The charming 5-year-old jazz vocalist Sophie Fatu made her mark on America’s Got Talent Season 13, becoming the youngest competitor in the show’s history. With her rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” Sophie, now 8, launched an incredible singing and acting career that continues to flourish.
Sophie’s adorable appearance on the AGT stage in 2018 captured the attention of both the judges and the audience. The sheer number of people attending her performance astounded her. Simon Cowell appreciated her performance, albeit with a humorous suggestion that Sophie could be his son Eric’s girlfriend. After Sophie’s rendition of “New York, New York” in the Judge Cuts, she had a cute moment with Eric, who, embarrassed, quickly fled the scene. Her AGT audition has since garnered over 46 million views on YouTube. In April 2020, Sophie’s mother, Vicky, shared on Instagram that they are still awaiting a call from Eric, highlighting the lasting impact of Sophie’s AGT performance.
Following her rise to fame on AGT, Sophie Fatu, who stole the judges’ hearts, began releasing original music. In 2019, she performed at Westbury Theater in New York alongside fellow participant Sal Valentinetti, delivering well-known holiday songs. She also released a much-anticipated rendition of Hamilton’s “You’ll Be Back” along with a music video. Sophie’s YouTube channel, featuring upbeat song covers from various genres, has received over 81 million views overall.
In 2019, Sophie recorded her EP, Love is…, at Capitol Studios, the same facility that Frank Sinatra used. A documentary accompanying the EP’s creation was made available on YouTube. At six years old, Sophie became the youngest artist ever to record at Capitol Studios. The EP’s release was delayed due to a cyberattack that removed her Facebook profile, but it eventually launched with six songs honoring some of Sophie’s greatest vocal inspirations, showcasing her amazing vocals. She recorded the EP alongside Chuck Berghofer, who had recorded and toured with legends like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Peggy Lee, and Ray Charles.
Sophie has also made a name for herself in acting. In 2020, she played Will’s daughter in the television series Will & Grace. In November 2019, she appeared in a Big Lots holiday advertisement and was cast in her first Barbie commercial for a unicorn toy with amazing lights, followed by another Barbie commercial.
In June 2020, Sophie recorded ADR for her role in the Mel Gibson and Charlie Hunnam feature film Last Looks. Together with her voice instructor Cody Jay, she sang a stunning rendition of “The Prayer” in late January 2021. Additionally, Sophie unveiled the music video for her rendition of Frankie Lymon’s “Goody Goody.”
In April, Sophie made a special appearance on the Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo on Sesame Street, where Cookie Monster himself gave her a cookie. She also posted a video of herself practicing “Reckless Love” behind the scenes with her voice instructor. In June, Sophie released the much-awaited music video for the beach-themed song.
Despite being just in third grade, Sophie has accomplished more than many performers her age. Her continuous hard work and dedication since her appearance on AGT have paved the way for a promising future. We’re excited to see what this young AGT prodigy achieves next, as big things undoubtedly lie ahead for her.