A self-assured and endearing 10-year-old from Essex named Calum Courtney onto the stage at Britain’s Got Talent with his large, encouraging family. Despite his young age, the singer calmly told the judges that he was not nervous and that his goal was to win the entire competition. He displayed none of the nervousness that comes with performing on such a large stage. Calum chose to perform a well-known and infamously difficult Michael Jackson song during his audition, which instantly increased the pressure and prepared him for a formidable task in front of the infamously harsh panel.
Calum captivated the entire auditorium with his passionate and heartfelt performance of “Who’s Loving You” as soon as the music started. His tone and vocal authenticity were considerably above what the judges had anticipated from a youngster of his age, and his voice had an unexpected depth and control. His confidence was well-founded, as seen by the standing ovation he received from the crowd and panel due to the real emotion he put into the performance.
A judge said that it was one of the largest reactions they had ever seen, demonstrating the emotional effect of his performance as the young vocalist broke down in tears of joy throughout the feedback. Profoundly impressed, Simon Cowell hailed Calum, saying the performance was “special” and that he had “soul” and “a very authentic voice.” With an incredible audition that touched millions of people, Calum Courtney easily advanced to the next round after receiving a thunderous four “yeses” from the panel.
