A young girl with a frizzy bob walks onstage and when Simon asked what song she will be singing, she replied, it is a surprise

13-year-old Rachel Crow stunned audiences on The X Factor USA with her powerhouse performance of Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy.” Despite her shy demeanor and petite frame, Rachel’s voice was bold and mature, hitting every note with ease and commanding the stage. Her performance became an instant sensation, racking up 40 million views, making it the most-watched video in the show’s history at the time.

Rachel had quietly confident moments before her performance, telling the judges, “It means everything, and I know I’m meant to be here,” and surprising them with her song choice. The judges didn’t offer feedback during the boot camp, but viewers praised her maturity and emotional depth, especially given her young age.

Though Rachel was eliminated in the quarterfinals, her talent led to a record deal with Columbia Records, and she released an EP in 2012. She also appeared on Nickelodeon shows like Fred: The Show and Big Time Rush. Since then, Rachel has continued to impress with her voice and her entertainment career. Be sure to follow her journey on Instagram and watch her unforgettable X Factor performance.