Mickey Callisto and Olly Pearson captured global attention following a viral Bohemian Rhapsody flashmob, but fans have been debating Simon Cowell’s contrasting reactions to the two performers both from the same season of Britain’s Got Talent. While Cowell praised both acts, his responses couldn’t have been more different, sparking heated discussions online.
Callisto, 28, from Sunderland, rose to fame with his powerful Queen tributes on BGT, earning comparisons to Freddie Mercury. During his semi-final performance, he had hoped to sing his own original song “Supernova”, but producers denied the request, insisting he perform another Queen track instead. After belting out Somebody to Love in a white boiler suit, Callisto faced measured, backhanded praise from Simon Cowell.
“I’m in two minds. Look, you know what? Do what you do best, which is, you are a really, really good Freddie Mercury tribute act — sorry, not impersonator, a tribute act. And for that, it was really, really good,” Cowell told Mickey on the live show. “Some people love you, you’ve got a ton of views online… The public like you. I think they’re gonna like you again.”
Clearly ruffled, Callisto clapped back: “First thing I’d say is I sing with a passion, and I made a lot of people happy tonight, yeah? It doesn’t matter whether I sing my own. Yes, it was like a tribute to Freddy H. But the thing is, I sing my own songs, and I wanted to sing my own song. But anyway, it doesn’t matter.” He cheekily teased a possible final performance: “If I do get to the final, and it does have to be Queen, we all know there’s only one song that’s got to be… Radio Gaga.”
Fans quickly took to social media to debate the exchange. Some criticized Mickey for appearing “arrogant” or “cocky,” while others celebrated his vocals and stage presence, calling him “sensational” and comparing him to a musical or movie-worthy Freddie Mercury tribute.
In contrast, 11-year-old guitarist Olly Pearson, from the same BGT season, received instant golden-buzzer praise from Cowell after an electrifying semi-final performance. Playing a medley of rock classics, including Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine and Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer, Pearson was lifted to the sky on a platform while his guitar shot out flames.
Simon Cowell pressed the golden buzzer immediately, before the usual judge comments, explaining: “Why, because he was bloody brilliant, seriously. He’s so small, talented and charismatic. I went a little early, I’m sorry but I was so excited. You’re just so brilliant and talented. Really, really, really talented.” Olly, visibly moved, described it as “the greatest golden buzzer of my life.”
The disparity in treatment between the two performers has fueled discussions online about fairness, with fans highlighting Cowell’s lavish praise for Pearson versus his cautious comments for Callisto
Paris Flashmob Performance Goes Global, 500 Million Views and Counting
Earlier this year, Callisto teamed up with Pearson for a flashmob rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in Paris, filmed at the bustling Place de la Contrescarpe. Thirty musicians surprised locals, with Callisto arriving in a carriage and delivering vocals that wowed bystanders, while Pearson’s guitar performance added dramatic flair. The video quickly went viral, garnering over 500 million views across social media.
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“The video has been huge,” Callisto said. “I’ve got hundreds of messages to respond to, and requests to gig all over the world—from Singapore to Amsterdam. It felt like scoring a goal at the Stadium of Light for Sunderland.” Julien Cohen, who organized and performed in the flashmob, noted how nerve-racking it was to coordinate so many musicians with little rehearsal. Even the official Queen account praised the stunt: “We absolutely love this.”
The viral Paris performance further cemented Callisto and Pearson as standout talents from the same BGT season, highlighting their musical skills and ability to captivate audiences worldwide.