When it comes to auditions on Britain’s Got Talent, viewers have seen it all: acrobats, opera singers, animal acts, and mind readers. But every so often, a contestant walks onto the stage who completely defies categorization—and leaves both the judges and audience in absolute stitches.
Enter Maarty Broekman, a 23-year-old Dutch contestant whose 2013 audition remains one of the most unforgettable moments in the show’s history.
“The Sexiest Instrument Ever”
Dressed in eye-catching pink trousers, Maarty walked onto the stage brimming with energy and confidence. Before even striking a note, he made two things abundantly clear:
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He had a massive crush on judge Alesha Dixon.
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He was on a mission to revive the keytar, proudly declaring it “the sexiest instrument ever.”
Armed with his synthesizer-guitar hybrid, Maarty performed his original song, “Back of a Lover”—a track about a secret romance. What followed was a spectacle of eccentric dance moves, passionate vocals, and sheer, unfiltered enthusiasm.
Simon Cowell’s Harsh Verdict vs. The Audience’s Joy
While Maarty gave the performance his absolute all, judge Simon Cowell was far from impressed. In true Simon fashion, he did not hold back, delivering one of his most brutal critiques:
“That is, by a clear mile, the worst song I have ever heard. Terribly, ridiculous instrument, horrible lyrics, terrible singing, awful costume—horrible.”
However, the rest of the panel and the audience saw something completely different. While the song itself was chaotic, Maarty’s infectious happiness and unshakeable confidence won over the room. Judges David Walliams and Amanda Holden embraced the fun of the moment, giving him enthusiastic “yes” votes just to see the sheer joy on his face.
Why Maarty Broekman Remains an Icon
Maarty’s audition perfectly captures the spirit of the audition rounds on Britain’s Got Talent. It wasn’t about flawless pitch or professional choreography; it was about pure entertainment value and genuine passion.
Decades after the keytar’s 1980s heyday, Maarty brought it back to prime-time television in the most hilarious way possible. Whether you consider it a musical disaster or a stroke of comedic genius, one thing is certain: you can’t watch his performance without smiling.
