Armless drummer Cornel Hrisca-Munn stunned the Britain’s Got Talent judges and audience with his incredible audition in Blackpool, earning a spot in the next round. The 32 year old, who has a wife and two year old child at home, received a standing ovation and thunderous applause after his performance.
Starting with a Robbie Williams track, Cornel got the crowd moving with Earth, Wind and Fire’s September, showcasing his remarkable talent. Judge Simon Cowell was left speechless, exclaiming: “Every year I’m blown away by not just the talented people we meet but how amazing they are. My son has just taken up drums and he is going to watch this over and over again because that was so inspiring.”
Bruno Tonioli praised Cornel’s “world-class performance,” and the judges gave him a resounding “4 million yeses.” Viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their admiration, with one writing: “Impossibility is nothing! Epic drummer, well done!”.
Others praised Cornel’s determination and talent, saying: “Always good to see people with a disability overcome adversity like that. An incredible drummer,” and “I’m figuratively speechless watching this man playing drums without the use of hands.”, reports the Mirror.
More fans chimed in, saying: “See now that’s talent!” and “Very impressive!”
In a chat with the Mirror before his audition aired, the star shared: “I’ve never had anyone tell me I can’t do it. “I usually give it a go independently before anyone has a chance to. I’m so grateful to my adoptive parents who raised me.
“I think I surprised them along the way, they never stood in my way, they gave me opportunities to try things and give things a go.”
He also revealed how much it would mean to him to perform at the Royal Variety Show, saying: “My adoptive mum went to one of Prince Charles’ garden parties at Highgrove. She showed the now-King a picture of me in the orphanage that she kept in a Bible. It would almost be like coming full circle. Playing for the King would be such an honour.”
Born with severe disabilities in Romania, Cornel’s birth parents were compelled to leave him in an orphanage due to the circumstances there.
Aid Workers Ken and Doreen Munn brought him to the UK for treatment when he was just 18 months old – and they later adopted him.
Fast forward 30 years, and the star is now lighting up the BGT stage, crediting his adoptive parents for always making him believe he could achieve anything.
The star also received a Child Of Courage Award in 2004 after swimming 1,000 metres in 45 minutes, raising an impressive £4,050 for the Limbless Association Ali Fund.