Mickey Callisto Channels Freddie Mercury in BGT Semi-Finals – Simon Cowell Left Stunned by One Note That Shook the Room
It was the semi-final moment Britain didn’t see coming.
Mickey Callisto, the charismatic singer from Sunderland who wowed the judges in his first audition with a breathtaking rendition of Queen’s Who Wants to Live Forever, returned to the Britain’s Got Talent stage—and this time, he didn’t hold back. With stakes higher than ever and only a few coveted spots left in the grand final, Mickey made a bold choice: Somebody to Love by Queen.
And it wasn’t just a performance. It was a transformation.
Appearing onstage at the packed Hammersmith Apollo, Mickey channeled the spirit of Freddie Mercury in every glance, every growl, and every heart-pounding note. Backed only by a grand piano and thunderous anticipation, he launched into a rendition so emotionally raw and vocally daring, the room held its breath.
But what truly set the performance apart? That final note—a soaring, defiant cry that seemed to echo through every inch of the theater. It was enough to leave judge Simon Cowell momentarily speechless, eyes wide, before delivering his verdict.
“You are a really, really good Freddie Mercury tribute act,” Simon said, carefully choosing his words. “And for that, it was really, really good.” Was it high praise, or a subtle challenge? The tension was palpable.
Amanda Holden, previously booed by the crowd for a critical comment, praised Mickey’s courage and power. Alesha Dixon admitted she preferred his first audition—but even she couldn’t deny the strength of that final note. Bruno Tonioli, ever theatrical, applauded Mickey’s energy, though noted not all the notes landed perfectly.
Still, despite mixed critiques, Mickey’s performance had something no other act delivered that night—pure, electrifying passion.
And with his heartfelt video package showing time with his 80-year-old nan back home, whom he vowed to buy a stairlift for if he wins, Mickey showed another side: grounded, genuine, and driven by love.
The public now has the final say. Will that one jaw-dropping note be enough to send him to the final? Or has Mickey Callisto’s Freddie Mercury moment come and gone?
One thing’s for sure: you don’t want to miss what happens next.
