In 2019, thirteen-year-old Kerr James took the stage on Britain’s Got Talent, captivating audiences with his remarkable talent. After a year of busking on the streets of his hometown, Glasgow, Kerr decided to audition for the show. His first performance wowed everyone, and he continued to impress viewers throughout the competition, ultimately reaching the semi-finals.
For his semi-final performance, Kerr was seated at a white grand piano, ready to show off his skills on the keys as well as his vocal talents. He performed a cover of Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” surrounded by projections of constellations that added a magical touch to the performance. Kerr’s mature vocals, far beyond his thirteen years, resonated with the audience, who cheered and applauded enthusiastically. The BGT judges were equally impressed, giving him a standing ovation.
Simon Cowell noted that while many young performers on the show tend to choose predictable songs, Kerr’s performance felt unique and original, as if he had “actually written the song.” Alesha Dixon praised his impressive abilities at such a young age. Online viewers echoed these sentiments, with comments like, “A performance that even Sir Elton would be proud of!! Great job, Kerr.”
The judges also remarked on the significant improvement from his first audition. In his debut, Kerr sang “Try A Little Tenderness,” a song famously covered by legends like Frank Sinatra, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin. Despite the challenge, Kerr’s rendition was exceptional, prompting one audience member to comment, “He sounds so much older.”
Though Kerr didn’t make it to the finals, his talent left a lasting impression. Back in Glasgow, as of last year, he continued performing and exploring songwriting. While his current musical pursuits are unclear due to his limited online presence, his unique sound and vocal talent ensure that many would eagerly welcome his return to the wider music scene.