Matt Dodd, a 68-year-old grandfather from Dublin, has been singing since he was ten years old. The bus driver could bust out notes like nobody’s business— but most of his singing was heard by the senior passengers on his route. In an interview with the Irish Mirror, he said:
“I sang for them on the bus; I’d sing for them in the center.”
“There’s a mass every week and I’d sing at the mass and all.”
As a singer, the senior had always been a fan of television talent shows. In fact, he’d even made it through to the third stage on X-Factor Ireland. But during his audition for The Voice of Ireland, he “didn’t even get in the door.”
One night, while watching Ireland’s Got Talent, Matt’s grandchildren suggested he audition. He explained: “It all started back in November. All the grandkids had a half day and one of them said to me, ‘Granddad, would you not enter that?'”
“She filmed me singing in the house and sent it in, and it all started from there.”
Matt’s grandchildren accompanied him to the audition, where he had chosen to sing a Tom Jones hit.
He was nervous about the performance but didn’t want to let his family down. Finally, after some waiting, it was time for him to take the stage.
Clad in a stylish tuxedo, the senior chats with the judges before it’s time to sing.
Then, the opening notes of “I (Who Have Nothing)” begin to play.
Originally recorded by Shirley Bassey in 1963, the song is an English cover of Joe Sentieri’s Uno Dei Tanti (“One of Many”). In 1970, Tom Jones released a version which went on to become a big hit.
The lyrics describe a man who loves a woman but feels like he has nothing to give her materially. With lines such as, “Believe me, dear, when I say that he can give you the world but he’ll never love the way I love you”, the ballad is an emotional track requiring a large, operatic voice.
Matt immediately gets the crowd’s attention, slowly stunning them as the song grows stronger. His clear, rich voice hits every heavy note.
As he sings, you can see the looks of awe on the judges’ faces.
Before he’s even finished, the crowd is on their feet.
“Matthew!” Louis Walsh exclaims. “Where did that voice come from? You hit every note!”
And Louis isn’t the only one who’s impressed! “That gift is very rare, Matt Dodd,” Michelle Visage tells him. “You don’t get that a lot in a lifetime. You have something very special.”
Denise van Outen adds: “I think we just found a new superstar. It was powerful; it was passionate; it was pretty perfect.”
“It blew my mind.”
“It was just fantastic.”
Since being uploaded, Matt’s amazing performance has been viewed 17 million times.
People are in awe of the senior’s unbelievable voice, leaving comments such as:
“Wow! He is really amazing! Such amazing volume, pitch, power, and clarity. I challenge most young singers to be able to sing this good.”
“How did this wonderful gentleman’s talent get overlooked for so long? He’s absolutely spectacular!”
“Without a doubt, one of the best voices in this time period!”
Watch Matt’s audition below!
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