On a warm summer evening in Paris, the historic Place de la Contrescarpe was transformed into an open-air opera house for a truly spectacular musical event: a flashmob tribute to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Organized by pianist Julien Cohen on July 10, 2025, the performance featured Britain’s Got Talent contestant Mickey Callisto on lead vocals and 11-year-old guitar prodigy Olly Pearson delivering a show-stopping rendition of Brian May’s legendary solo. The ambitious event brought together 30 musicians and singers, turning a cobblestone square into a living, breathing instrument that echoed Queen’s iconic masterpiece.
The spectacle was a masterclass in theatricality and musical coordination. Singers were stationed in windows above the square, echoing the famous “Galileo” lines, while crowds erupted as the operatic and rock sections came alive. Pearson’s guitar work stood out in particular, capturing the audience’s attention with precision, intensity, and a maturity beyond his years. Observers described his performance as “jaw-dropping,” noting the poise and confidence of a young musician performing shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned professionals.
The flashmob quickly went viral after Cohen posted videos to Instagram and YouTube in early September. Within 48 hours, the clip had accumulated over 70 million views, and as of today, it nears 200 million views worldwide. Pearson himself revealed that he received a lot of messages of support from fans across the globe, praising his stage presence, technical skill, and fearless performance. For the young guitarist, the response has been overwhelming, yet it underscores how talent combined with an extraordinary platform can reach audiences worldwide almost instantly.
For Pearson, this Paris performance was another milestone in an already remarkable year. Known affectionately as “Guitar Olly,” the 11-year-old first captured national attention on Britain’s Got Talent, where he earned a Golden Buzzer after a stunning audition performing AC/DC and Queen classics. He went on to make history as the first contestant ever to receive a second Golden Buzzer in the semi-finals, further cementing his status as a rising star. By the grand final on May 31, Pearson had become a household name in his hometown of Wrexham, where local fans flooded news outlets with hundreds of messages wishing him luck.
During the final, Pearson closed the show with a high-energy performance of Wings’ Live and Let Die followed by Bohemian Rhapsody, earning standing ovations from the judges. Bruno Tonioli likened him to “a little Brian May,” while Simon Cowell praised his distinct sound, noting that most musicians take decades to develop such a voice on the guitar. Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon also highlighted his professionalism, charisma, and talent, describing him as an inspiration for young aspiring musicians.
Although magician Harry Moulding ultimately won the series, Pearson’s journey reflects a meteoric rise defined by talent, dedication, and stage presence. From picking up a guitar at age seven to commanding global attention before his teenage years, Olly Pearson is more than just a contestant—he is a young musician poised to shape the future of rock guitar. The Paris flashmob, with its combination of artistry, precision, and sheer spectacle, stands as a testament to his exceptional abilities and the universal power of music to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages.