind 13-year-old child prodigy play the piano. It is moving and unbelievable. She makes the instrument sing. The music she feels and expresses through her fingertips goes right to the listener’s heart. It felt like I was hearing these well-known classical pieces for the first time. This is how Lucy communicates with the world. It is profound and incomprehensible! These videos tell the story.
BBC – The One Show – Talking about Channel 4’s ‘The Piano’
BBC’s The One Show invited the host and a judge of a new television show, The Piano, on England’s Channel 4. Host Claudia Winkleman and pop star Mika, one of two judges with pianist Lang Lang, discussed the concept for their series and how they were secretly judging amateur musicians playing on street pianos located outside train stations in selected cities. That portion of the interview starts at 1:26 and concludes at 7:25. They don’t give too much away, but we later find out in future episodes that the series will conclude with a final concert performance at England’s premier Royal Festival Hall.
Lucy performs Chopin’s Nocturne in B flat minor
One of those musicians is Lucy, a 13-year-old blind girl who stuns the crowd with her piano performance of Chopin’s Nocturne in B flat minor, Opus 9 number 1. We first see Claudia speak with Lucy’s mom outside the Leeds train station as they wait for Lucy’s teacher, Daniel, to lead her to the piano on an elevated platform. What happens next is breathtaking! It leaves Lang Lang speechless wondering how Lucy can learn how to play the piece. That question is answered below in The Amber Trust video – Lucy’s Story, showing us how Daniel instructs her using The Amber Sound Touch method.
Here is the FULL BROADCAST of that episode. It serves as a backgrounder leading up to the final performance. At 10:24 Claudia reveals to all of the musicians gathered together for the first time that they not only played for people at the train station locations, but also for the world’s greatest classical pianist and a well-known pop star who were secretly watching them. Lang Lang and Mika are introduced, surprising everyone. The explanation of what their intent was, and the power of music, is worth listening to. They invite everyone to attend the upcoming Festival Hall performance as their VIP guests and, after hours of deliberation, announce who and why 1 of the 4 finalists was selected to perform at the finale—Lucy. Actually, as it turned out, all 4 finalists—Jay, Sean, Danny, and Lucy—played, and Lucy was selected as the performance of the night.
Lucy performs Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1
Lucy performed Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 on Channel 4’s Finale of “The Piano’ at Royal Festival Hall. You could hear a pin drop in the hall, the audience was that intently focused on her, many moved to tears. After her performance, Lang Lang and Mika rose to their feet applauding, shouting “Bravo.” Everyone joined them giving Lucy a standing ovation.
Complete version of Lucy playing Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1
Enjoy this complete version of Lucy playing Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1. It starts at 1:48. An earlier well-edited short section of the video introduces us to Lucy’s mom explaining her daughter’s medical condition, then segues to Daniel walking Lucy to the piano where she plays Chopin’s Nocturne in B flat minor. It’s where Lang Lang, speechless, not knowing what to say, calls her a genius. At the end of this final performance, everyone is on their feet applauding wildly. The applause continues as Daniel and Lucy leave the stage. Claudia returns and proudly says, “Ladies and gentlemen, THAT is Lucy!”
The Amber Trust – Lucy’s story
The Amber Trust – Lucy’s story is a film made 3 years earlier about Lucy when she was 10 years old, blind, with autism and severe learning difficulties, but exceptional musical potential. Her teacher, Daniel, explains and demonstrates how he guides Lucy to play classical pieces on the piano. Adam Ockelford, founder of The Amber Trust, speaks at the end of the film. Lucy’s story is a part of ‘Amber Sound Touch’, The Amber Trust’s online resource for teaching music to blind and partially sighted children and young people, including those with additional disabilities. For more details, visit The Amber Trust website.
The Amber Trust has now worked with Lucy for over 10 years through their Music Awards program, funding the piano lessons she receives with her wonderful teacher, Daniel. Lucy achieved ‘performance of the night’ on the finale of Channel 4’s The Piano, receiving a standing ovation for her performance of Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1 at the Royal Festival Hall. They are very proud of everything she has accomplished on the show!
Tens of thousands of spectators at King Charles’ Coronation Concert were left speechless Sunday evening as 13-year-old blind and autistic pianist Lucy Illingworth gave a jaw-dropping performance. The pianist, who is part of Queen Camilla’s patronage, The Amber Trust, was one of the talents chosen to perform at a concert taking place on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Playing a rendition of Bach’s Prelude in C Major, the teenager prompted smiles and applause from the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte, leaving the newly crowned King and Queen speechless. Her mother Candice Illingworth was beaming as she proudly sat next to her talented daughter as she wowed the crowd.
I may be a little late to have discovered this unbelievable musical phenomenon, but Angelina Jordan continues to impress and inspire me daily. The more I found out about her, the more I wanted to hear her sing and uncover more of her story. This would account for the length and breadth of this new post. There’s enough here to keep you informed, inspired, and entertained at your own pace.
I want to sing for the whole world. Singing is as important as breathing to me. I just love to sing.— Angelina Jordan
I recently discovered and am thoroughly enjoying listening to an amazingly talented young artist—Angelina Jordan Astar from Oslo, Norway. Born January 10, 2006, this musical child prodigy started singing very early in life.
Thanks to her maternal grandmother, Mery Zamani, Angelina began listening to classic American jazz artists when she was a very young child. She started singing around 18 months and by 3 knew that’s what she wanted to do with her life—become an international singing superstar.
Luckily, her family has supported her in that direction. As a young child, Angelina attended the Oslo Waldorf School and participated in the Oslo School of Music and Performing Arts after-school program where she received vocal training.
In addition to singing, she also learned how to play 4 instruments—piano, violin, guitar, and flute—and she paints! She also writes regularly in her journal, part of which was later turned into a book. More on that below. She speaks several languages. For years she has been covering other artists and is now starting to record her own songs.
Enters Norway’s Got Talent at 7 years old and wins
In these earlier videos, it is totally incongruous to see such a small young child performing old American jazz standards on Norway’s Got Talent. For her audition she sang Billie Holiday’s version of Gloomy Sunday. The judges could not believe what they were hearing. Some were at a loss for words; others were teary-eyed. After Angelina finished singing, the audience and judges rose to their feet applauding wildly. As they sat down and the judges started interviewing Angelina, we hear music playing softly in the background. It’s the beautiful song, How Long Will I Love You?. That’s the moment Norway, and, when the video went viral, the rest of the world, fell in love with Angelina and her amazing voice.
After Angelina auditioned for NGT, one of the judges concluded her remarks with this statement: You ARE music! The other female judge said: I think that you are born to sing, and added in front of everyone that “we have a superstar.” Afterwards the judges said they were blown away, that Angelina was the best they’d seen.
Here is another jaw-dropping, mind-blowing experience. Watch Angelina, now 9, belt out I Put A Spell On You in a studio with musicians, and later, live on Germany’s Little Big Stars. Often covered in the past, this 1956 song was written and composed by Jalacy “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins. His own recording of it was selected as one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. You have to wonder how she discovered such historically significant artists. Watch him sing it, then you will understand how she honors him (he’s on the candle she holds up to the camera) by staying true to the original, yet creating her own version of it (see the conductor nodding at the written directions of her arrangement).
Angelina has recorded over 130 covers from 80 different artists that she’s posted on Facebook and YouTube over the years. She arranges her own versions of popular songs and directs musicians how to play them. This video ranks as one of the most outrageous mind-blowers, with hundreds of reactor videos and millions of views! I love to see reactors try to respond in disbelief when they hear her sing this song. It’s a double enjoyment for me—reacting to their reactions, as well as my own, again!! For example: Soul Reacts, a songwriter who cannot comprehend what he is hearing; and joethemaster‘s over-the-top reaction.
Pontus Österlin at PO Talks put together a brilliantly edited 8-minute compilation of a range of many reactors’ reactions as Angelina belts out I Put A Spell On You. During the credits listing them, he included footage of Jay Hawkins screaming out his song, with parallel clips of Angelina. This is definitely worth watching!
(Later inserted) The following year I replied to a question on Twitter as to which black and white film I thought was the best and most watched in 2001 and I said this one directed by Per Heimly adding his Twitter address. He liked it and we started a DM. I was thrilled and surprised and told him the world owed him a great debt for what he did for Angelina and her family, especially her grandma Mery Zamani. He messaged back: It’s a Family Of Great Genius . 🤘❤️🙏
At 12, Angelina Jordan came out with her first album of jazz and pop cover songs, It’s Magic. She is backed by The Staff Band of the Norwegian Armed Forces. The CD also includes 2 of her own songs, Oslo and What Is Life. You can hear it on YouTube.
America’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer
Six years later, Angelina appeared on America’s Got Talent: The Champions 2020 when she was 13 years old. She told Heidi Klum that she had waited 10 years to sing for Simon Cowell. And it was on the biggest stage in the world! This was her moment. She auditioned with her own spellbinding version of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, which won her a Golden Buzzer from Heidi, who could hardly contain herself. After the show had aired, Angelina posted a tweet thanking them all for having her and for the Golden Buzzer, which is included there.
Reflecting on that moment, Angelina said: “When Heidi stood up it felt like time stood still. I can’t believe it. The confetti felt like millions of gold stars were falling on me. It was really the best moment of my life.”
As the judges and audience members were on their feet applauding wildly, I heard an excerpt of Eva Cassidy singing Over The Rainbow playing in the background and thought, how appropriate! One amazing angelic voice honoring another as her dream finally, really did come true!
Talent Recap posted Angelina Jordan: ALL Performances on America’s Got Talent Champions, which includes the introduction. Kaleidoscope RMX posted 3 videos: Part 1, the AUDITION INTRO; Part 2, the AUDITION; and Part 3, the FULL GOLDEN BUZZER MOMENT, which started with the 3 judges’ reactions and concluded with an overwhelmed Heidi Klum who stood up and hit the Golden Buzzer, then went on stage to hug and kiss Angelina on both cheeks. The other judges joined them, a first to have all four congratulate a contestant on stage at the same time. Simon also hugged her and said: “I don’t think you know how good you are. Really!” The camera segued to Angelina’s family: her thankful uncle Michael, sister Juliette’s happy tears, mother Sara and grandma Mery hugging.
Angelina later returned for The Champions Season 2 2020 final round to sing her unique take on Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. She blew the judges away again, and the crowd went nuts in joyful disbelief.
Angelina was later joined by amazing sand artist Kseniya Simonova and talented young violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa for an exciting group performance of Someone You Loved in the AGT Champions Finale.
Variety Media later created a must hear compilation of Angelina Jordan’s 6 Different Stunning Magical Voices! Angelina may emulate these artists, vocally and emotionally as she inhabits their songs, but she interprets them in her own unique stylistic way, oftentimes better than the original! Like any great jazz artist, she is developing her own sound, finding her own voice, and now performing her own music. We are all in for many surprising treats.
When she was 10 years old Angelina was asked to record a song by Brandon Lowry, aka Sterling Fox or Baby FuzZ. Angelina’s version was a demo, not meant to be released. She said she would never record it again because it deals with suicide. Nothing happened with his song, which he had written and recorded with some Norwegian friends. Someone later “leaked” the audio. Rusty Shackleford provides an explanation in this comment. He includes Baby Fuzz’s comment—an attempt to clear the air about it after he had heard it. Angelina’s version of I’m Still Holding out for You could easily have become a Top 10 hit.
Worldwide online reactions
Besides her impressive vocal skills, what gives listeners goosebumps and moves them to tears are the powerful soulful feelings she puts into each song. How can someone that young, who has not yet experienced life’s ups and downs, express such emotions and understanding? It boggles the mind! There is no doubt that Angelina is an old soul in a young body—something the judges at NGT and AGT said, as well as others who have commented on her performances.
She has 2 billion Facebook views and over half a billion on YouTube. There are many compilation channels of her music and 100’s of reaction videos of people responding to some of the many songs she’s posted. Most of them are visibly moved, jaw-dropped at a loss for words.
One of the more qualified reactors is Spanish-speaking vocal coach Ceci Dover. She explains things in detail, sharing valuable advice. See this one she posted of Angelina covering Lana Del Ray’s Born To Die.
In this enjoyable video (select English subtitles), Ceci uses excerpts of Angela singing between ages 7-13 to give us an informed overview of the evolution of her amazingly talented voice.
Creatively collaborating with Stargate, signing with Republic Records
After turning down many requests to sign Angelina, the family eventually settled on what they felt was the right record company that would allow her to create her own style of music, and not mold her into something artificial for commercial gain. When she was 14, they signed with UMG’s, (United Music Group) Republic Records.
Angelina released her first singles on the Republic Records label: “Million Miles” in November 2020 and “7th Heaven” in March 2021. Both songs are co-credited to the multiple Grammy-award-winning Los Angeles-based Norwegian production duo, Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, aka Stargate. Read how this creative collaboration came about in these postings by this Angelina Jordan Fan Club – The Shield on the WIKI: Angelina Jordan and Stargate.
Partnering with Stargate and Republic officially launched the career of this young teenage artist. She is now getting to create and produce her own material. There is no question this original artist will evolve into the international superstar she dreamed of becoming ever since she was 3!
RECENTLY ADDED: Republic Records later produced and Angelina Jordan Official posted on July 15, 2021 a new video of Angelina Jordan singing 7th Heaven in a club setting with an audience. The story line includes a waitress listening to Angelina and the band rehearse, working in the kitchen dreaming of what her life could be, then at the live performance. It includes footage of her and Angelina horsing around in the kitchen. Very funny and cute.
The Barefoot Princess / Jazz Queen
You may have noticed that Angelina sings barefoot. There is a reason for that. While living abroad with her family in the Middle East she came upon a poor young girl, her own age at the time, around 6 years old. She was weighing people to earn money to feed her orphaned brothers and sisters. Angelina discovered this when she spoke to her. She also noticed that the girl was barefoot and had scars on her feet.
Angelina asked her what she wanted to become. She replied, a doctor, but didn’t think it could happen. Angelina strongly told her to never give up her dreams. She took off her favorite green shoes and gave them to her. The girl resisted at first, then thanked her, and said she would pray every day for her to fulfill her dream to become a superstar and sing for the whole world. Angelina told the story in this Variety Media interview.
So, in honor of and inspired by that girl, Angelina always performs barefoot and still thinks of her, and the many homeless and shoeless children everywhere. Angelina actually went on to raise millions of Euros for children and families in need. Talk about putting yourself in other people’s shoes, or in this case, giving your shoes to someone in need! Angelina’s empathy and compassionate heart are expressed through her actions as well as her amazing voice!
Angelina’s empathy and compassionate heart are expressed through her actions as well as her amazing voice!
Publishes “Between Two Hearts“
At 9 years of age, Angelina became Norway’s youngest author when she published a book about this story. Between Two Hearts is illustrated by her grandmother Mery Zamani, herself a child prodigy who became a famous poet and painter at a very early age. Mery exposed Angelina to jazz before she could read or write, and is responsible for her desire to become a jazz singer. They create art together, and design and make her own clothing. Mery tapes the many videos of Angelina singing. She also paints the backdrops for some of them, including images in the animated sequence for the lyric version of Million Miles. Some of her images were made into clothing that Angelina wears, like the colorful pant suit she wore in her first appearance on AGT, when she sang Bohemian Rhapsody. See this short Angelina Jordan book release video.
In a Book Talk podcast posted by Angelina Jordan’s publisher, Cappelen Damm, in 2015, Erling Kittelsen, a Norwegian author and poet, and friend of the family, talks with Angelina about her book. When he was first shown her diary containing that episode with the barefoot girl, he said it should be made into a book. English subtitles have now been provided by her fan club. In between we hear excerpts of Angelina singing and small extracts from “Mellom to hjerter” (Between Two Hearts). It is very moving and gives us a glimpse into who Angelina really is. For her, “Love is very … Love means everything.” Angelina’s book has been translated into English and is available for purchase as an eBook on her website: https://www.angelinajordanofficial.com/book.
(See a footnote below that I added after ordering and reading the eBook.)
The week her book came out, Angelina Jordan was interviewed by Anne Lindmo on the NRK TV show “Lindmo” (Nov 14, 2015). Ms. Lindmo asked Angelina to share the story of why she sings barefoot and to tell the story of how she met a poor barefoot girl when she was 6 years old. She then brings out Angelina’s actual diary for her to read what she wrote after that encounter with the girl. That Norwegian interview has now been translated with English subtitles. Click on the CC to watch it here. After the interview, Angelina sings Unchained Melody.
The whole family nourishes and supports Angelina in her career. In fact, her uncle is her manager, her mother handles publicity, and her grandmother is her stylist. They have been very protective of Angelina, wanting her to still enjoy her childhood and complete her education as she pursues her dream to become an international star. Throughout it all Angelina remains unpretentious and is happily focused on manifesting her musical destiny. In a reactor video, GEB Endeavors comments on how Angelina’s uncle became her manager and eventually paved the way for the family to move to LA to pursue her career in music. It’s happening!
It is interesting to note that instead of bowing when an audience applauds her, she curtsies. She always comes across as dignified yet humble, respectful and loving. A rare talent and a very special soul.
Revealing insights into Angelina’s inner world
When Angelina performs, she is in her element. She is calm and fearless. It is natural for her to powerfully project the emotional content of a song. She appears extroverted on stage, yet is in her own world. But ask her questions in an interview, and she gives short answers. She seems shy, introverted. She’s not comfortable expressing herself personally. However, it seems to be easier for her the older she gets.
I think she may be an introvert by nature and inhabits a rich inner world. She comes from a deep place. We get a glimpse of that world when she sings, and are transformed by it. Here are a few hints I’ve noticed in some interviews.
I want to sing for the whole world. Singing is as important as breathing to me. I just love to sing. — Angelina Jordan
Angelina is quite young in this interview when she said: “I close my eyes and go in a different world.” Her mother Sara said: “I came home one day when my mother looked after her. She was well eighteen months, and sang a Whitney Houston song in bed. I was almost shocked. It was so beautiful! We quickly realized that she had very great interest in music. It is she who is first and foremost musical in the family. Neither my husband nor I are particularly musical.” This video, Angelina Jordan – The Evolution, includes that clip of Angelina singing as a baby.
I close my eyes and go in a different world.
A young Angelina to an interviewer asking her about her singing.
Angelina was 1 of 10 finalists in America’s Got Talent: The Champions 2020, and the winner was going to be announced that night. In this Short Interview from LA in Norwegian TV2 Monday Feb 17, 2020, the interviewer asks Angelina about the public’s response to her singing. She told the interviewer that “it’s absolutely incredible that there are so many people who send so many millions of messages,” and quoted a few.
Q: How do you prevent this from getting to your head?
A: I take it all in…and use it to spread love to everyone all over the world.
I take it all in…and use it to spread love to everyone all over the world.
Angelina Jordan’s response to a Norwegian reporter in LA asking her how she prevents all this attention from going to her head.
She doesn’t hesitate to answer, “Singing and writing,” which is what you’d expect from an introvert. He confirms her answer by asking, “Singing and writing is easiest? Not speaking?” Smiling and chuckling, she shyly nods her head in agreement.
They then switch to speaking in English.
Q: My first question is, when I see you on stage, I wonder, who do you feel that you become?
A: Like, full of happiness, and, I love… It’s amazing!
Q: Many people say that you don’t sound like a 12-year-old. Do you feel like a 12-year-old?
A: I feel like a 12-year-old when I look at my passport.
When I sing I go to another world. In the world, it’s like, endless. It’s amazing. … Like, full of happiness, and, I love … It’s amazing!
Angelina Jordan answers Skavlan’s questions about what happens to her when she sings on stage.
He mentions a song that she’s written and will soon perform, and asks her what it’s about. She explains, “It’s about someone you love, wherever you are, it’s a strong love, protects you.”
The song sounds like a religious prayer, which could also serve as the theme song for a Bond movie. Skavlan said it reminded him of the Bond films and asks her if she’s familiar with them. She tells him that she got the inspiration for her song from the Bond films. He asks if she would sing a little bit of her favorite Bond song, and she does, acapela, Diamonds Are Forever.
Listen to her sing her song Shield with the band. It is powerful! Skavlan posted it Nov 12, 2018. There’s a video of her performing this song with a band in an open air concert the following year in Norway, Jul 12, 2019, when she was 13.
Describing her destiny
In this Feb 4, 2021 People (Magazine) article, Alyssa Johnson asks her: Where do you hope to see yourself in five years from now?
A: I’ll have an important name in the music industry and to make timeless music that can live forever. Also to give the best music experience to people and for them to enjoy and feel emotional or dance or make memories with the music I make.
I’ll have an important name in the music industry and to make timeless music that can live forever. Also to give the best music experience to people and for them to enjoy and feel emotional or dance or make memories with the music I make.
Angelina Jordan’s answer to a People (Magazine) reporter asking her where she hopes to see herself in 5 years.
Angelina is definitely following her bliss and manifesting her purpose in life! True to her name, Angelina Jordan Astar is an angel and a star sent here to fulfill her destiny and awaken a range of emotions in our hearts and touch our souls with her incredible voice!
Visit Rusty Shackelford’s YouTube Channel for a complete list of every song Angelina has performed. In Rusty’s complimentary response to voice coach Julia Nilon‘s in-depth technical reaction to Angelina’s performance of “I Put A Spell On You” he gives her a comprehensive review of the young singer’s history that’s worth reading.
YouTuber, pa1189j, created a library of individual and mashup quality videos of Angelina Jordan.
Andy Schnell, another knowledgable fan, usually informs new reactors to Angelina’s music with a brief comprehensive history of her accomplishments. Here is a recent one.
See the first time vocal coach Fairy Voice Mother ever listened and reacted to Angelina sing. She gave an excellent explanation and analysis of how Angelina was creating the sounds in her voice while singing Bohemian Rhapsody on AGT, and was moved to tears listening to such a rare talent.
Also see Wikiwand’s page for Angelina Jordan. Gary Rogers posted a long list of Angelina Jordan interviews, clips and everything else about her.
Added footnote: I just bought and finished reading the eBook of Between Two Hearts. I was just as moved by her story and the way she tells it of why she sings barefoot as I am when I hear her sing, even more so. What an evolved soul for such a young girl! Through the eyes of a child, Angelina innocently makes us see and understand the suffering of a homeless little girl, and why she was moved to do something about it in her own small way. This was definitely a life-transforming experience for Angelina that continues today. (And probably for that homeless girl as well.) I understand why she went on to raise money for homeless families. If they publish a hardback copy in English, I would buy it again. Her grandmother’s childlike artwork adds a lot to the book.
More updates: On July 31, 2021, Angelina posted an original slowed-down, jazzed-up cover version of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. Check out the colorful sets. An amazing production! On August 26, 2021, she followed that up with a similar treatment of The Beatles song, Yesterday.
On October 14, 2021, after a 6-year absence, Adele posted her new song, Easy On Me. The next day, Angelina’s Fanclub posted a TikTok clip of her singing the song. The day after that Angelina premiered her amazing cover of the song: Angelina Jordan – Easy On Me (Adele Cover) Live From Studio! Republic Records produced the in-studio black and white video of Angelina at the mic with just her piano accompanist. Angelina pours her heart and soul into this song. Her voice continues to mature as well as her vocal dexterity. Surprisingly, she sounds even better! I posted a comment on the quality of the silence I felt at the end of the song. There have already been many videos posted on YouTube reacting to Angelina’s cover of Adele’s song. See this most effusive reaction from Adam Straughan.
On May 1, 2023, Ron Crans posted Angelina Jordan singing You Say for her fans to thank them for their support. Don’t know how long it will be up, but you can see it here.
On April 14, 2023, Phillip (pa1189j) posted the audio of Angelina’s best performance of Bohemian Rhapsody from that 2021 Christmas concert.
June 22, 2022: Angelina Jordan honors Elvis Presley a day before the release of Baz Luhrmann’s film, Elvis, singing a slow melancholy version of Suspicious Minds. The song was written by Memphis singer Mark James, an old friend of Elvis. When he heard the demo, Elvis told Mark he wanted the song and the female background vocalists. It went to #1 and relaunched his career.
In this video, Angelina wore a beehive hairdo like Priscilla, dressed in a black leather jumpsuit carrying a red guitar over her shoulder like Elvis in his televised ’68 Comeback Special. Rob Christie arranged the music and accompanied Angelina on piano. Rob’s red jumpsuit matches the guitar color and is what Elvis’ musicians wore in that ’68 Special.
Her uncle and manager, Michael Astar, arranged everything. His two young daughters and Angelina’s sister Juliette make brief appearances in the video. Grandma Mery Zamani was the executive producer. Cole McCarthy directed the video in the same location that Angelina sang My Funny Valentine—an LA antique furniture and chandelier shop. This is an amazing performance and production!
Summer Concerts in Norway
June 22, 2022, Allsang på Grensen
Angelina will be performing at various venues in Norway this summer. At her first appearance she paid tribute to Freddie Mercury and Whitney Houston. She sang Bohemian Rhapsody in a vibrant red pant suit and I Have Nothing in a stunning ice blue gown, both televised by TV2 Norway. Angelina Jordan Vlogs captured part of Bohemian Rhapsody, and I Have Nothing twice from the actual event. They also posted excerpts from the other upcoming concerts. Phillip (pa1189j) later provided with the best audio version so far with a clean music intro.
July 1, 2022, Kurbadhagen
Angelina gave her own full concert at Kurbadhagen. Andy Schnell posted the playlist (14 songs + 3 encores). She looks so happy and relaxed in front of a live audience again. And her band swings. Instead of singing in one spot, she moves freely about the stage, and interacts with the audience in between songs—a new development for her, and us. The lucky fans are thrilled, and she’s loving it!
Before singing Amy Winehouse’s song, Tears Dry on Their Own, Angelina delivers her quintessential message: “I’m probably repeating myself but, the most important thing is just to be yourself, be kind to each other, and just be happy. That’s all that matters.” (Applause)
An audience member shouts out, “You make us happy.”
Visibly moved, Angelina replies: “Oh, that means so much.”
The most important thing is just to be yourself, be kind to each other, and just be happy. That’s all that matters.
Angelina Jordan to her concert audience at Kurbadhagen
See this beautiful and succinct comment about Angelina Jordan posted by Shodan Rich after hearing her sing “Suspicious Minds”, the 3rd and final encore of the show.
Rusty Shackleford posted a video of House of the Rising Sun from Hege of “The Shield” fan group. He later posted a multi-cam video of Suspicious Minds that he created from footage provided by many members of the “The Shield” fan group.
July 7, 2022, Kongsberg Jazz Festival
Rusty later posted a clip from Øyvind Skogstad of The Shield Fan Group of Angelina opening the concert with an amazing new cover of Labrinth’s Mount Everest. Rusty Shackleford later audio-corrected and video-edited Chris Walker’s 4K footage of Angelina surprising everyone with her version of Mount Everest, especially her falsetto riffing with the guitarist.
Alan Papier posted The Kongsberg Concert Interviews with fans that came from around the world to listen to Angelina Jordan sing. He wrote: “Thousands of Angelina Jordan’s fans around the world wish they could have attended her recent concerts in Norway. In today’s video, we try and recreate the atmosphere from her concert at the Kongsberg Jazz Festival for those who could not attend.”
July 10, 2022, Kurbadhagen, Sandefjord
There are several posts from this concert. Steinar Hatlen’s closeup recording of Angelina’s powerful rendition of her song, Million Miles was posted by The Shield. Angelina introduced the song saying it is very meaningful to her (about her grandpa) and wanted to share a special message about losing someone you loved: “I don’t want anyone of you to think that, you know, that they left you. They’re always going to be with you no matter where you are. So you’re never alone,” a reference to the repeated line, “I’m never alone,” in her song.
Kathrine posted I Have Nothing, which included Angelina’s introduction. “I want to dedicate this song to a very special person—my grandma. (Applause) She couldn’t personally come this time because as you guys know, she’s been sick, but she will be better soon. And I…I miss her so much. I miss every single second that I’m not with her. And…you guys enjoy.” That powerful song concluded the concert.
Mattias Axelsson recorded the Kurbadhagen concert in 4K. In his first video, he posted sound checks for At last and I Have Nothing, ending with visuals of people lined up to get in. He then posted all 18 songs in the order they were performed, starting with Mount Everest and ending with I Have Nothing. This seems to be a complete quality compilation.
Vidar Enerud also uploaded the Full Playlist of 15 songs plus 3 encores, including a poster listing them.
The words to the song—I have nothing, nothing, nothing, if I don’t have you—are true on two levels—her grandma and her audience. Without Mery Zamani introducing Angelina to jazz at a very early age and lovingly supporting and recording her God-given talent—she, and we, would have nothing. And without devoted fans, a singer has nothing.
Angelina’s career is all based on giving and receiving love. She even gave the heart sign twice while singing All of Me. The love and appreciation the audience showed Angelina moved her to tears, just as her love and singing did for them, and us.
As you could see from the videos, everyone on and off the stage was very happy. It was a huge lovefest.
July 11, 2022: An Angelina Jordan Bonus Podcast Episode of Wrapped in a Warm Blanket with co-hosts Alan Papier and Pontus Österlin from Kurbadhagen in Sandefjord, Norway. Alan and Pontus finally met there in person and shared their reflections on Angelina’s concert. They also met Sara Astar, Angelina’s mother. Nice to see such dedicated AJ reactors and podcasters looking fulfilled after seeing and hearing Angelina sing in person. She created a magical atmosphere beyond their expectations.
July 24, 2022: Angelina Jordan – I Have Nothing (Whitney Houston Cover). Angelina just premiered this cover song in black and white, filmed at the same LA antique furniture and chandelier store where she sang My Funny Valentine and Suspicious Minds. This is 3 years after she had recorded her Whitney Houston tribute mentioned above. As great as that recording was back then, the depth and dexterity of her maturing voice now is absolutely phenomenal! And she is only 16 years old!
August 18, 2022: Chris Walker later created a multi-camera edit of Angelina Jordan’s emotional performance of Elvis Presley’s song “Suspicious Minds” at Kurbadhagen, Norway, on July 10, 2022. The edit uses video shot by fans from five different angles.
August 25, 2022: Rusty Shackleford later cleaned up and edited together footage from 4 fans’ cameras of Angelina’s powerful emotional version Million Miles at Kurbadhagen on July 10, 2022.
September 16, 2022:Boris Palenovski posted the September 13th visit of Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett, Michael Jackson’s drummer since 1979, to a Republic Records studio especially to hear Angelina Jordan sing. Sitting cross-legged on the edge of a small stage, Angelina sang all of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing”, (on Boris’ YouTube), and part of “Billie Jean” for him (on his and Angelina’s TikTok). He wrote: “You are SENSATIONAL!!!! ⭐️” and also answered someone’s comment with: “Why compare to Michael? This is her own version and tribute. And she sounds FANTASTIC!” He also told Angelina: “I can feel that it touched Michael’s spirit. You delivered, you delivered.” It touched her heart.
Much to my surprise, co-hosts Alan and Pontus had seen this blog post and invited me on their podcast to talk about my experiences with meditation and listening to Angelina to see if there were similarities, and to shed more light on this topic. We had a long animated conversation, and it was later edited down for Season Two, Episode 4: It’s All Mind – Meditating on Angelina Jordan with Ken Chawkin. Watch the Premiere with Live Chat on Thursday, March 24 at 3pm London time (10am Central Daylight Time). It will then be available at this same link: https://youtu.be/YSyu6aAwLI4. Appreciated the positive reactions, especially the amazing comment from Jim Donaldson.
December 14, 2022: Using Zoom Pro and other software tweaks, pa1189j created an enhanced audio livestream, My Broadcast, of Angelina’s 1-hour July 10th concert at Kurbadhagen. The sound quality is pristine. You can now hear every nuance of Angelina’s amazing voice! He said he will try to separate and title each song before Christmas.
January 13, 2023: With yesterday’s sudden and unexpected passing of Lisa Marie Presley (54), Angelina Jordan posted an emotional tribute with this message of condolences—You will never be forgotten Lisa Marie❤️Rest in Peace❤️—and an Elvis Presley cover of Only Fools Rush In, to Priscilla and the Presley family on her TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
February 12, 2023: Kathrine Angeltveit translated a June 23, 2014 TV2 interview with 8-year old Angelina after she had won NGT asking her what she was going to do with her winnings. Angelina’s reply reveals her selfless compassionate heart: “I will use them on children who are all alone, and who don’t have any shoes nor clothes. I want to make them happy and I want to sing for them.” When asked when she is hoping to do this, she replies: “Forever.” As we know, Angelina went on to do just that—sing to raise millions for such charities! In addition to her beautiful soul-stirring voice, she also has the heart of an angel, a saint!!
February 27, 2023: The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2022
Angelina Jordan and RedOne wrote and performed “We’re The Best,” the official song for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 in Paris, at 1:24:01 into the celebration. It’s also on the FIFA YouTube Channel at 1:28:21. It was televised live to an audience of over 300 million. Angelina posted a photo on her Instagram with some of the best footballers in the world. One person commented that “there were about 695,000 watching on YouTube when you started singing!” Angelina later posted her performance on Instagram. You may noticed some technical difficulties with the FIFA production. Here is an improved Revised Audio version by AJ Playlists – by most2dot0 followed by a 3rd improved version.
The next day, May 6, Angelina did a Livestream with her fans, sang part of the song live, and answered questions about the album and touring. Her sister Juliette joined Angelina towards the latter part of the 15:30 video, posted in Angelina Jordan Archives, a YouTube channel dedicated to archiving the videos of Angelina Jordan in one convenient place for the fans to enjoy in the years ahead. Angelina cued up the song and starts singing at 4:13 for 80 seconds until 5:33.
In May she announced her first American concert at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Friday, Sept 22, 2023, An Evening with Angelina Jordan.
Conclusion:Fill my heart with song and let me sing for evermore
Today, September 22, 2021, is the Autumnal Equinox, and as I was listening to Angelina Jordan (8) – Fly Me To The Moon – The View 2014, these words from the song caught my attention: ‘Fill my heart with song and let me sing for evermore.’ I realized it echoed her quote at the top of this post. Singing is her raison d’être! She wants to fill the world with song and love.
The Uncarved Blog 