During the Covid lockdowns, many of us engaged in socially-distanced street gatherings with our neighbors. However, not everyone’s experience led to the discovery of a potential future rock star.
For Olly Pearson, who was just seven years old at the time, witnessing a neighbor play guitar during one of these get-togethers sparked a life-changing interest.
Now 11 years old, Olly is heading toward the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent, following his electrifying audition performance, which earned him a golden buzzer. His medley of rock classics from legendary bands like Queen, AC/DC, and Van Halen left the judges in awe.
The golden buzzer, an honor granted by judges for exceptional performances, was pressed by Amanda Holden during the auditions in Blackpool.
Olly, from Wrexham, shared his surprise: “I think I was so focused on my guitar, I didn’t even notice the judges talking,” he recalled. “It was just unbelievable to see everyone standing up… I still can’t believe it now. I didn’t expect it.”
Describing the experience as “nerve-wracking” but “incredible,” Olly said that he felt a rush of emotions from the very first chord he played.
Olly’s musical journey began when he asked his grandfather for guitar lessons. Together, they spent countless hours perfecting chords and techniques, and Olly hasn’t looked back since.
Olly’s grandfather, Lee Hughes, who was among the audience during the performance, was proud to see his grandson impress the judges, including Simon Cowell, on the show.
Lee, 79, who started playing guitar as a teenager, reflected on Olly’s quick progression. “We started with six or seven hours of lessons a week, playing guitar classics from bands like The Shadows and The Beatles. He loved it, and he improved so quickly. His timing was spot on from the start. Within two years, he was catching up to me — now he teaches me!”
Lee added that watching Olly’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent was “the best experience” of his life.
Olly’s mother, Sarah Pearson, noted that her son’s musical progression happened “so fast.” She explained, “As soon as he gets home from school, he goes straight to his guitars. In just four years, he’s gone from performing for the neighbors to being on Britain’s Got Talent.”
Sarah emphasized Olly’s dedication: “It’s such a passion. He’s always practicing, always learning.”
Olly attributes his love for playing guitar to his grandfather, who he describes as “a good teacher.” Additionally, Olly has taken lessons at Wrexham Sounds music school, where his passion for classic rock and heavy metal has only grown.
Since his performance aired on television, Olly has been receiving requests for autographs from younger kids at school and enjoying congratulations from his community. But now, his focus is on the upcoming semi-finals, where he promises an even “bigger, better, and wilder” performance.
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