Singing Priest Father Ray Kelly revealed the heart-breaking story behind his moving performance on the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent.
The likeable cleric sang the poignant song Go Rest High on that Mountain as a tribute to his late sister who passed away two years ago.
Fr Ray delivered a stunning rendition of the emotional song and was visibly touched by the fantastic reaction he received from the studio audience.
Father Ray had earned his place in the semi-finals with a beautiful performance of R.E.M.’s classic ballad Everybody Hurts.
Simon Cowell had described it as one of his favourite auditions of the series.
It was enough to put Father Ray into the live semi-finals and he did himself, and his family, proud with a real emotional display.
Ray grew up in Co Meath with his younger sister Regina. Tragically, she died of oesophageal cancer in February 2016, leaving behind a husband, four children and nine grandchildren.
Father Ray told the Irish Sun: “We were the two youngest growing up so losing Regina was a terrible loss, especially as she left behind a young family.
“As a priest I am used to comforting people but that doesn’t make it any easier when death comes to your own front door.”
He also spoke about the daunting prospect of singing in front of a packed crowd at the Apollo Theatre.
He said: “I’ve had two rehearsals already at the venue. It was very nerve wracking but I think the more I do it, the more confident I will become. It’s not just the 4,000 people in the hall, you’re also thinking of the millions of people watching at home on TV.”
“It would be nice to get a record deal from this but I would have to make the final for that to happen. But if nothing happens out of this that’s fine too.
“I am not going to beat myself up over it. It’s been a great journey since my first audition last January. I’m open to what happens, a few more concerts and charity gigs.”
Take a look at Father Ray’s moving semi-final performance below.
Unfortunately, Father Ray didn’t make it through to the live final on Sunday night. The eventual winner was the comical ‘Lost Voice Guy’, a cerebral palsy sufferer who cannot speak, but delivers a comedy stand-up routine using a computer generated voice.
Take a look at Lost Voice Guy’s final performance.