In Britain’s Got Talent: Unseen 2025 Episode 8, the stage belonged to one unforgettable name: Babatunde Akinboboye. With a genre-defying performance that fused the elegance of classical opera with the swagger of hip-hop, the Nigerian-American singer left judges and fans alike absolutely mesmerized.
Wearing a sleek black suit and his signature confidence, Akinboboye launched into an unexpected rendition of Verdi—but with a twist. Moments later, the beat dropped. The aria transitioned seamlessly into a bass-heavy hip-hop rhythm, and he began to rap over the operatic melody with razor-sharp timing and charisma. This wasn’t just a performance—it was a cultural moment.
Dubbed the creator of "Hip Hopera," Babatunde has gone viral before, but this performance elevated him to a whole new level. His appearance on BGT Unseen wasn’t just a showcase of vocal ability—it was a bold artistic statement, proving that opera isn't just for the elite, and hip-hop isn't limited to the streets. He’s breaking down musical walls and building something uniquely his own.
The judges were clearly blown away. Amanda Holden called the performance “absolutely genius,” while Bruno Tonioli dubbed him “a revelation.” Even Simon Cowell, often the toughest to impress, couldn’t hide his grin, nodding along to the beat and applauding enthusiastically. “You’ve made opera cool,” he said.
Social media exploded following the episode, with fans praising Babatunde for representing both high art and contemporary sound in one seamless act. Many are already calling for him to receive a Golden Buzzer if he returns for the main stage, while others see him as a breakout global star.
But beyond the flashy fusion of styles, what stood out most was Babatunde’s mission: to make classical music accessible to everyone. “This is about showing kids that opera can be dope,” he said in a post-performance interview. And judging by the audience’s reaction, he’s well on his way.
With the buzz continuing to build, fans are already asking—will we see Babatunde on the live shows soon?
If this performance was any indication, the world hasn’t seen the last of this Hip Hopera pioneer.
