Britain’s Got Talent has been hit by backlash after semi-finalist Mickey Callisto openly hinted that producers restricted his song choices, following a mixed reception from the judges.
Performing Queen’s Somebody to Love at London’s Apollo, Mickey delivered a theatrical and impassioned set that showcased his trademark flamboyance.
While the crowd erupted with cheers, the judges were split. Bruno Tonioli praised his stage presence but pointed out that he “didn’t hit all the notes.” Alesha Dixon admitted she preferred his audition, while Amanda Holden countered by calling the performance “fantastic.” But Simon Cowell’s words cut deepest: “You are a really, really good Freddie Mercury tribute act.”
Unwilling to stay silent, Mickey addressed the panel and dropped a subtle swipe at the show itself. “Yes, it was like a tribute to Freddie, but I sing my own songs and I wanted to sing my own song,” he said, strongly suggesting his original material had been sidelined in favor of a Queen cover. The remark instantly shifted the mood, hinting at creative control behind the scenes that contestants rarely talk about on air.
Viewers at home wasted no time voicing their anger. Social media lit up with criticism of ITV and the show’s handling of Mickey’s talent. One fan wrote on X: “They stitched him up. Mickey was robbed.” Another posted: “BGT didn’t let him show who he really is. He’s more than a tribute act — he’s an artist.”
Others accused the show of prioritizing ratings over artistry, arguing that forcing contestants into familiar songs may please casual audiences but strips away authenticity. “We tune in to discover new voices, not to see potential stars boxed into karaoke,” one viral comment read.
The controversy reignited long-standing debates over how much freedom contestants really have on programs like BGT, and whether the promise of a national stage comes at the cost of originality. For Mickey, the semi-final became less about hitting notes and more about exposing what he called “the limits” placed on artists within the format.
Redemption in Paris – A Viral ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Flash Mob
While disappointment followed his BGT exit, Mickey Callisto’s story took a dramatic turn on the streets of Paris. Teaming up with pianist Julien Cohen and 30 other musicians, Mickey delivered a show-stopping performance of Bohemian Rhapsody that stunned crowds and went viral worldwide.
The epic flash mob racked up millions of views within hours. Cohen described it as “the most insane Bohemian Rhapsody flashmob you will ever see,” while Mickey, still in disbelief, said: “Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be singing Bohemian Rhapsody in Paris, arriving in a horse and carriage.”
Fans celebrated his comeback as nothing short of a resurrection. One Reddit comment read, “He went from being written off as a tribute act to owning one of the greatest Queen moments we’ve seen in years.”
What began as a clash on Britain’s Got Talent has turned into a viral triumph. Mickey Callisto may have been denied his moment on primetime TV, but in Paris, with the world watching, he proved he is far more than just a Freddie Mercury impersonator — he’s a star finding his own stage.