Simon Cowell Stops 12 YO Singer Seconds Into Performance Then The Unthinkable Happens
iTV Reading Time: 3 minutes
Shaheen Jafargholi auditioned for ‘BGT’ when he was 12 years old in 2009. He was very confident in his rendition of “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse, but Simon Cowell had a differing opinion. He stopped Shaheen seconds into his performance and you won’t believe what happened next. Check out the unforgettable audition below.
Simon Cowell Stopped Shaheen Jafargholi During ‘BGT’ Audition
Shaheen said he had sung “Valerie” everywhere in the past and just loved to sing that particular song. All of this was an obvious buildup to Simon showing that he could be a little picky sometimes when it comes to song choice. Just as Shaheen stepped onto the stage and began the performance, Simon waved his hand up in the air. ‘BGT’ fans know that this means Simon is about to suggest doing a second song.
“You got this really wrong,” Simon said as members of the audience and judging panel looked on in disbelief. Shaheen proposed singing a second song, “Who’s Loving You” by the Jackson 5. Shaheen started off the song with the most powerful high note and once again Simon proved that he knows that a contestant has more potential than what they deliver with their first song.
SEE ALSO: SIMON STOPS THIS ‘BGT’ CONTESTANT MID-SONG…THEN HE EARNS THE GOLDEN BUZZER
The crowd erupted in cheers as Shaheen poured everything he had into the performance. The judges stood on their feet to applaud the young singer. “This is how one song can change your life,” Simon said. “And this may be the start of something special for you, young man.”
Shaheen’s performance was so good that it gave Amanda Holden goosebumps. He was voted into the Semi-Finals where he sang “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” This sent him to the Finals where he once again sang “Who’s Lovin’ You.” The season was won by the dance group Diversity.
Shaheen isn’t the only contestant whose audition was stopped by Simon. Check out the compilation below to find out what happened when the entertainment mogul stopped these auditions.
Where Is Shaheen Now?
After appearing on ‘BGT,’ Shaheen continued to share his gift with the world and reprise the Micahel Jackson song that made him a viral sensation. He sang at Michael’s memorial service in 2009. Shaheen has gone on to have a very successful acting career. He has appeared in the hit soap opera EastEnders as the character Shakil Kazemi. Shaheem played the role of Genie in The New Victoria Theatre’s production of Aladdin.
He also joined the drama series Casualty as the character Marty Kirkby. “I mean, I can’t say I’m the best when it comes to romantic situations myself – I’m 23, I still have loads to figure out! But Marty’s just a hopeless romantic, and he needs to start thinking with his head rather than his heart” he said about his who was known to give relationship advice character.
SEE ALSO: SIMON STOPS COUNTRY SINGER FOR NOT BEING ORIGINAL BUT WATCH WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Though he denied being a romantic type, Shaheen sparked dating rumors with his EastEnders costar Tilly Keeper in 2019. They posed for some cuddly pictures together on social media and had fans questioning whether or not they were an item.
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