In 2018, 10-year-old singer Calum Courtney wowed the BGT audience with his amazing voice. Calum was also open about being diagnosed with autism, and brought his supportive family and friends along to the show.
Calum’s performance of “Who’s Loving You” by the Jackson 5 in his audition earned a standing ovation and brought him to tears. Check it out below, and read on to find out what the judges had to say.
Calum Courtney Auditions For ‘BGT’
Calum said he started singing when he was six years old. He added, “I don’t really practice. I just sing. When I have the time. When my dogs aren’t coming in the room and barking their heads off.”
The 10-year-old added that he comes from a musical family, and his grandmother was even in the West End. “If she can do it, I can do it,” he said. When asked by Alesha Dixon if he was nervous before his performance, Calum said he wasn’t.
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Calum went on to show off an amazing singing voice that had the audience cheering. Afterward, he received a standing ovation from the crowd and the judges. When David Walliams told him he did “absolutely brilliantly,” Calum started crying.
His brother and mom came out on stage to give him a hug. Meanwhile, Simon Cowell told Calum he had “soul,” saying, “I like you a lot.” Calum received four “yes” votes to move on to the next round.
Calum Talks About Living With Autism
Before his BGT semifinals performance, Calum shared that he was diagnosed with autism just over a year before his time on the show. “For me, autism means I struggle with learning, and sometimes with friends.”
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However, he told viewers not to feel sorry for him. “Even though it takes things away from me, it helps me with music. And music is my passion,” he said. However, he said he didn’t think he was “that good” at singing, and was surprised by the positive feedback.
For the semifinals, Calum sang “Isn’t She Lovely” for his mom. Afterward, he once again broke down in tears. He ended up making it to the final, and finished the competition in ninth place overall.
Earlier this year, 12-year-old Calum shared a YouTube video in which he sings for essential workers and the NHS.
