The audition features the dynamic young musical duo Bars & Melody (BAM) ], consisting of vocalist Charlie and rapper Leondre, on the Britain’s Got Talent stage in 2014. The boys, who call themselves “brothers” due to their automatic connection, step out with the dream of delivering an awesome, impactful performance to the audience.
Before performing, Leondre reveals the deeply personal inspiration behind their music. He shares with the judges that he started writing raps because he went through a “very hard time in primary school” where he was being severely bullied. Writing music became his rock, a powerful way to express himself and find confidence when he was feeling “down” and struggling with the emotional turmoil .
The duo performs a twist on the song “Hope” by Twista and Faith Evans, with Leondre writing an entire original rap verse focused on the critical theme of anti-bullying . The topic is something they felt strongly about, wanting people to really listen and hear the lyrics in their song .
Leondre delivers his raw, emotional rap with incredible passion, detailing the struggle of feeling alone, afraid to leave home, and dealing with a bully . He pleads, “Please help me God, I feel so alone, I’m just a kid, how can I take it?” , while Charlie provides the soulful, melodic chorus. The combined effect of the brutal honesty and the boys’ talent creates a powerful, unforgettable performance.
The judges are instantly and profoundly moved. Amanda Holden says, “We all in tears” ], and Alesha Dixon praises them for having the courage to sing about something that truly affects them in a style that is “completely yours” . Simon Cowell admits that while he was “losing the will to live” after previous acts, he listened to “every word” of their song because he was also bullied when he was young .
Recognizing not only their talent but the profound social message they delivered, Simon Cowell immediately reaches for the Golden Buzzer. The confetti rains down as the crowd erupts, sending the tearful but triumphant Bars & Melody straight through to the live shows and securing their place as one of the most memorable and important acts in BGT history.
You can watch the full audition here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3Rf5qDuq7M
