Mickey Callisto, the Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) semi-finalist known for his Freddie Mercury tributes, has once again made headlines—this time for both his candid comments on the show and a sensational viral flash mob performance of Bohemian Rhapsody in Paris.
During the BGT live semi-finals, Callisto, dressed in a white boiler suit, belted out Queen’s Somebody to Love. While the audience cheered, judge Alesha Dixon pointed out some shaky vocals, prompting Simon Cowell to intervene. Cowell offered what some perceived as backhanded praise: “You are a really, really good Freddie Mercury impersonator… for that, it was really, really good.”
Callisto didn’t hold back. “First thing I’d say is I sing with a passion, and I made a lot of people happy tonight, yeah?” he told the judges, insisting he had wanted to perform one of his original songs but wasn’t allowed: “Yes, it was like a tribute to Freddy H. But the thing is, I sing my own songs, and I wanted to sing my own song. But anyway, it doesn’t matter.”
The moment quickly went viral, reigniting debates online. Some viewers accused him of miming, while others praised his powerful vocals and stage presence. One fan wrote, “Jaw dropped at Mickey,” while another commented, “He deserves one. He could be in a musical or movie about Freddy.”
Callisto also teased a potential final performance, quipping, “If I do get to the final, and it does have to be Queen, we all know there’s only one song that’s got to be… Radio Gaga.” Ant and Dec, observing from the sidelines, noted his confidence, with Dec remarking, “He’s not short on confidence, is he?”
In a candid Instagram video following the semi-finals, Callisto elaborated on his frustration: “I wanted to sing my own song in the semi-final… Supernova is about inspiring people and stopping at nothing to achieve your dreams, but that wasn’t to be. If there is a wildcard for the final, I’ll push for it, but if it’s to be another Queen song, like I said, there’s only one song for the final.” Fans were quick to rally, praising him for speaking out and highlighting production interference.
Adding to the excitement, Callisto recently participated in an incredible flash mob performance of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in Paris. The 30-strong ensemble, led by pianist Julien Cohen, took over a busy street near Place de la Contrescarpe. Three women sang the opening lines from a first-floor window, Cohen joined on piano, and Callisto arrived on a horse-drawn carriage. Eleven-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson wowed onlookers with a flawless rendition of Brian May’s solo, even performing behind his head at one point.
The performance went viral in just 24 hours, amassing 1.5 million views on YouTube. Commenters raved: “By far the BEST video of the year,” and “You gave me chills and tears as if I were there… and my god, how would I have loved to be there…”
Callisto reflected on both his BGT experience and the flash mob’s global impact: “I wanted to sing my own song and share my passion, but performing Bohemian Rhapsody with Julien and Olly was an unforgettable moment. Freddie Mercury inspired so many, and it’s my job to keep that energy alive.”
From fiery exchanges with Simon Cowell to viral street performances in Paris, Mickey Callisto continues to prove that his passion, talent, and boldness resonate with fans worldwide.