Linda Mudzenda, a 21-year-old from Zimbabwe, moved Britain’s Got Talent judges to tears with her powerful version of Lauren Daigle’s ‘You Say’ and earned Alesha Dixon’s golden buzzer.
From Zimbabwe to the World Stage
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Linda grew up with five siblings under her single mother’s care. Her mother Susan worked hard to provide for the family despite difficult conditions.
“It was hard, but my mum managed to take care of us and do everything. I can’t say it was good, but we got through it,” Linda shared about her childhood.
Linda first began singing in church when she was 10 years old, performing alongside her sisters. By age 16, she was working with Gospel artists around the world. This early church experience shaped her powerful voice that later amazed the BGT audience.
Two years ago, Linda took a brave step and moved to the United Kingdom, making Bedford her new home. She had always dreamed of appearing on Britain’s Got Talent, even while living in Zimbabwe.
“When people used to ask me what I dream of doing when I grow up, I used to say to be part of Britain’s Got Talent,” she revealed.
“Despite being all the way in Zimbabwe, I always believed I’d move to the UK and make it happen.”
Triumph Through Trials
What makes Linda’s golden buzzer moment even more special is what she went through before her audition. “The two months before the audition, I didn’t have a place to stay. I was having problems at my work, and I almost had an operation,” Linda explained.
She almost fell into depression during this difficult time. “Being on the stage, it was a relief for me. It was a joy I didn’t have for the past two months.”
Linda also faces health challenges. She was diagnosed with a pre-diabetic condition and must follow a strict diet. She also has a cyst on her left side that might need surgery. Despite these physical struggles, Linda kept her faith strong.
A Song of Faith and Identity
For her audition, Linda chose to sing Lauren Daigle’s ‘You Say,’ a Christian song released in 2018. The song speaks about finding your worth in God rather than what the world tells you.
With lyrics like “You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing, You say I am strong when I think I am weak,” the song connects with many people who face doubt.
Daigle wrote this song to remind listeners that God’s truth matters more than our own doubts.
Linda sang with such emotion that everyone was captivated. Her performance showed both skill and heart. Judge Alesha Dixon was so moved that she pressed the golden buzzer, sending Linda straight to the finals.
After hitting the buzzer, Alesha went on stage to hug Linda and told her: “You deserved it. You deserved to be part of the show, and it was all worth it for me to be there.”
Viewers were deeply touched by Linda’s performance. One person commented on YouTube, “She has a gift directly from heaven.”
Another wrote, “Wow… I’m an emotional wreck. This girl has a once in a generation voice. Absolutely incredible, I hope all her wildest dreams come true. Can’t wait to hear her again!”
Someone else praised, “I hear so many covers of this song, and I will say this one is my favourite. Nothing was overdone, but her passion was undeniable. A crazy stellar performance. Well deserved Golden Buzzer.”
Honoring a Mother’s Sacrifice
Linda entered the competition with her mother in mind. She dedicated her performance to her mother, who sacrificed so much for her musical journey. “The reason I’m here, working so hard, is because of my mum,” Linda explained. “She sacrificed a lot for me to live my passion of music.”
If she wins, Linda plans to use the prize money to help her mother. “She’s the first person I’d thank with the prize money. A lot would go to making sure she can relax for the rest of her life.”
Dreams Taking Flight
Since her golden buzzer moment, things have improved for Linda. “Now everything’s OK at work, I managed to find a place to stay and my health is a bit better,” she shared. “I’m in a good space. BGT came at the right time.”
Beyond the competition, Linda writes her own songs and plans to release her first single this fall.
God Makes a Way
If God has a plan for you, no matter where you are or what situation you face, He will give you the strength to break through barriers and achieve what seems impossible. Linda’s journey from Zimbabwe to the BGT stage shows us this truth in action.
When she had no place to stay, faced health issues, and nearly fell into depression, God was preparing her path to shine.
Our God is a miracle-worker and Waymaker who opens doors no human can shut.
Leave your dreams in God’s capable hands and let His will be done in your life. He can take you from your darkest moments to your greatest victories, just as He did for Linda on that golden buzzer night.
WATCH: Linda Mudzenda Sings Breathtaking Version of ‘You Say’ on BGT
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