Britain’s Got Talent fans have all been left asking the same question after a contestant’s performance. The popular ITV programme is back on our screens for yet another series.
This year regular judges Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Bruno Tonioli and Simon Cowell all took their usual spots on the panel. In tonight’s episode, fans watched Ping Pong Pong Pange merge dance and ping pong in a super-slick opening routine. Following this was Mickey Callisto.
Entering the stage with confidence, the singer introduced himself to the judges before revealing he would be doing a rendition of one of Queen’s biggest ballads.
The 28-year-old from Sunderland delivered his own version of Who Wants To Live Forever. Within minutes, the young singer’s confidence and swagger was compared to that of frontman Freddie Mercury’s.
Even in the judges feedback similar comments were made. Alesha said: “Wow, is this Mickey? Is this Freddie? Whatever it was, it was sensational. Your voice is absolutely stunning.”
Bruno added: “It was so moving and so touching. I had the honour of working with Freddie, I knew him very well. You have all the mannerisms down to a tee.”
Fans watching at home felt the same, with many taking to X, formerly Twitter, to ask the same question. Kathy said: “This guy is just a Freddie Mercury copycat entertainer. Sings the same phrasing, uses the same body moves.”
Tony Coffey added: “Is he trying to sound like Freddy Mercury, or is that his own voice? #BGT.” Lisa wrote: “He was brilliant, but was he doing a tribute act? #BGT.”
Oli said: “#BGT there’s a difference between a good singer and a good Freddy impersonator – I think he is the latter and not sure how he would do with other styles of song.”
Despite the reservations, Mickey was given a ‘yes’ by the judges. The ITV show returned this year two months earlier than usual, and is set to be on our screens for four months this year. It will only be showed on Saturdays, with the next episode being March 29 at 7pm.
The series will conclude in May with the final episode showcasing the winner who will receive a £250,000 cash prize and a performance slot at the Royal Variety Performance.