Amid the various controversies currently affecting the Catholic Church, a parish priest from Old Castle, County Meath, Ireland, recently captivated audiences by auditioning for the popular British television show, Britain’s Got Talent (BGT).

Fr. Ray Kelly, who was 64 at the time of his audition in 2014, appeared before the show’s judges, including renowned head judge Simon Cowell, exchanging lighthearted banter before performing. He chose to sing “Everybody Hurts,” a classic by the famous American rock band R.E.M.

His powerful performance earned him raucous applause and a standing ovation from both the judges and the audience. “My parents were musical,” Fr. Kelly remarked. “Growing up in a musical family, we were celebrated every time we shared our talents. I knew I could perform well, but I never expected such amazing feedback from the judges.”

Fr. Kelly had been a fan of BGT and considered auditioning for some time, ultimately deciding to take the plunge without any clear expectations. Even before the show, he had gained fame on social media after a video of him singing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at a wedding went viral, amassing over 10 million views on YouTube.

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

What did you think of Fr. Kelly’s performance? Did you enjoy it as much as the judges? What’s your favorite act from Britain’s Got Talent? Share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to share this with friends and family!

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