An armless drummer has wowed the nation on this evening’s Britain’s Got Talent, with Amanda Holden calling him “mind-blowing” as fans admitted their ‘love’ for the musician
Amanda Holden admitted she’s ‘mind blown’ over a Britain’s Got Talent act that has captured the hearts of ITV viewers around the country.
Cornel Hrisca-Munn was given up by his parents to an orphanage in Romania after he was born with no arms. UK Aid Workers Ken and Doreen Munn ended up adopting him, and 30 years later, he’s stunned the nation on television.
Cornel received a roaring round of applause when he took the stage in Blackpool, where he delivered an incredible drumming performance. As soon as he got on stage, the digital accessibility professional stole fans’ hearts.
The 33-year-old shared his mission to help disabled individuals excel in their lives. His words were met with strong support, including from Amanda Holden, who praised him by saying, “Well done you.”
Cornel mentioned that his wife Jasmine and two-and-a-half-year-old son were watching from home, though he was attending the show alone.
As he approached the drum set, the crowd cheered him on, with one audience member wishing him well, and another calling out, “Go on son.”
The audience was left in awe as Cornel played along to anthems by Robbie Williams and Earth, Wind & Fire.
His performance earned him a standing ovation, even from Simon Cowell, who was visibly impressed. The crowd danced with Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden joining in the applause.
Amanda Holden said: “That was mind-blowing.” Cornel was met with an elongated round of applause and screams from the audience.
He said: “This is by far the biggest audience I’ve ever played to.”
Even spikey Simon said: “My son has just taken up drums and he is gonna watch this over and over again, because that was inspiring.”
Alesha said: “You got the party started.” Bruno Tonioli said his performance was “first-class”.
He gestured to the crowd, saying: “What do you think? It’s a yes!” Simon followed with: “About four million yeses – it’s a yes from me.”
Cornel left the stage with a smile and a heartfelt “thank you, Blackpool.” The musician met every bit of praise with a sure smile before leaving with “thank you Blackpool.”
Fans on social media expressed their admiration for Cornel, calling him an inspiring individual who had overcome adversity.
One X user said: “So wonderful to see the lovely Cornel on #BGT. He’s a lovely person and an inspiring individual, who I met at university. Incredible drummer, incredible guy!”
In 2004, at just 11, he appeared at the Pride of Britain Awards, where he won a Child of Courage Award after swimming 1,000 meters in 45 minutes to raise £4,050 for the Limbless Association Ali Fund.
He was inspired to help Iraq War victim Ali Abbas, who had lost his arms, because Cornel could relate to his struggles.
Reflecting on his BGT performance with the Mirror, Cornel said: “I’ve never had anyone tell me I can’t do it. I’m so grateful to my adoptive parents who raised me.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.