【轻松英文阅读】下一个泰勒？

 Grace VanderWaal was just like any other New York 12-year old until she and her mother decided¹ to let her try out for the NBC television competition, America’s Got Talent. Grace had written songs since she was three years old, so unlike most child performers, she sang an original song on the show, and played a ukulele. Not even Grace’s sixth grade friends knew she loved singing, but soon the whole world would find out.

 

Grace’s song at the audition², “I Don’t Know My Name,” blew away the audience and all four judges, who gave her a standing³ ovation⁴. And then one judge even hit a special button for outstanding acts, which meant that Grace went directly into the quarterfinals. Head judge and record producer Simon Cowell, who is known for his tough comments, loved Grace so much he promised she was going to be a star, and called her “the next Taylor Swift.”

 

Grace went on to win America’s Got Talent, which means the adorable 12-year old was a millionaire and YouTube sensation before her 13th birthday. And now everyone knows her name, including Taylor Swift herself, who sent her flowers to congratulate her on her victory.

 

Here is the performance that started it all, Grace’s audition to America’s Got Talent:　Grace’s Audition　

1 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

2 audition   

n.(对志愿艺人等的)面试(指试读、试唱等)

参考例句：

• I'm going to the audition but I don't expect I'll get a part.我去试音，可并不指望会给我个角色演出。
• At first,they said he was too young,but later they called him for an audition.起初，他们说他太小，但后来他们叫他去试听。

3 standing   

n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的

参考例句：

• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
• They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。

4 ovation   

n.欢呼，热烈欢迎，热烈鼓掌

参考例句：

• The hero received a great ovation from the crowd. 那位英雄受到人群的热烈欢迎。
• The show won a standing ovation. 这场演出赢得全场起立鼓掌。