Mickey Callisto has opened up about the whirlwind of attention following a sensational “Bohemian Rhapsody” flashmob in Paris, where he performed alongside 11-year-old UK guitar prodigy Olly Pearson and pianist Julien Cohen.
The performance, staged on July 10, 2025, at Place de la Contrescarpe to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen’s iconic song, has already been hailed as “one of the most ambitious and brilliantly executed Queen tributes ever recorded.”
Callisto, known for his appearances on Britain’s Got Talent, channeled Freddie Mercury’s signature swagger atop a horse-drawn carriage, while Pearson dazzled with Brian May’s guitar solos, impressing audiences with poise and fire.
Vocalists stationed in apartment windows above the cobblestone square traded “Galileo” lines, turning the cityscape into a living, breathing instrument. Cohen’s vision for the 30-strong ensemble transformed the square into a pop-up opera, culminating in a rock-powered finale that had onlookers cheering and strangers exchanging joyous smiles.
The flashmob quickly went viral after Cohen posted the video to YouTube on September 9, garnering over half a million views in just 24 hours. Fans flooded the comments with praise, calling the spectacle a “masterpiece of art” and sharing that it gave them goosebumps from start to finish.
Speaking candidly about the experience, Callisto said: “So, now that I’ve had time to process just how crazy these past couple of days have been, I just want to say to everyone once again, thank you so much to see the comments, to see the messages from everyone around the world. Like, you don’t know how much it means to me… And to Julien as well, thank you so much for having me on the project with the Flash Mob. You’ve created a moment for me that I’ll never ever forget.”
The acclaim comes after Callisto faced a public setback on Britain’s Got Talent. During the live semi-finals, he was forced to perform a Queen song rather than his own original composition, “Supernova,” despite requesting otherwise. Failing to reach the final, he spoke out on social media about the experience, expressing frustration with producers’ decisions. Fans rallied behind him, commending his honesty and musical talent.
Reflecting on both the Paris performance and his recent BGT journey, Callisto added: “But also the fact that it’s 50 years since Bohemian Rhapsody was released and for me the song is just as present as it’s ever been. So thank you to Queen for bringing out such an amazing song, but the biggest thanks goes to Freddy Mercury for… creating something that resonates with the whole world in some special way. And now it’s my job to do the same and to give the same feeling as what Freddy gave to you.”
From controversy on national television to global acclaim, Callisto is now navigating the rarefied space of viral fame—overwhelmed, grateful, and ready to channel the magic of music to audiences everywhere.
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Mickey Callisto: From Sunderland Council Estate to Queen-Inspired Stardom
Mickey Callisto, the 28-year-old singer-songwriter from Sunderland, has been turning heads with his operatic vocals and unmistakable Freddie Mercury-inspired performances. A lifelong fan of the Queen legend, Mickey taught himself to sing in Mercury’s style while growing up and even adopted his stage name at age 14, inspired by Callisto, one of Jupiter’s moons.
Recently, Callisto has made an impact beyond covers, helping Queen’s Who Wants to Live Forever re-enter the UK charts decades after its release. The track is currently at No. 48 on the Official Singles Downloads chart and No. 53 on the Official Singles Sales list, with Forbes highlighting Mickey’s role in its renewed popularity.
Balancing homage with originality, Mickey released his latest single, Take It Easy, via Ripe Records—the first preview of his upcoming Man on a Mission EP. “Life can be tough, but we can all find our way through it. My music is for anyone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to dream big, but it’s also okay to take a breath,” he explains. The song reflects his journey from humble beginnings to aspiring musical stardom, creating a space for listeners to feel confident and embrace the moment.
A former pupil of Monkwearmouth School, Mickey also channels his creativity into community initiatives. A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, he recently launched Homospace, a monthly inclusive club night in Sunderland inspired by one of his early singles, fostering safe spaces for music lovers of all identities.
Fans can catch Mickey performing live at Monument Festival in Herrington Country Park, Sunderland, on July 19. Meanwhile, his single Take It Easy is available for streaming on Spotify.