Babatunde Akinboboye, a sharply dressed 40-year-old singer, flew all the way from Los Angeles to step onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage with one goal: to make the world sit up and take notice. With his poise, confidence, and commanding presence, the judges expected a polished, traditional performance.
But Babatunde had other plans.
What started as a stunning operatic tenor performance quickly morphed into something no one could have predicted. In a jaw-dropping twist, the soaring, classical melodies seamlessly shifted into rhythmic, street-smart hip-hop. Babatunde traded arias for rapid-fire rap verses, creating a bold, unprecedented fusion of high art and modern rhythm.
The judges were both shocked and delighted. Alesha Dixon praised the act as “brilliant,” celebrating how it made classical music accessible, fresh, and exciting. Simon Cowell, while not entirely sold on the song choices, acknowledged the ingenuity and potential, calling the concept “a great idea.”
Babatunde’s unique blend—dubbed “Hiphopera” by the judges—was impossible to ignore. The act’s originality, energy, and sheer creativity earned him a unanimous four “yeses,” securing a spot in the next round and cementing him as one of the most talked-about performers of the season.
This wasn’t just an audition; it was a statement: tradition and innovation can collide in breathtaking ways, leaving audiences and judges alike completely awestruck.