When 14-year-old Destiny Chukunyere took the stage for her Britain’s Got Talent audition in 2017, she chose a song that would intimidate even seasoned professionals: Aretha Franklin’s “Think.” Her bold selection raised eyebrows, especially from judge Simon Cowell, who voiced concern about the difficulty of the track. However, the moment Destiny began to sing, she underwent a stunning transformation. Her confident vocals, combined with smooth stage movements and infectious energy, quickly captivated the audience and judges alike.

As the performance progressed, Cowell’s skepticism gave way to admiration. He was seen nodding along, visibly impressed by Destiny’s vocal control and charisma. By the final note, the entire audience and all four judges were on their feet, applauding her powerful rendition. Cowell, known for his harsh critiques, offered unexpected praise, even suggesting that Destiny had the rare qualities of a true star. With unanimous “yes” votes from the judges, she advanced in the competition, solidifying her status as a breakout talent.

Though Destiny ultimately finished in sixth place and was eliminated in the semi-final round, her BGT appearance marked a significant milestone in her growing career. Her journey as a performer had started years earlier in Malta, where she began singing at the age of 12. One of her early successes came at the Festival Kanzunetta Indipendenza, where she placed third with her song “Festa t’Ilwien.” These local competitions helped her develop the confidence and stage presence that would later shine on international platforms.

Destiny’s connection to Aretha Franklin’s music runs deep, and her admiration for Franklin’s soulful power was evident when she again chose “Think” for her Junior Eurovision national selection performance in 2015. That year, she represented Malta in Sofia, Bulgaria, and ultimately won the competition with her original song, “Not My Soul.” The song, a bold anthem about self-empowerment and resilience, earned her a record-breaking 185 points and further demonstrated her ability to blend emotional storytelling with vocal strength.

Building on the momentum from her Junior Eurovision victory and her time on BGT, Destiny continued to pursue her passion for music. She participated in Malta’s version of The X Factor and represented her country once more at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “All Of My Love.” With a growing fan base, a history of powerful performances, and early recognition from industry icons like Simon Cowell, Destiny Chukunyere has firmly established herself as one of Malta’s most promising young talents, with a bright future still unfolding.