A young busker from York has wowed both judges and audience on Britain’s Got Talent.

21-year-old Finley Barret-Carter usually spends his weekends singing in the city’s St Helen’s Square, attracting the attention of a small crowd.

But now, he can’t walk anywhere in York without being stopped.

Britain’s Got Talent 2026 began airing late February, with a panel of familiar judges. Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and a newly permanent judge, KSI.

Before his performance, Finley says he was sure he would throw up before making it on stage.

But, his dad managed to calm his nerves, telling him to treat the performance like he was simply busking in York.

After performing Elvis Presley’s Burning Love, the audience went wild- with the notoriously harsh Simon Cowell shouting “the audience love you!”

His audition on YouTube is quickly approaching one million views, with almost 700,000 in just a week.

When asked how his experience on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) had been, Finley told The Yorkie:

“The feedback I’ve gotten from all over the world has been extraordinary.”

“My experience was absolutely nothing short of amazing. Hands down, it was the best experience of my life.”

So what would Finley do with the money if he won BGT?

“I’ll definitely half it with my mum and dad, and probably spend the rest on pints to celebrate.”

Despite seeing national recognition immediately after BGT, the current Leeds’ Metfilm school student had been a known figure in York for some time.

Two years ago, Finley raised over £1,300 for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice by hosting a gig. It was dedicated to his late grandfather, Mark Payne, and all those who have had to cope with grief.

Finley continues to perform in York and around Yorkshire, in an interview with the YorkPress he said:

“The audition hasn’t changed anything for me.”

“I’ll always want to go and busk in the city and sing to my people.”