Olly Pearson is only twelve years old, but he already has achievements most musicians spend decades chasing. Known for his fiery guitar playing and stage confidence, Olly first captured the spotlight when his performance earned Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent. Since then, his journey has been anything but ordinary. This week marks not only his twelfth birthday but also the staggering milestone of his performance video — a collaboration on Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” — surpassing 500 million views worldwide.
The celebration reached a touching moment when Mickey Callisto, the singer who shared the stage with Olly during that standout cover, posted a heartfelt message. “Happy 12th birthday to my legendary partner in crime @guitarolly8. Have the best day — you’ve inspired millions of people,” Callisto wrote. For a young artist, such recognition from a collaborator who has also gained viral acclaim is more than a birthday greeting; it’s proof that Olly’s music is leaving a real mark.
At the center of all this attention is Queen’s timeless classic, Bohemian Rhapsody. Released in 1975, the six-minute track redefined what a rock single could be, blending balladry, operatic layering, and heavy rock into one piece. Freddie Mercury’s vision was risky at the time, but history proved him right: the song dominated charts, spent nine weeks at number one in the UK, and returned to the top again after Mercury’s passing in 1991. It remains one of the most celebrated songs in modern music history.
Olly’s interpretation of the track through guitar and Mickey Callisto’s vocals offered a younger generation’s take on this classic. Unlike attempts to merely mimic Queen, their performance stood out for its authenticity. Olly’s playing carried a raw energy, highlighting not just technical skill but the emotional drive behind each riff. Callisto, meanwhile, brought a vocal power that reminded listeners of Mercury’s brilliance without crossing into imitation. The chemistry between the two performers resonated with viewers worldwide — and that resonance is reflected in the staggering view count.
The power of Bohemian Rhapsody was once again highlighted this summer when Paris became the stage for a massive flashmob version of the song. In the Place de la Contrescarpe, unsuspecting bystanders watched as thirty musicians and singers broke into a full-throttle performance of the Queen classic. Mickey Callisto took the lead vocals while surrounded by guitarists, drummers, and harmonizing singers. Despite the lack of rehearsal, the performance came together with infectious energy, stunning onlookers and quickly spreading across social media.
The Paris flashmob has already reached over 500 million views, and even Queen’s official account praised the performance, leaving a simple but powerful comment: “We absolutely love this.” For Callisto, the experience was surreal, likening it to “scoring a goal at the Stadium of Light.” He has since seen opportunities open up around the world, from invitations to perform in Singapore and Amsterdam to messages from fans and public figures moved by the performance.
For Olly Pearson, celebrating a birthday alongside such milestones offers perspective. At twelve, he represents the next generation of rock musicians who keep the spirit alive not through imitation but through reinterpretation. For Mickey Callisto, the viral flashmob cements his reputation as a performer capable of both honoring the past and captivating the present. Together, their partnership around Bohemian Rhapsody reminds us of why the song continues to inspire, nearly fifty years after its release.