Back in 2011, a musical generation ago, Limelight hit the YouTubes in search of the prodigal talents tipped to become the next generation of classical and crossover stars.

But how many of them actually made it? Did those pre-teen and tween musicians and singers flame out, or have they gone on to substantial careers?

Let’s find out…

Jackie Evancho

Then: Evancho was 11 back in 2012, an overnight sensation on America’s Got Talent who sang with Sarah Brightman. She sold more than 2 million albums and in November 2011 and became the youngest person ever to give a solo concert at New York’s Lincoln Center.

Jackie Evancho: Then and now

Now: Aged 23, Evancho has certainly “made it”. In 2019, she released her eighth studio album, The Debut, focusing on songs from 21st century Broadway musicals and musical films. The album was Evancho’s eighth consecutive release on the Billboard Classical Albums chart to reach No. 1.

More recently, Evancho has been exploring the songs of Joni Mitchell (a CD, Carousel of Time was released in 2022) and she continues to tour.

It hasn’t all been a charmed ride, however. Just weeks ago, Evancho posted a video to Instagram revealing the inspiration behind...