Yahoo News Britain's Got Talent 2023: Teen magician Cillian O'Connor overcomes autism and wins hearts
The 13-year-old tugged on the heart strings with his story of how performing magic had helped him overcome the social awkwardness that came with his autism.
Britain's Got Talent teenage magician won the hearts of the judges and viewers as he broke down in tears following his impressive magic show.
Cillian O'Connor, 13, tugged on the heart strings with his story of how performing magic had helped him overcome the social awkwardness that came with his autism, as he left head judge Simon Cowell open-mouthed by his mind-reading tricks.
Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and many of the audience were moved to tears by his inspiring audition in the first episode of the latest series of the ITV show.
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And when he learned he was through to the next round O'Connor burst into tears and was comforted on stage by his mother.
The teenager from County Meath in Ireland fell in love with magic when he saw his first trick at eight-years-old.
Whilst dazzling with his illusions he told the judging panel, including new judge Bruno Tonioli: "I've learned that having autism isn't a disability, it's an ability. When I was younger I was unable to interact with people, I felt invisible.
"After discovering magic my life changed, I found a way to interact with people through my magic."
O'Connor received a yes from all four judges.
And many viewers watching at home were just as enthusiastic.
One tweeted: "No, YOU'RE crying at the utter joy and relief in Cillian's tears. What a talented young man. Fantastic audition. Shouting out autism in the way he did will undoubtedly have meant a lot to many kids (and adults) watching. #BGT"
Another said: "I dont even like magic but this little fella has me in tears somebody press the gold buzzer please #BGT"
One commented: "This kid deserves the recognition and admiration he is receiving!! He’s going places #BGT"
And another viewer wrote: "Well done Cillian! Autism isn’t your only super power, magic is too. Well done kid."
One declared: "Just because you have Autism don't let that hold you back. Cillian is a great magician and a true inspiration for anyone with Autism or a disability. Well done Cillian he shows the qualities of a great magician for someone who is so young."
And like many others another BGT fan confessed: "Omg I’m crying. What a story. What a brave young man."
Many viewers were surprised the judges hadn't pressed the Golden Buzzer for O'Connor.
But later in the show new judge Tonioli hit the Golden Buzzer in the middle of dance act Ghetto Kids - showering them with confetti while they were still performing.
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The children carried on dancing - impressing the audience and the other judges with their enthusiastic and confident performance.
The debut episode of the 2023 series also featured Japanese act Ichikawa Koikuchi - whose talent is farting stunts, including trying to pop a balloon while farting a dart out of a pipe.
Koikuchi has previously appeared on Asia's Got Talent and France's Got Talent.
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