A North East singer has been compared to Freddie Mercury after wowing Simon Cowell and fellow judges during the auditions of Britain's Got Talent.
Taking to the stage on Saturday's show (March 22), Sunderland musician Mickey Callisto instantly won over the crowd saying that if he was successful on the TV competition he would spend his winnings on a stairlift for his nan because she was 'desperate for one'.
With the aim of playing Wembley Arena, Mickey - whose real name is Michael Spence - then began his audition.
Tackling the Queen ballad 'Who Wants to Live Forever', the 28-year-old's first musical impressions left judge Alesha Dixon in wide-eyed shock with presenter Ant McPartlin giving encouragement from the wings, shouting 'Go on son!'
Mickey's flamboyant stage presence was instantly compared to the legendary Queen frontman Mercury, and as he pumped up the crowd to rapturous applause he caught the attention of former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli and left music mogul Simon Cowell with a grin across his face.
"It was so moving, so touching, you have such quality," Tonioli said.
"I had the honour to work with Freddie, I knew Freddie very very well.
"And you have all the mannerisms down to a tee."
Meanwhile popstar-turned-TV personality Alesha Dixon said "Well, I was like 'is this Freddie? Is it Mickey?'
"Whatever it was, it was sensational. Your voice is absolutely stunning."
Amanda Holden said the performance left her wanting more, and Cowell said "people are going to like you Mickey."
Like him they did, with flocks of viewers taking to social media to profess their love for the Wearside singer.
One viewer, Victoria Jones, said: "Freddie would be smiling a big smile. He would have been well proud."
Another commenter on YouTube said: "This 70 year old man from Holland couldn't believe what he heard and saw!
"This was really sensational, what a great voice and what a wonderful performance. Thanks very, very much Mickey."
He got through to the next round after receiving a 'yes' from every judge.
And Mickey himself, while visibly flattered at the comparisons took to the comments section of the clip to make the case that he was more than just a Freddie impersonator.
Recommended reading
- 'Charismatic' Darlington wine bar bags top rating with TripAdvisor fans
- Three North East Morrisons stores to close amid nationwide cuts
- Plans for 93 new homes in County Durham village progress after council approval
"I’m flying the flag for the world, the ordinary people who are extraordinary in their own way," he said.
"The next Freddie Mercury? The first Mickey Callisto.
"Not just an impersonator, an original artist who’s music is about bringing people joy and happiness because that’s what life’s about."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereYou must verify your phone number before you can comment.
Please enter your phone number below, and a verification code will be sent to you by text message.
Please enter the six-digit verification code sent to you by SMS.
Your verification code has been sent a second time to the mobile phone number you provided.
Your verification code has been sent a third time to the mobile phone number you provided.
You have requested your verification code too many times. Please try again later.
Didn’t receive a code? Send it againThe code you entered has not been recognised.
Please try again
You have failed to enter a correct code after three attempts.
Please try again later.
Your phone number has been verified.
Your phone number has been stored with your account details. We will never use it for anything other than verifying that you are the legitimate owner of this account.