Twenty-four-year-old Craig Ball from Hertfordshire walked onto the Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) stage, visibly nervous but determined to make a change. Working in central London doing maintenance, which included changing light bulbs and plumbing, Craig dreamed of winning the competition to leave his uninteresting job behind. He revealed that he had a “Unique Style” of singing and had been told by friends to audition, but this performance was the biggest he had ever done. His nervous but hopeful demeanor set low expectations for the judges, leaving them completely unprepared for the brilliant originality he was about to deliver.
Craig chose the power ballad “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus, but performed it in a truly unique way: entirely through celebrity impressions. The moment he began, the judges were initially confused. His soulful delivery sounded like a serious, albeit unusual, tribute. As the song progressed, however, the range of voices became apparent, including one that was likened to Morgan Freeman. The audience and judges soon realized that he was delivering a series of spot-on vocal impersonations that few others attempt, turning a typical song into a hilarious, current, and incredibly clever comedy routine.
The judges were in awe of the concept. David Walliams immediately praised it as a “brilliantly original way to do Impressions” and called it “really, really brilliant art.” Amanda Holden admitted it was funny because she “did not expect that” at all. Simon Cowell, the toughest critic, summarized the feeling best, declaring that Craig’s act was “current” and “clever,” suggesting, “I think we may have discovered a big star.” With such overwhelming enthusiasm for his inventive talent, Craig Ball easily secured four enthusiastic “yeses,” successfully hitting back at his nerves and advancing in the competition.
