There’s no doubt that shows like “Britain’s Got Talent” have seen some surprising acts in their time. Back in 2009, Susan Boyle shocked the world with her stunning vocals after her average appearance put the judges off their guard. So, it’s safe to say that the BGT stage is used to having the rug pulled out from under it.
But no one is used to hearing a group of elderly family members sing The Beastie Boys.
When the Zimmer family filed onto the stage, they looked like they were coming into the cafeteria of a nursing home. They really could be. Their oldest member, Grace, was there at the ripe old age of 88 — although that didn’t stop her from popping out of the crowd to keep the judges a cheeky wink and a thumbs up.
But the judges were already starting to dismiss them as they shuffled around, trying to figure out where everyone was supposed to be for the beginning of their act.
Hard-to-impress judge Simon Cowell rolled his eyes, remarking it was going to be “one of those days.”
The group started to sing a classic song, and it was clear that although they thought the vocals were good, the audience was already getting bored. That was when things changed completely.
The group suddenly ripped off their coats, donned baseball caps, and launched into “Fight for Your Right” by The Beastie Boys.
Instantly, everyone’s jaw dropped. There’s nothing like seeing an 88-year-old groove around the stage while singing at the top of her lungs.
The abrupt transition had everyone, including the judges, laughing and clapping.
“You are so inspiring,” said judge Alesha Dixon. “That was brilliant.”
But it was Cowell who had a couple of more detailed comments for the group. He singled out Grace, the oldest member, who had been singing and dancing with everything she had.
“You on the right, you’re a little tiger, aren’t you?” said Cowell.
His comment made Grace burst into laughter, and she responded with a smile and a shimmy.
But then Cowell went on to say a couple more things.
“I love being surprised, and it was fun, and I love your spirit, and I like your attitude — and I think you guys are amazing,” he said.
The judges voted, resulting in four resounding yeses for the geriatric group that had shown spunk doesn’t have to end with age.
The Zimmers went on to the semi-finals, where they performed “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO. Although they lost out on the season, they made a lasting impression on audiences everywhere and sent a message about the right way to grow old.
Sadly, one of the members, Peter Oakley, passed two years later at the age of 86.
But there’s no word on Grace, the eldest member of the group, who was continuing to be a “tiger” even into her late 80s!
It takes a great act to change Simon Cowell’s mind. Luckily, these spunky seniors supplied just that.
Check out their fun audition below – it’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
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