In a moment that left both judges and audiences in awe, 13-year-old Malakai Bayoh brought the house down with his angelic rendition of “Pie Jesu” during his audition for Britain’s Got Talent in early 2023. The young soprano from London showcased an extraordinary vocal talent, taking on the challenging Andrew Lloyd Webber classic in Latin, a piece famously known for launching Charlotte Church’s career.
“Pie Jesu,” known for its ethereal quality when performed well, demands precision and vocal agility—traits Malakai displayed effortlessly. His performance brought the audience to tears, with many praising the otherworldly beauty of his voice. Even Simon Cowell, who is known for his tough critiques, was moved, smiling throughout the performance and later commenting that it felt like “being in heaven.”
The reaction from the audience was equally emotional, with some wiping away tears and others completely overwhelmed by the power of his voice. Judge Bruno Tonioli, never one to hide his emotions, seemed on the verge of fainting from the sheer beauty of Malakai’s performance.
The performance has since gone viral, with fans flooding YouTube to share their admiration. One user called it “one of the top ten golden buzzers of all time,” while another described the experience as “sound straight from the Creator to touch our souls.”
Trained musicians also joined in the praise, with one commenting, “As a professional singer and music teacher, I can say this is the most beautifully I’ve ever heard this song sung. His technique, control, and poise are absolutely flawless.”
Malakai’s BGT audition was just the beginning. Since then, he has continued to captivate audiences with his stunning classical vocals, including performances of “Caruso” and “O Mio Babbino Caro.” The teen is making waves in the music world and has already recorded his debut album, Golden.
This young prodigy is clearly destined for greatness, and the world is watching.
