11-year-old guitar prodigy wows with Eddie Van Halen and Brian May solos, earning Golden Buzzer at Britain’s Got Talent audition

At just 11 years old, Olly Pearson is already outplaying those of us who’ve spent years fumbling through Smoke on the Water. The young guitarist recently left the Britain’s Got Talent judges in awe with a show-stopping audition, delivering a fiery medley of rock classics that showcased technical skills far beyond his years.

Hailing from Wrexham, Wales, the young guitarist set the stage ablaze with a series of blistering solos and epic riffs that paid tribute to rock legends like Eddie Van Halen and Brian May.

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“I dream to become the best guitarist in the world,” said Pearson, who started learning the electric guitar when he was seven. The 11-year-old also cited AC/DC axeman Angus Young as his favourite player.

Strapped in with what looks to be a Patrick James Eggle guitar, Pearson wasted no time diving into his performance. He kicked things off with a blistering take on AC/DC’s Highway to Hell, channeling his guitar hero Angus Young. From there, he transitioned into Van Halen’s Jump, nailing its intricate fretwork with impressive flair before closing with a soaring rendition of Brian May’s iconic Don’t Stop Me Now solo.

“Oh my god, Olly. I mean, literally, a star is born. I have never, ever seen anything like that in my life,” said an impressed Amanda Holden, before giving Pearson the coveted Golden Buzzer. Longtime judge Simon Cowell was equally blown away: “You already have your own distinct sound, which normally people take decades [to find]. You’re that good! I mean seriously good.”