LONDON – Twenty-one-year-old Zimbabwean care worker Linda Mudzenda became the receiver of the seventh golden buzzer at this year’s edition of Britain’s Got Talent, after a moving rendition of “You Say” by Lauren Daigle.
So emotionally charged was Mudzenda’s performance that some members of the audience were moved to tears as she sang.
The golden buzzer moment came as judge Amanda Holden, stood from her chair, declaring, “Britain needs to hear this voice!” before slamming the golden button while Alesha Dixon sent Mudzenda straight into the finals.
Mudzenda said that her mother’s struggles had spurred her on to sing at her best.
“The reason I’m here, working so hard, is because of my mum. She sacrificed a lot for me to live my passion of music. So she’s the first person I’d thank with the prize money. A lot would go to making sure she can relax for the rest of her life.”
The singer revealed that the last few months had been tough her, as she battled health and professional problems.
“The two months before the audition, I didn’t have a place to stay. I was having problems at my work, and I almost had an operation. So being on the stage, it was a relief for me. It was a joy I didn’t have for the past two months.
“I almost got depressed, but managed to conquer it. That’s why it was emotional for me.”
Progress in Britain’s Got Talent had been the tonic that her life needed, she said.
“I was diagnosed with the pre-diabetic condition. I’m on a diet. I have a cyst on my left side – I’m still yet to see if they can do an operation. So I’m in a good space. BGT came at the right time.”
