Talent shows are full of polished singers, dazzling dancers, and high-energy acts — but every so often, someone walks on stage who feels completely different. During Week 6 of the auditions for Britain’s Got Talent 2013, Dutch performer Maarty Broekman did exactly that. Armed with his beloved keytar (a quirky hybrid of keyboard and guitar), a big smile, and zero hesitation, the 23-year-old delivered one of the most unusual, entertaining, and genuinely fun auditions of the entire season.
A Walking Flashback to the 1980s
From the moment Maarty stepped into the spotlight, it was clear this would not be a standard performance. With his curly hair, tight sequined leggings, and cropped jacket, he looked like he had stepped straight out of an 1980s music video. He proudly announced his mission: to bring back the keytar and prove that ’80s music was “the best music ever in the world.” The audience immediately responded with laughter and cheers.
Maarty performed his own original song, “Backdoor Lover” — a cheeky, upbeat track about sneaking out for a secret romance. Playing the keytar with energetic enthusiasm, he mixed musical skill with pure showmanship. His performance wasn’t about perfect technique or emotional ballads; it was about joy, eccentricity, and pure entertainment.
The Flirtatious Strategy That Stole the Show
What truly made the audition unforgettable wasn’t just the music — it was Maarty’s playful campaign to win over judge Alesha Dixon. From the first notes, he directed much of his performance straight at her, flashing cheeky smiles, making eye contact, and leaning into a light-hearted, flirtatious energy. The chemistry was impossible to ignore. Both the judges and the audience erupted in laughter as Maarty turned his audition into a fun, slightly cheeky love letter to Alesha.
David Walliams was instantly won over, calling the song “very romantic” and declaring Maarty “born to entertain.” Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon also gave enthusiastic yeses, clearly enjoying the light-hearted chaos. Simon Cowell, true to form, was far less impressed. He bluntly criticized the “ridiculous instrument,” “horrible lyrics,” “terrible singing,” and “awful costume,” giving the only no of the night. But the other three judges overruled him, sending Maarty through to the next round.
Why This Audition Still Stands Out
In a competition often dominated by emotional power ballads and high-stakes drama, Maarty Broekman’s audition felt refreshingly different. He didn’t try to be the most technically perfect singer or the most dramatic performer. Instead, he leaned fully into his personality — quirky, confident, and unapologetically fun. His keytar became a symbol of pure entertainment, and his playful attempts to charm Alesha created a memorable dynamic that fans still talk about years later.
Maarty later advanced to the semi-finals, where he continued his energetic, retro-inspired style. While he didn’t take home the trophy, his audition remains one of the most entertaining and rewatchable moments from the 2013 season. It proved that sometimes the most memorable acts are the ones that simply make people smile.
Whether you loved the keytar, laughed at the flirting, or just enjoyed the pure chaos of it all, Maarty Broekman’s Britain’s Got Talent appearance is a perfect reminder that talent shows are at their best when they embrace the unexpected.
Watch the full heart-stopping (and hilarious) performance below! 👇
