A surprise flash mob in the heart of Paris turned heads and lit up the internet when a massive group of musicians delivered a rousing rendition of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The performance, which took place on September 8, has since exploded online, gathering millions of views across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit.
The mastermind behind the spectacle was pianist Julien Cohen, who teamed up with lead vocalist Mickey Callisto and more than two dozen musicians. Cohen is known for staging spontaneous performances in public spaces, but this time he raised the bar higher than ever with an ambitious take on one of rock’s most legendary anthems.
There was also a special reason behind the choice of song. Callisto explained that the flash mob was organized to honor the 50th anniversary of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” originally released in October 1975 and widely regarded as one of the greatest songs ever written.
When Cohen first shared the video on Instagram, he called it “the most INSANE Bohemian Rhapsody flashmob you will ever see,” and teased that a part two was coming soon. The first clip alone quickly racked up over 10 million likes and more than 135,000 comments, with fans across the world sharing it nonstop.
True to his word, Cohen dropped the second part the very next day, and it went viral just as fast. “First part already has 70 million views in 20 hours—it’s completely crazy,” he wrote, thanking fans for the overwhelming support and praising the team who brought the project to life.
Among the standout performers was 11-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson, who nearly stole the spotlight with his electrifying solos. Pearson is no stranger to attention—he previously made waves on Britain’s Got Talent, where he became the first contestant to earn two golden buzzers in a single season. Even judge Simon Cowell, who was criticized by fans for cutting one of Pearson’s performances short, admitted: “He was bloody brilliant… so small, so talented, and he carries magic.”
Callisto himself reflected on the surreal nature of the event, saying, “Never in a million years would I have thought I would be coming in on a horse and carriage in Paris singing Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The internet reaction was just as enthusiastic. One Reddit user wrote, “Bohemian Rhapsody is already powerful, but with 30 voices echoing through Paris it probably felt like a once-in-a-lifetime concert.” Another added, “This gave me chills, the harmonies in the middle part are unreal.”
Mickey Callisto – From Sunderland to Parisian Streets
Mickey Callisto, real name Michael Spence from Sunderland, is no stranger to the spotlight. Earlier this year on Britain’s Got Talent, the 28-year-old wowed the judges with Queen’s “Who Wants to Live Forever.” His flamboyant style and powerful vocals drew instant comparisons to Freddie Mercury.
Bruno Tonioli, who once worked with Mercury, told him, “You have all the mannerisms down to a tee,” while Alesha Dixon said, “Is this Freddie? Is it Mickey? Whatever it was, it was sensational.” Simon Cowell added, “People are going to like you, Mickey.”
Though flattered, Callisto insists he is not an impersonator. “The next Freddie Mercury? The first Mickey Callisto,” he said. “My music is about bringing people joy and happiness—that’s what life’s about.”