Some auditions are remembered for flawless vocals, while others become legendary for pure, unfiltered entertainment. In 2013, Maarty Broekman firmly secured his place in the second category. The 23-year-old Dutch performer brought a massive burst of energy, retro fashion, and a unique musical mission to the Britain’s Got Talent stage: he was determined to make the keytar sexy again.
Before hitting a single note, Maarty charmed the crowd and openly wooed judge Alesha Dixon, setting a playful tone for his performance. He then launched into his original 80s-inspired synth-pop track, “Backdoor Lover”—a surprisingly catchy, high-energy song about keeping a secret relationship hidden. Singing, dancing, and rocking out on his keytar, Maarty filled the entire auditorium with infectious joy.
The performance immediately split the judging panel right down the middle. Simon Cowell was completely horrified, bluntly calling it “by a clear mile the worst song I have heard” and panning the lyrics, singing, and flashy trousers. Amanda Holden agreed, giving him a second “No.”
However, David Walliams absolutely loved the eccentric spectacle, instantly offering a enthusiastic “Yes.” The final decision rested on Alesha Dixon. While she admitted the vocals and track were wild, Maarty’s undeniable happiness and vibrant stage presence completely won her over.
Alesha delivered the second “Yes,” resulting in a dramatic 2-2 tie. Though the split vote meant Maarty couldn’t advance to the semi-finals, his delightfully bizarre, high-energy performance remains a classic, viral standout in BGT history.
