The guitarist and schoolboy, 11, takes Yahoo UK behind the scenes of his musical performance
Britain’s Got Talent guitarist Olly Pearson has shared the special moment his school celebrated his Golden Buzzer moment ahead of the final.
The schoolboy told Yahoo UK: "Doing spellings and maths isn’t quite as much fun as playing guitar but my school friends, all the teachers and headmaster have really supported me and even decorated school when I came back following my golden buzzers."
Just 11 years old, Olly tells us of being the youngest to compete in the live final on Saturday, 31 May: "I watch BGT every year. When I saw Sydnie Christmas last year win I couldn’t have imagined in my dreams I would be in the 2025 final. It’s crazy."
Golden Buzzers
The musician has blown the judges away with his guitar skills getting him not one, but two Golden Buzzers during his Britain’s Got Talent journey: first from Amanda Holden and second from Simon Cowell.
"[Having the Golden Buzzer twist in the semi final] makes the contest more interesting and exciting. Everyone sits at home waiting to see if the judge presses the buzzer and all the audience go mad for it," he says.
"I still can’t believe [my] first golden buzzer! It was so amazing that Simon gave me a second one too. It just happened so fast! Thank you Amanda and thank you Simon for changing my life... I’ve learnt Amanda and Simon love rock music as much as I do."
Watch Olly Pearson's Golden Buzzer-winning performance
Holden and Cowell aren't the only ones who have been impressed by the aspiring star. He says: "A few children have said that after they saw my audition they started to learn playing an instrument. Inspiring others to play music is the most rewarding feeling!"
Being the youngest doesn't faze Olly who says: "It's awesome [being 11 and in the BGT final]. I still can’t believe I will be performing with all those brilliant acts. All the crew and contestants give me first bumps and we have so much fun backstage."
Plus, becoming famous overnight has been "brilliant" fun for the rock star. He says: "I even get recognised when we go to the supermarket. Never too busy for a selfie though so please always stop and say 'Hi'."
Britain's Got Talent final
Reaching the final is such a big milestone, and Olly is determined to pull off something show-stopping. "In the final I want to play a song that really reaches everyone. I also want to make it a lot of fun too. Everyone in the final is brilliant and I just want to do everyone who has supported me proud," he says.
"This [performance] will be a little different. Still playing the music I love and hope everyone else loves too…. More air guitar at home!"
Alongside school, the musician is practicing every single day. "I practice hard to make sure I know the song really well then I can build on it with my moves," he says.
In fact, Olly believes the biggest hurdle in the final will be the competition. He adds: "All the performers in the final are great. To stand out I need to give 110% which I will." But the budding TV talent reveals the contestants have become like family.
He says: "It surprises me how much work is involved and how everyone works as a team. The contestants are so well looked after and made to feel like stars. Being on BGT is like one big family."
His big dreams don't end at the Britain's Got Talent final. After having "so much fun", the experience has inspired the guitarist to join a band to "play to thousands and tour the world". He says: "I’d love to be in a band one day. Until then I want to keep getting better. I am also starting write my own music!"
Watch this space.
Britain's Got Talent continues at 7pm on Saturday on ITV1.
