Awww.
Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left fuming after Father Ray Kelly, the viral singing priest, didn’t make it through to the finals.
The 64-year-old Meath native became a viral sensation in 2014 after his special cover performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah captured hearts across the country.
He auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, where he left judges and viewers alike with his rendition of R.E.M’s Everybody Hurts.
Simon Cowell even ended up calling it “one of my favourite ever auditions.”
After being put through to the semi-finals last weekend, Fr. Kelly performed during the fifth semi-finals on Friday night.
.@fatherraykelly has done it again! There won't be a dry eye in the house after this performance! #BGT ⛪️⛪️⛪️ pic.twitter.com/ukMp6e53P8
— BGT (@BGT) June 1, 2018
However, it wasn’t meant to be – and the priest narrowly missed out on a spot in the top 3 of the evening.
People took to social media following the results to voice their disappointment, saying they were “gutted” the Meath priest had gone home.
https://twitter.com/rebeccamapowell/status/1002654995391672320
https://twitter.com/ElJPrince/status/1002654936247754752
https://twitter.com/ZLon_/status/1002654925254483974
https://twitter.com/Georgia_Bibb/status/1002654872943190016
Nooooo Father Ray😩😩 #BGT
— Danielle ✿ (@Danielle92_xo) June 1, 2018
Awww no poor Father Ray 😔 Such a shame he didn’t get though! He sings with such meaning and emotion, it was as though I felt every word and was on that journey with him!
Carry on singing 👏🏻 #BGT
— Elysia_JW (@PurpleElll) June 1, 2018
How did Father Ray not get through? I am FUMING #bgt
— Sadie Staples (@sadie_staples) June 1, 2018
Fuming that the priest isn't through #BGT
— Iona Nangle (@iona_nangle_x) June 1, 2018
Wow. Was not expecting Father Kelly to not be in the top 3! #BGT
— Jenny (@mb20nut) June 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/FintanMusic/status/1002654752520523776
The Giang Brothers and Micky P Kerr were ultimately crowned the winners of the fifth semi-final.
They will join The D-Day Darlings, Lost Voice Guy, Calum Courtney, Donchez Dacres, Gruffydd Wyn Roberts, Robert White, Tim and Jack Goodacre and DVJ (Diversity Juniors) for the live final later this weekend.
This season’s Britain’s Got Talent comes to an end on Sunday night. The finale begins at 7.30pm.
