Robbie Firmin, seven, had the endearing, slightly erratic enthusiasm of a first-grader, but he had the confidence of an experienced performer when he took the stage at Britain’s Got Talent (BGT). Robbie, wearing a spotless outfit and surrounded by his beaming family, gave an explanation of his very emotional motivation: he wanted to give his mother the “best birthday present ever.” He introduced his aunt to the judges before he began, even attempting to get her a date with one of them. His natural, endearing chutzpah won over the audience right away.
Robbie selected Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” which is a vocally mature song, for his audition. Although this choice was a huge and confusing gamble, Robbie’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as soon as the music started. While retaining the contagious appeal of a seven-year-old, he not only sang the words but also controlled the stage with an incredible sense of presence and interpreted the well-known song with a startling depth of passion. He played to the audience, experimented with the speed, and gave a genuinely unique performance that was completely engrossing from beginning to end.
His small star power was so powerful that it disarmed the judges totally. He was hailed by Louis Walsh, who said he “toyed with the audience” and was known for his “favourite business.” Robbie had really made it “his way.” Michael McIntyre was equally astonished, saying he had never heard anyone so young sing the song. Robbie Firmin easily received a unanimous three “yeses,” giving him the “best birthday present ever” and a place in the next round with his performance, which was full of cheeky confidence, profound stage presence, and a fresh spin on a classic.
