Eleven-year-old Olly Pearson, the prodigious young guitarist from Wrexham, has captured global attention once again following the viral Bohemian Rhapsody flash mob in Paris.
The performance, led by singer Mickey Callisto and pianist Julien Cohen with a full ensemble of 30 musicians, took the streets of Paris by storm, celebrating 50 years of Queen’s iconic anthem.
For Olly, who first wowed audiences on Britain’s Got Talent 2025, the experience has been nothing short of surreal. The young guitarist, who earned the rare distinction of two golden buzzers on the show, played a standout role in the Paris flash mob, impressing fans worldwide with his skill and stage presence. “It’s been incredible… I didn’t really know what to do at first,” Olly admitted, still absorbing the whirlwind of attention. “Everything feels so new and exciting.”
Olly’s journey began in North Wales and Chester, where he started performing locally and busking. Guided by his grandfather Lee, who introduced him to the guitar, and supported by his father Simon, Olly has been refining his craft since the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite his rapid rise, he continues to practice diligently, developing his energetic and confident rock style inspired by Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Bon Jovi.
The Paris flash mob was a spectacle unlike any other. Callisto and Cohen orchestrated a stunning outdoor opera with 30 musicians and singers performing in the streets, while Part 2 elevated the performance further with 20 opera singers joining from windows, creating one of the largest open-air opera scenes ever.
Fans flooded social media with praise, remarking that the performance captured the spirit of Freddie Mercury perfectly. “Bohemian Rhapsody is already powerful, but with 30 voices echoing through Paris it probably felt like a once-in-a-lifetime concert,” one Reddit user commented. Another added, “This gave me chills, the harmonies in the middle part are unreal.”
Despite the global spotlight, Olly remains focused on his music and ongoing guitar studies. While his parents are carefully considering future performance opportunities, there are already talks of him performing beyond North Wales and Chester. “We’re thinking carefully about what’s next,” Simon Pearson said. “He’s still learning, but the potential is there — and we want him to enjoy it every step of the way.”
For Olly, the experience has been more than just viral fame; it is a testament to his growing artistry and passion for music. From a small-town guitarist to a key player in a Parisian flash mob celebrated by millions, Olly Pearson continues to inspire young musicians worldwide, proving that talent, dedication, and a little bit of courage can create moments that resonate across the globe.