Golden buzzer act ‘Guitar Olly’ is working harder than ever following his sudden rise to global fame after a flashmob performance of Bohemian Rhapsody in Paris went viral.
The 11-year-old rockstar from Wrexham, who first blew the judges and audience away during his Britain’s Got Talent audition earlier this year, is now preparing for the next stage of his journey with the spotlight firmly on him.
While best known for his electric guitar skills, Olly recently surprised fans by showing he can also play the drums—completely self-taught. In a behind-the-scenes introduction video titled “Welcome to Guitar Olly’s Music Room”, he gave fans a tour of his instruments and accessories before showing off his skills.
The clip included his version of The Final Countdown, along with fun demos of themes from Spider-Man, Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Little Mermaid, Pirates of the Caribbean, and even Duelling Banjos.
Until 2022, Olly’s drum kit sat untouched in the family conservatory. But after moving it into his new music room, he began teaching himself through YouTube tutorials. Now, the drums have become a regular part of his practice sessions with his grandad—complete with coffee, juice and cake. His parents joke that the neighbours have grown used to their early morning “wake-up calls.”
Speaking after his viral Paris performance, Olly admitted the whirlwind of attention has been hard for his family to keep up with. “Mum and Dad can’t keep up with my Instagram account,” he laughed.
The young musician, who earned Amanda Holden’s golden buzzer on BGT with a rousing performance of Queen, Van Halen and AC/DC, says rehearsals for the semi-final are intense. “Rehearsals are going really well. I’m working at home getting the song ready and thinking about my guitar playing. It’s awesome having a professional production and styling team working with me—usually it’s Grandad, Mum and Dad!”
Although he admits to being nervous, Olly insists he plays best when he remembers to have fun. “It’s always going to be scary playing to all those people, but I try to have fun and that way the nerves seem to go. I know everyone will be supporting me and that helps a lot. I think my Mum will be more nervous than me!”
Olly’s family—grandparents Lee and Chris Hughes, parents Sarah and Simon, and sister Heather—have been by his side every step of the way. Grandad Lee, his first guitar teacher during Covid lockdown, continues to coach him. “My Grandad will help with guitar and my Mum will probably cry again! I think my family are going to have ‘Olly’ T-shirts made too,” Olly said.
Since Paris, the young star has been celebrated at his school, Abermorddu CP, with a special assembly, and has received overwhelming support online. “Some people recognise me when I am out and say how amazing the audition was. The kind comments online and places I have been asked to play are amazing. Honestly, it’s been amazing. I didn’t expect this! Thank you everyone.”
His parents Sarah and Simon added: “We have been overwhelmed by the reaction. Everyone has been so kind—we literally can’t keep up with the messages. It feels like the whole town is on the journey with us!”