Huge congratulations are in order.
Father Ray Kelly took the Britain’s Got Talent stage tonight – and he absolutely blew everyone away.
The 64-year-old performed R.E.M’s Everybody Hurts for his big audition.
The priest, from Oldcastle, Meath, explained his choice of song to the panel, admitting it was one that was “near and dear” to his heart.
He continued:
“Being a priest, you get in touch with a lot of pain, joy and happiness as well.
“I suppose it’s a song I feel I can relate to.”
A number of audience members, as well as the judges themselves, were overcome with emotion as Fr. Kelly continued his song.
And when the final note was over, Simon Cowell was the first to lead the standing ovation – with the rest of the judges following suit.
Judge David Walliams kicked off the feedback, telling Fr. Kelly:
“That was a beautiful performance. I’ve never seen a priest stand at a microphone and sing like that.
“You did it with such soul and passion, it was a really, really, really brilliant performance.”
Alesha Dixon was next, adding:
“It was so soothing and calming. Everybody was listening to every single word, relating it to things going on their lives.
“You just seem like the loveliest man, this was a beautiful audition.”
Amanda Holden called Fr. Kelly’s audition “everything”, before continuing:
“It was brilliant, honest, and the whole congregation was behind you.”
Simon Cowell finished out the judging panel by paying Fr. Kelly one of the highest compliments possible for Britain’s Got Talent – if not the highest.
He said:
“I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, to be honest with you…but I’m going to tell you something: this was one of my favourite ever auditions.
“I think your voice is beautiful, I love the version of the song – this was everything we’ve been waiting for.”
Fr. Kelly ended up walking off stage with four yeses, so it looks like we’ll be seeing a whole lot more of him.
