The little girl, just eight years old, confidently announced her song choice to the audience and judges: Whitney Houston’s timeless classic, “I Will Always Love You.”

A teenage competitor at a well-known talent show entered the stage with a gleam in her eyes and unflinching confidence. The eight-year-old little sweetheart proudly declared that the music she had chosen was the classic “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston.

Simon Cowell, who is renowned for his perceptive criticism and open listening, laughed at the decision. With a look of both astonishment and amusement, he lifted an eyebrow, obviously impressed by her audacious choice. With eyes exchanged, the other judges said, “That’s a tough one.”