A shy 13 year old with a frizzy bob steps onto the stage, and when Simon asks what she will sing,

You won’t believe the powerhouse voice hiding inside 13-year-old Rachel Crow! When she stepped onto The X Factor USA stage with her frizzy hair, shy smile, and bubbly charm, no one expected what came next. But the moment she sang Beyoncé’s If I Were a Boy, the room FROZE. Her voice—soulful, rich, and beyond her years—sent shockwaves through the audience and judges alike.

Before the performance, Rachel nervously teased Simon Cowell with, “It’s a surprise.” And what a surprise it was! Her flawless control, effortless high notes, and emotional depth had everyone on their feet in a standing ovation. The clip went VIRAL, racking up over 40 MILLION views, becoming one of The X Factor USA’s most legendary moments.

Though she didn’t win the competition, Rachel’s career skyrocketed. She landed a record deal, dropped a top-20 EP, and became a Nickelodeon star, appearing in Fred: The Show and Big Time Rush. Today, she continues to shine as a singer and actress, proving that her X Factor moment was just the beginning. If you haven’t seen this mind-blowing performance yet, WATCH NOW!