News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Father-Ray-Kelley-on-BGT-main_article_image.jpg
Tom Dymond/Syco/Thames/PA Wire
UK News

WATCH: Priest earns standing ovation from Britain's Got Talent judges

Father Ray Kelley was told his rendition of REM's Everybody Hurts on Saturday evening's show was one of Simon Cowells' "favourite ever auditions".

The judge and TV producer added: "I thought your voice was beautiful, I loved the version of the song, this was everything we've been waiting for, genuinely."

Fr Kelley, who comes from Ireland, will return to the ITV talent show after learning he has progressed to the next stage of the competition.

Speaking to camera crews backstage a short time after his performance, he said: "I just had the most amazing experience on the stage singing 'Everybody Hurts'.

"The four judges gave me a standing ovation; I mean, come on, it doesn't get better than that.

"I'm shaking still; I'm absolutely shaking because I genuinely, genuinely wasn't expecting that at all."

The 64-year-old from Oldcastle in County Meath will be joined in the next round by a teenage survivor of last year's Manchester Arena attack.

Thirteen-year-old Hollie Booth, and her dance troupe, Rise, got the greenlight from judges after performing to a medley of tracks by Ariana Grande.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate