Amira Willighagen was born on March 27, 2004, in Nijmegen, Netherlands. She is a Dutch singer known for performing classical opera arias and classical crossover music. In 2013, at the age of nine, she won the sixth season of Holland's Got Talent after performing works by Giacomo Puccini and other classical composers. Her audition performance of O mio babbino caro from the opera Gianni Schicchi attracted international attention. Following the competition, she performed with violinist and conductor Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. She released her debut album, Amira, in 2014, followed by Merry Christmas in 2015 and With All My Heart in 2018. She has also supported charitable projects providing playgrounds for children in South Africa.

Early Life and Interest in Music

Amira Willighagen was born on March 27, 2004, in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Her mother, Frieda Willighagen, has South African family connections, while her father, Gerrit Willighagen, is Dutch. She has an older brother, Fincent, who plays the violin.

Willighagen became interested in classical music during childhood. She began learning opera arias by listening to recordings and watching performances on YouTube, initially without formal vocal lessons.

Her interest developed after watching her brother perform music. She began practicing classical pieces at home and later decided to audition for a television talent competition.

Holland's Got Talent Victory in 2013

In October 2013, nine-year-old Amira Willighagen auditioned for Holland's Got Talent, broadcast by RTL 4.

She performed O mio babbino caro, an aria from the opera Gianni Schicchi by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. Her performance received a standing ovation, and the judges awarded her a Golden Ticket, allowing her to advance directly to the live shows.

During the semifinal on December 21, 2013, she performed Ave Maria, based on music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Charles Gounod.

In the final on December 28, 2013, she sang Nessun dorma from Puccini's opera Turandot. She won the competition after receiving more than half of the public vote.

Videos of her performances circulated internationally, attracting comparisons with opera singers including Maria Callas.

Performances with André Rieu

Following her appearance on Holland's Got Talent, Amira Willighagen received an invitation from Dutch violinist and conductor Andre Rieu to attend a vocal masterclass.

In July 2014, she performed during Rieu's concerts at the Vrijthof square in Maastricht, accompanied by his Johann Strauss Orchestra.

Her performances included O mio babbino caro, which she had previously sung during her television audition.

She also began appearing at international concerts and television programs, including performances in South Africa and the United States.

Recording Career and Albums

In March 2014, Amira Willighagen released her debut album, Amira, through Sony Classical.

The album featured classical arias and other vocal compositions, accompanied by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. It included O mio babbino caro, Nessun dorma, and Ave Maria.

The recording reached number one on the Dutch Albums Chart and achieved gold certification.

In November 2015, she released her second album, Merry Christmas, featuring traditional Christmas music and classical vocal arrangements.

Her third album, With All My Heart, followed in March 2018. She continued performing classical and crossover music at concerts and recorded performances in Europe and South Africa.

Life in South Africa and Charity Work

In January 2018, Amira Willighagen moved to South Africa with her mother and brother.

Her connection with the country began during childhood visits to relatives. After seeing children in the Ikageng community near Potchefstroom without suitable playground facilities, she decided to support projects providing recreational spaces.

In March 2014, she helped finance the opening of a playground in Ikageng using income from her performances.

Later that year, the Gelukskinders Foundation was established to support the construction and maintenance of playgrounds for disadvantaged children.

The foundation subsequently supported additional playground projects at schools and community facilities in South Africa.

Later Performances

Amira Willighagen continued her singing career after moving to South Africa, appearing in concerts and recording musical performances.

She collaborated with artists including Paul Potts, James Bhemgee, and Italian tenor Fabio Armiliato.

Her repertoire expanded to include film music, religious compositions, and classical crossover arrangements alongside opera arias.

She also participated in concert recordings and online performances, including On My Own, African Christmas with Amira and Friends, and This Is My Dream.

Albums

2014 – Amira – Debut studio album
2015 – Merry Christmas – Christmas album
2018 – With All My Heart – Studio album

Selected Performances and Recordings

2013 – O mio babbino caro – Holland's Got Talent audition
2013 – Ave Maria – Holland's Got Talent semifinal
2013 – Nessun dorma – Holland's Got Talent final
2014 – Performance with Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra in Maastricht
2014 – Starlight Classics Concerts – South Africa
2016 – Classics Is Groot – Concert recording
2016 – Afrikaans Is Groot – Concert recording
2017 – Classics Is Groot – Concert recording
2018 – Classics Is Groot – Concert recording
2019 – Classics Is Groot – Concert recording

Source: Biyografiler.com