Before Teen Performs On Stage, Simon Tells Him To Look Over At The Seat Next To His Mom

Aug 15, 2020

With so much talent blooming all over the world, it's no surprise that talent shows of all kinds are popular on television. "America's Got Talent" is a talent competition show that has been airing since 2006. With over 380 episodes, the show features hopeful contestants who are all competing for the winning prize of $1 million. From singers to dancers to magicians, “AGT” allows a wide variety of acts to compete on the show.

The British version of the series followed the American one's debut shortly after in June 2007. Susan Boyle was one of the most famous winners to come from the "Got Talent" series as a whole, as she stunned audiences with her brilliantly beautiful voice.

The series was named the world's most successful reality TV format by Guinness World Records in 2014, as it had spin-offs in over 68 countries at the time. While there have been many different judges throughout the seasons, one constant — and the show's creator — is the infamous tough judge, Simon Cowell. Known for his harsh critiques, even Cowell is occasionally impressed if a contestant's act is good enough.

Children and teens want to feel the support of their parents when they make a huge effort to accomplish greatness. They also want their parents to see them in action and to be proud of them. Unfortunately, professional obligations and other things sometimes keep parents from being present at every major event in a child's life. This appeared to be the case for Reuben Gray, who was about to appear on “Britain's Got Talent.”

Reuben needed ample skill to land a spot on this famous talent show, and he needed ample confidence to walk out on stage in front of a huge audience and well-known judges. While Reuben’s mother was in the audience, the boy knew that his father could not be there because of work obligations.

When Reuben reached the center of the stage, Simon questioned him about his parents and who was in the audience to watch him. Reuben told the judges and audience that his father could not make it and that he did not feel right doing this without his dad watching. Reuben even said that he was going to call his dad as soon as possible if he did well on the show.

Simon had a big surprise in store for Reuben. He asked Reuben to find his mother in the audience and then to see who was sitting next to her. Reuben was thrilled to see his father sitting there. 

This beautiful moment was captured for all to see, and you can check out the magical moment when the son realizes his dad had come after all. And if you suspect the moment was fake — a bit of reality TV embellishment — Reuben insists that he really had no idea his dad was in the audience.

“No, I seriously had no idea, that completely just shook me,” Reuben said in an interview with Tresa in 2017.

Although the emotional scene and Reuben’s performance blew viewers away, the then 16-year-old was eliminated in the fourth round. With that said, Reuben explained in a 2018 interview with Spindle Magazine that the experience was invaluable. 

“I have a very different opinion probably compared to some people who were on ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’ I actually think it was genuinely the best thing that I have done,” Reuben says in the interview.

Given his talent, it’s no surprise that Reuben has continued to make music since his 2017 appearance on “Britain’s Got Talent.” Today, at 20 years old, Reuben even has a few original tracks out, such as “Cute AF,” which came out in 2021. And Reuben hasn’t given up performing either. Back in August 2021, he opened for the popular British rock band Will and the People in London. 

Reuben has clearly made an impact on his fans and followers as the comments section on his videos show.

“I know you won't see this but I just wanted to say thank you. It might seem crazy but you inspire me. I've been a fan for almost a year,” one fan wrote on Reuben’s most popular video.

“Reuben, thank you so much for writing your songs. I have been getting bullied and I have been going though alot, and listen to your songs make me feel so much better,” another fan commented.

In the 2017 interview with Tresa, Reuben opened up about his songwriting process, which might explain why so many young listeners connect with his music.

“Inspiration for my songs normally comes from normal things that I do, things that I’ve seen or what’s happened to me. I like to think that my music is believable to some sense, and I don’t think there’s a point really when music is not believable because no one’s going to connect to it,” he told Tresa.

Reuben continues to update his fans on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

What do you think of Reuben’s performance? Have you ever been surprised like this? Let us know — and be sure to pass this story on to fellow “Got Talent” fans.