Malakai Bayoh, a 13-year-old boy from London, says he decided he wanted to be a singer when he was 7 years old, and he joined a choir and entered the talent show with the aim of achieving his dream.
When he took to the stage, he was understandably nervous and a little shy in answering Simon Cowell’s questions, but when he started singing, the mood in the room changed completely. He sang Pie Jesu from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem in a pure soprano voice, and wowed the audience and the judges alike.
Malakai seemed to give himself completely to the music, and his passion and talent were evident in every note. He sang with incredible clarity and humility, and by the end of the performance, words were almost unnecessary – as the audience stood in standing ovation, Simon Cowell immediately pressed the golden buzzer, sending the young singer straight to the live broadcast.
When the shower of golden confetti subsided, Simon went on stage to congratulate the boy.
“How amazing was that? I mean, seriously, seriously good. One of the best voices I’ve ever heard from someone your age. And this is amazing,” said the otherwise notoriously strict judge, and then set about collecting a handful of gold confetti with the boy.
As Simon walked back to the judges’ desk, Malakai stuffed the confetti into his trouser pocket as a memento of the unforgettable moment.
“That was a stunning performance. Totally flawless and very composed,” said Amanda Holden, adding that when she looked over at the boy’s mother and sister in the audience, she could see how moved they were and how proud they should be.
“I don’t know what you’re channelling, but whatever is pouring out from you, was so heavenly beautiful that I actually went into a trance,” added Alesha Dixon. “I agree, it was like being in heaven,” chimed in fellow judge Simon Cowell.
The fourth jury member, Bruno Tonioli, said, “I was in tears because you really touched me and you sang like an angel.”
Simon Cowell concluded by adding, “Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming on this show.”