Simon Cowell, renowned for his unyielding demeanor, found himself moved to tears by the remarkable performance of 13-year-old Malakai Bayoh on a recent episode of «Got Talent.»
During the April 16th airing of «Britain’s Got Talent,» this London teenager revealed his aspiration to become a singer, tracing his musical journey back to the age of 7 when his mother, as he humorously described, «bossily» nudged him into joining the choir.
Bayoh proceeded to deliver an ethereal rendition of «Pie Jesu» during his audition, capturing Cowell’s attention within seconds. The clip also captured fellow judge Bruno Tonioli watching with rapt attention.
The audience, equally enchanted, erupted in applause, including Bayoh’s mom and sister among them.
Throughout the performance, the camera caught glimpses of Cowell, visibly moved and even shedding tears—an unusual sight for fans of «America’s Got Talent» and «Britain’s Got Talent,» where Cowell’s praise is notoriously hard to come by.
As Bayoh concluded his performance to a standing ovation from all four judges and the audience, Cowell winked at the beaming teenager on stage, signaling his admiration.
“If there’s any one word I could use to describe that … golden,” Cowell remarked before hitting the show’s coveted “Golden Buzzer,” reserved for talents of extraordinary caliber, sending Bayoh straight to the finals.
Gold confetti rained down on Bayoh, who couldn’t contain his joy, even making snow angels on the floor. Cowell swiftly joined him on stage to celebrate the young talent’s achievement.
“Come here,” he beckoned, embracing Bayoh. “How amazing was that? I mean seriously, seriously good. One of the best voices I think I’ve ever heard for someone your age. I mean this is amazing.”
The two shared a moment amidst the golden confetti before Cowell returned to his seat, while Bayoh tucked a few pieces into his pocket.
“I was in tears because you really touched me,” Tonioli confessed. “And it’s very simple, you sang like an angel.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming on this show,” Cowell expressed sincerely. “Really, it means a lot.”
Reflecting afterward, Cowell remarked that Bayoh’s performance “defines what a golden buzzer is all about,” a sentiment echoed by the entire audience, who had witnessed a truly remarkable moment in the world of talent.
