Against the backdrop of the ongoing scandals affecting the Catholic Church, it is noteworthy that a parish priest hailing from Old Castle, County Meath, Ireland, took center stage on the renowned British TV show, Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), leaving a profound impact on all in attendance.

Fr. Ray Kelly, at the age of 64, bravely auditioned for BGT in 2014, a televised talent competition featuring Simon Cowell as its head judge. Stepping onto the stage, Fr. Ray engaged in lighthearted banter with the judges, setting a warm tone for his performance.

Choosing the iconic song “Everybody Hurts” by the renowned American rock band R.E.M., Fr. Ray’s rendition captivated the audience, earning him thunderous applause and standing ovations from both the judges and the live viewers.

Reflecting on his musical background, Fr. Kelly shared, “My parents were musical,” recounting his upbringing in a musically inclined family. He expressed surprise at the overwhelming positive comments from the judges, acknowledging the unforeseen impact of his performance.

Fr. Kelly, an avid viewer of BGT, decided to take the plunge after careful consideration. Despite the uncertainty, he decided to put himself forward, leading to an unforgettable audition.

Notably, Fr. Kelly had previously gained social media fame for a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” during a wedding in his parish church, amassing over 10 million views on YouTube.

Simon Cowell himself commended the priest, stating, “This is one of my favorite ever auditions! I think your voice is beautiful. I love the version of the song. This is everything we’ve been waiting for. I absolutely loved it.”

Here is the video: