Filipino Matty Juniosa Wows Judges, Secures Golden Buzzer on BGT
MATTY JUNIOSA – The Filipino singer has taken his talent from the Philippines to the global stage, earning a Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent.
The 27-year-old, who previously competed on Idol Philippines in 2019, auditioned with Prince’s classic hit “Purple Rain,” delivering a performance that impressed both the judges and the audience. Simon Cowell, known for his tough critiques, awarded him the Golden Buzzer, sending Matty directly to the live shows and bypassing the usual audition rounds. The moment was a personal triumph for Matty, who had once doubted himself after not winning on Idol Philippines.
Matty, who has lived in Glasgow for the past three years and works part-time as a waiter, described performing on the show as surreal, recalling that he grew up watching it. He shared that his dream has always been to sing for large audiences, create music, and inspire others through his performances. Judges praised both his voice and stage presence: Amanda Holden noted his passion and emotional connection to the music, while KSI called him a superstar from the moment he took the mic.
Matty grew up moving around the Philippines, living in Mandaluyong, Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, Cavite, and Taguig. He discovered his love for singing as a child, inspired by family karaoke sessions, and began joining contests in grade school. Over the years, his musical tastes expanded to include soul, pop, R&B, and disco, drawing inspiration from artists like Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, and Jaya.
Matty also faced personal challenges, including weight struggles and heartbreak, which motivated him to take better care of his health. After finishing in the Top 12 of Idol Philippines, he joined the singing group iDolls, which disbanded in 2022 when he moved to the UK to pursue a degree in Musical Theater at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, thanks to a partial scholarship. Today, Matty continues to chase his dream, proving that perseverance, passion, and talent can open doors on the world stage.