Singing
Cocky guitarist gets the crowd to turn on judges when they don’t like him
The tension was high during his audition.
Jake Manning
10.17.23

The Got Talent shows have been a global sensation, showcasing jaw-dropping talents that often revolve around music.

Sure, you get the occasional magician or dancer, but there’s something about a musical performance that resonates with the very core of our being.

It’s like music has this ability to connect with almost everyone on the planet.

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But here’s the kicker: sometimes, it’s not just about raw talent.

Sometimes, it’s about something more, something that can’t be easily defined.

And no audition has ever demonstrated this better than one particular episode of Australia’s Got Talent.

Enter Owen Campbell, a man who had been traveling the world, busking on the streets and living a life that was anything but luxurious.

Despite his love for sharing his music, he was barely scraping by, living day-to-day until his next gig.

And then he decided to try his luck on Australia’s Got Talent, although he was admittedly a bit disconnected from Aussie culture and television norms.

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YouTube

When Owen Campbell took the stage, he exuded confidence.

He sat down, guitar in hand, ready to show the world what he was made of.

But things got off to a rocky start.

He misnamed one of the judges and seemed overly chummy, almost as if he was unaware of the formalities of the show.

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YouTube

One judge humorously hit the “no” buzzer, setting the tone for what was to come.

Campbell didn’t flinch.

He remained unapologetic, even though it was clear that the judges were feeling a bit uneasy.

After this awkward interaction, Campbell asked if he could begin his performance.

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He then turned to the audience and told them to ignore the judges for a bit, saying he would perform just for them.

Not exactly the best way to win over the judges, right?

But then, something magical happened.

Campbell began to play an original song called “Sunshine Road,” and the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

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YouTube

he audience was instantly captivated, and it was as if all the previous awkwardness had been wiped away.

What set Campbell apart was his unique style.

While many contestants opt for a traditional acoustic guitar, Campbell went for a bluesy slide guitar.

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Sitting with the guitar on his lap, he used a shot glass to create an incredibly soulful sound that had the audience hooked.

His voice was equally compelling, filled with raw emotion that made every word he sang feel deeply personal.

After his performance, the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

But the judges weren’t done with him yet.

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They questioned his earlier confrontational attitude, leading to a verbal back-and-forth that had the audience booing the judges.

One judge even told him he’d made a “pretty stupid mistake” by being rude at the outset.

In the end, Campbell received one “yes” and two “nos,” leading to his exit from the show.

The crowd was furious, booing the judges as Campbell left the stage.

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YouTube

It was one of the most uncomfortable auditions ever, but it also offered a complex lesson about the music industry.

Talent alone isn’t always enough; attitude plays a role too.

So, what do you think? Did the judges make the right call, or should Campbell have moved on to the next round?

The debate is still raging, but one thing’s for sure: Owen Campbell gave a performance that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

See this interesting performance in the video below!

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