When Ordinary Soccer Dad Sounds Incredibly Like Elvis The Judges Are Forced To Press Golden Buzzer

Jul 08, 2021

Barry Darcy, then a 38-year-old man from Cork, Ireland, appeared on Ireland's Got Talent in 2019. The husband and father of three was not only interested in showcasing his enormous vocal talents but he also wanted to bring a little inspiration to those who needed it. Darcy had once thought he would never sing again due to an unforeseen injury. However, through hard work and his family's support, he has made a miraculous recovery. For his audition, he sang for the strong family unit he is grateful for. Darcy's Message: All of life's challenges can be conquered with a little faith, strength, and resilience. The judges as well as the audience were extremely moved by his performance. 

Talent shows have become a major fixture on our television shows since the late 90s. From the glitz and pomp that it brings for ordinary contestants to the hidden talents that come unleashed on stage, the excitement of these shows has only multiplied with time. One of the best outcomes of these shows is the high degree of talent is finally recognized by important people in an industry, and an ordinary person has a path carved towards opportunities they never thought they would get. For Barry Darcy from Ireland, this was an opportunity of a lifetime. 

The calm exterior Darcy displayed gave no hint of the tremendous trials he endured just a few years before his appearance on the show. Louis Walsh, a music mogul, and judge on the show initiated the conversation that brought the circumstances of Darcy's ordeal to light once Darcy was onstage. Often, when a person tells their life's story, their performance takes on a new meaning as well. The audience sees the person behind the talent, and comes to appreciate their journey. 

Speaking to the judges, Darcy says holding back emotion in the video below, "It’s… to be honest, it’s a bit of a sad story. It’s quite difficult for me to talk about…" His story of perseverance and determination from 2013 is sure to move many people. Darcy continues, "I thought I’d never sing again, so I’m here to try." 

In a flashback video, he tells the producers that he herniated his spinal disc in 2013, and the prognosis for recovery was a 50-50 percent chance of walking again because he was paralyzed from the waist down. "I just went to get out of bed one day and fell onto the floor," he added. 

It is difficult to imagine waking up one day and learning you may never walk again. Barry says the experience led him to be extremely grateful for the love and support his wife, Fiona, and children, Ryan and Luke, extended to him. The pride and emotion in Darcy's voice are clear when he talks about his family, especially his wife. "My wife took everything on her shoulders when I was getting better. We're a solid, solid unit," he said about his recovery period. “You know, we love each other, as all families do I suppose,” Darcy continues. “But we have, for us, a deeper love, because we’ve gone through something pretty, pretty hard.”

Speaking to her husband, Fiona Darcy says during the clip, "You deserve to be here, you know what I think, it’s unreal. All you’ve got to do is show them your voice that you’ve been showing me for years. And you’re always telling me I’m biased. I am not biased." Many spouses tend to feel like the bias comes from a place of love, but as the video continues, Fiona Darcy's words ring true as soon as he begins his performance. 

The song selection for Darcy was Elvis Presley's The Wonder of You. Darcy says the song perfectly articulates his feelings for his wife and children.

"The words in that song – ‘when no one else can understand me’ – they did understand," Darcy explains about his song choice. "And they understood very well what was going on with me, and ‘the wonder of you…’ [lyrics help convery] how wonderful you people are to me.”

The crowd looks amazed at the cool confidence Darcy displayed while performing and are surprised at how incredibly Darcy sounded like Elvis during his performance. Both the crowd and judges sway rhythmically while Darcy sings his song. He hits every note beautifully, including perfectly a high note that would have been difficult for many singers. The crowd goes wild once Darcy is done singing, and the judges seem excited to share what they thought about his performance.

In the video, Judge Louis Walsh says: "When he started singing it was like 'wow'. You were brilliant. And you deserve it. I loved everything about it." Judge Denise Van Outen adds:

"To hear you speak before you performed and to hear your story meant when you did sing it meant so much more. It was just brilliant, you put everything into it. Your vocal was just fabulous. This is truly deserved."

On top of this, Judge Jason Byrne chimes in saying, "When you said you were injured and you thought you’d never sing again, that is some story. You definitely sang again, and you sang really, really well, that was perfect."

Darcy's family watched from backstage and were having the time of their lives as they listened to the outpouring of praise. The surprising part was yet to come, however. They, along with the judges and audience were in shock when Walsh took to his feet and pressed on the golden buzzer. When the golden buzzer was pressed, Darcy began to weep and his family ran onto the stage to join him. The confetti shower was dazzling to watch and truly deserved in the case of Darcy showcasing his talent so beautifully. 

Darcy is a living example that the right attitude is undefeated against tough circumstances. Not only did the audience and judges appreciate Darcy's singing ability, but his personality and enthusiasm also made a permanent impression on them. It isn't easy to overcome circumstances that are as devastating as the Darcy family went through, but it just goes to show that a strong support system is half the battle won. Family, when they step up for us, always change our lives for the better. 

While Darcy did not end up winning the 2019 season of Ireland's Got Talent, we are glad that his singing skills were recognized and got the praise they deserved. We wish him the best for his future! 

Were you impressed by Barry Darcy's incredible performance? Did you find his story to be inspiring? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this article along to your friends and family—they will surely be inspired by his remarkable journey!