A teenager from Co Down is ready to make Northern Ireland proud as she prepares to showcase her singing talent on the global stage of America's Got Talent.
Sophie Lennon is "pinching herself" as she finally gets to share that she was invited to audition for the renowned talent show , led by Simon Cowell.
The 14-year-old songbird was flown to Los Angeles earlier this year to demonstrate her vocal prowess in front of music tycoon Cowell and fellow judges Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel.
Having sung since she was a wee lass, Sophie's mum Theresa credits a viral video on Belfast Live when Sophie was just 10 for kick-starting the teen's career. This has seen her represent Ireland at Junior Eurovision, star on the West End, and perform across the globe.
Sophie's America's Got Talent audition is scheduled to air in the US this Tuesday, July 23 on NBC and Peacock TV. Her performance will be available on YouTube and social media worldwide after the show airs.
In conversation with Belfast Live, Sophie's mum Theresa expressed her family's pride in Sophie's achievements and how this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came about.
She said: "It happened very fast, we got a call saying that they wanted her to audition for America's Got Talent and within a week we were in LA - it was all very quick, choosing what song to sing and everything."
"They sorted everything out and there was even a chauffeur waiting at the airport for her and all. It was back in March and they had her sing on St Patrick's Day too."
"It was such a class experience. To be chosen to have her audition be aired on the TV in just incredible."
Without giving away any spoilers for what is ahead, Theresa said she was not the only one "blown away" by her daughter's performance and she is continually in awe of Sophie taking every opportunity in her stride at such a young age.
"When it came to her preparing to go on stage, we were backstage waiting and the crowds were roaring - I was so nervous and I could see her face starting to get a bit jittery."
"I was trying to keep her calm and just told her that its nothing she hasn't done before and she's got this. She was a wee bit nervous but you couldn't tell at all," Theresa said.
The teen is the first person from Northern Ireland to be chosen to fly out and perform on America's Got Talent and the second person across the isle of Ireland, an honour Sophie is excited to hold.
Mum Theresa continued: "It's hard to believe sometimes, you wake up and ask yourself is this all really happening and we have to pinch ourselves - she's this wee girl from Northern Ireland and she's been able to represent her country on these huge stages."
"It's such a dream come true for her. She's been watching America's Got Talent for years and you'd never believe that she'd be on it one day herself, it's just unbelievable."
"The support she gets at home and from across the world is amazing."
And if participating in one of the largest talent shows on the globe wasn't thrilling enough for the Co Down teenager, Sophie has recently jetted off to Sweden to pen tracks with an acclaimed music producer who's collaborated with stars like Britney Spears, Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson.
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
Most Popular
Comments / 0