A young talent takes the stage
When Paula Jivén, just 13 years old, walked onto the Sweden’s Got Talent (Talang) stage in 2018, she appeared shy and nervous. No one expected that within moments, she would deliver one of the most memorable performances in the show’s history. After a single deep breath, she began to sing—and the entire room fell silent.
Turning a pop classic into pure soul
Paula’s rendition of “Billie Jean” was far from a typical cover. Instead of imitating Michael Jackson’s iconic pop energy, she slowed the tempo, stripped away the beat, and infused the song with raw emotion and haunting sincerity. Every note carried depth and meaning, transforming the familiar tune into something deeply personal.
It wasn’t just Billie Jean—it was Paula’s Billie Jean.
A heartfelt tribute
When she softly sang the line, “Michael, you were the one,” it struck a chord with everyone listening. It felt like a tribute—a moment of connection between a young artist and the legend who inspired her. Viewers were moved to tears, and the performance quickly spread across the internet, gathering praise from fans around the world. Many called it one of the most touching versions of “Billie Jean” ever performed.
A performance that still inspires
What made Paula stand out wasn’t just her incredible vocal control—it was her courage to reinterpret a legend’s song in her own voice. She honored Michael Jackson not by copying him, but by expressing the story through her own heart and style.
Years later, her performance continues to captivate new audiences online. For many listeners, Paula Jivén’s soulful version of “Billie Jean” remains the one they return to—a reminder that true artistry comes from honesty, originality, and the courage to make something your own.