Awww.
Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left fuming after Father Ray Kelly, the viral singing priest, didn’t make it through to the finals.
The 64-year-old Meath native became a viral sensation in 2014 after his special cover performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah captured hearts across the country.
He auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, where he left judges and viewers alike with his rendition of R.E.M’s Everybody Hurts.
Simon Cowell even ended up calling it “one of my favourite ever auditions.”
After being put through to the semi-finals last weekend, Fr. Kelly performed during the fifth semi-finals on Friday night.
.@fatherraykelly has done it again! There won't be a dry eye in the house after this performance! #BGT ⛪️⛪️⛪️ pic.twitter.com/ukMp6e53P8
— Britain's Got Talent (@BGT) June 1, 2018
However, it wasn’t meant to be – and the priest narrowly missed out on a spot in the top 3 of the evening.
People took to social media following the results to voice their disappointment, saying they were “gutted” the Meath priest had gone home.
Well I didn't expect Mandy to beat Father Ray Kelly. His voice was just heavenly (excuse the pun). ?#BGT
— Rebecca Powell (@rebeccamapowell) June 1, 2018
Andy Murray’s Mum won it for us ?????? so gutted for father Ray ?? love him!! #BGT
— Eleanor Prince (@ElJPrince) June 1, 2018
Really am gutted for Father Ray Kelly! ? #BGT
— Zoe Longley (@ZLon_) June 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/Georgia_Bibb/status/1002654872943190016
Nooooo Father Ray?? #BGT
— Danielle (@Danielle92_xo) June 1, 2018
Awww no poor Father Ray ? Such a shame he didn’t get though! He sings with such meaning and emotion, it was as though I felt every word and was on that journey with him!
Carry on singing ?? #BGT
— Elysia_JW BBlogger (@PurpleElll) June 1, 2018
How did Father Ray not get through? I am FUMING #bgt
— Sadie Staples (@sadie_staples) June 1, 2018
Fuming that the priest isn't through #BGT
— Iona Nangle (@iona_nangle_x) June 1, 2018
Wow. Was not expecting Father Kelly to not be in the top 3! #BGT
— Jenny (@mb20nut) June 1, 2018
Father Ray Kelly is going home! #BGT #BritainsGotTalent2018 #BritainsGotTalent pic.twitter.com/SAI4piF0Bi
— Fintan Marron (@FintanMusic) June 1, 2018
The Giang Brothers and Micky P Kerr were ultimately crowned the winners of the fifth semi-final.
They will join The D-Day Darlings, Lost Voice Guy, Calum Courtney, Donchez Dacres, Gruffydd Wyn Roberts, Robert White, Tim and Jack Goodacre and DVJ (Diversity Juniors) for the live final later this weekend.
This season’s Britain’s Got Talent comes to an end on Sunday night. The finale begins at 7.30pm.
