Girl’s Electrifying Performance of Shakira’s “Waka Waka” on AGT Completely Shocks and Delights the Audience

The America’s Got Talent stage has witnessed everything from soulful ballads to jaw-dropping magic tricks, but no one expected the explosion of energy that came from one young girl singing Shakira’s iconic anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” What started as a quiet introduction quickly turned into one of the most high-energy, electrifying, and unexpected performances of the season—leaving both the judges and the entire crowd completely stunned.

She introduced herself as Sasha Torres, a 12-year-old from Miami, Florida. Petite and soft-spoken, Sasha wore a bright yellow top and a sparkling smile, her curly hair bouncing with every movement as she stepped into the spotlight. “I love Shakira,” she said sweetly, “and tonight I want to perform the song that makes me feel brave and alive.”

The judges gave encouraging nods. Simon Cowell offered a smile and a raised eyebrow, clearly intrigued. A few audience members clapped politely, not yet prepared for what was about to hit them.

Then the drums kicked in.

From the first beat, Sasha’s entire presence shifted. She launched into the song’s rhythmic opening with infectious energy, immediately commanding the stage. The famous opening line—"You're a good soldier, choosing your battles..."—came alive with a power that no one expected from such a small girl. Her pronunciation was crisp, her tone sharp, and her charisma off the charts.

As the beat picked up, so did Sasha’s performance. She didn’t just sing—she danced. And not just casual swaying. She erupted into full choreography, channeling Shakira’s signature moves with uncanny precision. Hip rolls, hair flips, footwork—it was all there. Her movement was athletic, passionate, and incredibly well-rehearsed.

By the time she hit the chorus, the crowd had gone from silent to roaring.

"Tsamina mina, eh eh
Waka waka, eh eh..."

The entire audience joined in.

People jumped to their feet, clapping and singing along. A few audience members were visibly shocked, shaking their heads in disbelief that this level of performance was coming from a 12-year-old. Her breath control was flawless, even as she danced. Her voice never wavered, never dropped off. Sasha had trained for this moment, and she wasn’t holding back.

The judges’ reactions were priceless. Heidi Klum stood up halfway through the song, dancing in place and laughing with joy. Sofia Vergara clapped along, clearly thrilled by the Latin pride Sasha brought to the stage. Howie Mandel couldn’t stop smiling. And Simon Cowell? He leaned back in his chair, arms folded, nodding in approval—the rare expression he gives only when something truly extraordinary is happening.

As the final chorus hit, Sasha delivered one last spin, dropped into a dramatic final pose, and held her mic high.

The theater erupted.

The crowd roared with a standing ovation that lasted nearly a full minute. Some audience members chanted her name. Others just screamed with delight. Sasha stood breathless, hands on her knees, smiling wider than ever.

Heidi Klum was the first to speak. “Sasha, you are a superstar! That was like watching a mini pop concert. I want to buy tickets to your tour!”

Sofia Vergara, beaming with pride, added, “You didn’t just sing a song—you lit the whole room on fire! You’re Latina, you’re powerful, and you just honored Shakira in the best possible way!”

Full performance:

Howie Mandel said, “That was pure joy. I came here to be entertained, and you over-delivered. That was professional-level energy and stage presence. Bravo!”

Then Simon Cowell gave his verdict. “I have to say… when you walked out here, I expected a nice, sweet song. Maybe something slow. I never—never—expected what you just did. That was explosive. You are a born performer, Sasha.”

Backstage, Sasha was still glowing with adrenaline. “I love dancing and singing at the same time,” she said. “When I perform Waka Waka, I feel like the whole world is cheering with me. And tonight… it felt real.”

Her performance quickly went viral. Within hours, clips of her audition racked up millions of views across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Viewers dubbed her “the next Shakira” and praised her for bringing so much joy, energy, and professionalism to the stage. Comments flooded in:

“I want this on Spotify immediately!”

“That girl didn’t come to compete. She came to conquer.”

“Shakira would be so proud.”

Even celebrities began to take notice. Latin pop artists reposted her performance. Dance influencers recreated her choreography. One prominent music producer tweeted, “Sign this girl before someone else does.”

But for Sasha, it wasn’t about fame. It was about sharing joy. “I want people to dance with me,” she said in an interview the next day. “Even if they’re sad. Even if they’re scared. Music is for everyone.”

And that’s exactly what she gave. For three unforgettable minutes, Sasha turned the AGT stage into a global celebration of rhythm, resilience, and happiness.

She didn’t just sing “Waka Waka”—she became it.

And now, the world is watching.

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