Songfacts®:

• Melanie Amaro was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but was sent to the British Virgin Islands to live with her grandmother. Even as a baby, little Melanie was singing in her crib and within a few years, she would frequently be seen striding around her house crooning, using a hairbrush as a microphone. Amaro performed at weddings and churches during her childhood but never entered any singing competitions.
• Amaro auditioned for the inaugural season of the American X-Factor series in 2011 as a result of her mother's persuasion. She auditioned with this song and after becoming one of the Top 32 finalists, she was mentored by Simon Cowell, but initially was not chosen to be part of the Top 16. However, to her surprise Cowell invited her back to the competition and Amaro progressed all the way to the final, where she performed "Listen" again. On December 22, 2011 it was announced that the 18-year-old singer had won the contest, securing a $5 million recording contract with Syco Music and Sony Music.
• The song was originally recorded by Beyoncé for the soundtrack album to the 2006 musical film Dreamgirls. Two years later it was a top ten hit in the UK after a performance by Alexandra Burke with Beyoncé during the 2008 X-Factor finale.