Glasgow-based Filipino singer Matty Juniosa has stepped onto the international stage through talent competition Britain’s Got Talent. During the televised audition, Juniosa told the crowd he had come to terms with being labeled a “loser” in singing competitions. Simon Cowell then asked, “Do you watch Star Wars?” Juniosa replied, “No, I’m too gay for that,” drawing immediate laughter from the room.
Performing his own rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” Juniosa held back before the final stretch, then pushed into a full vocal run that prompted the audience to rise mid-performance. By the end of the song, all four judges, Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI, were on their feet. Cowell then hit the Golden Buzzer, sending Juniosa to the live semi-finals.
Juniosa previously competed on the first season of Idol Philippines in 2019, where he placed in the Top 12. After his run on the show, he relocated to Glasgow, where he works as a part-time waiter and continued performing before auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Matty Juniosa is a Glasgow-based Filipino singer and musical theater performer. After competing on Idol Philippines in 2019, he moved to Scotland to pursue further studies, working as a part-time waiter before earning a Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent.
Matty Juniosa performed a rendition of Prince’s classic hit “Purple Rain” for his audition on Britain’s Got Talent. His vocal control, dramatic dynamic shifts, and powerful climax earned a standing ovation from all four judges and the live studio audience.
Judge Simon Cowell pressed the Golden Buzzer for Matty Juniosa following his performance of “Purple Rain,” sending the Filipino vocalist straight through to the live semi-final rounds of Britain’s Got Talent.
Matty Juniosa competed on the first season of Idol Philippines in 2019, where he finished in the Top 12. Following his run on the show, he performed as part of the vocal trio iDolls alongside fellow alums Lucas Garcia and Enzo Almario.
Before performing, Juniosa remarked that he was used to being labeled a “loser” in singing shows. When Cowell asked if he watched Star Wars, Juniosa wittily responded, “No, I’m too gay for that,” drawing instant laughter from the judges and audience.
Recommended Video

Elijah Pareño
Elijah Pareño is the Music Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines. He writes daily music news, features, reviews, and radar stories of the website.
In addition to music writing, Pareño has written about the behind-the-scenes writers and producers from the P-pop scene, interviewed hip-hop artists like Shanti Dope and Zae, and featured up-and-coming artists for the Music Forecast 2026. Aside from music, Pareño has written about the state of affairs that affects pop culture. He wrote a movie review for 'Mortal Kombat II' and reported and interviewed photojournalists at the September 21, 2025 protests in Luneta and Mendiola.
Prior to working in Rolling Stone Philippines, Pareño was a freelance writer for 3 years and independent live music promoter
- In This Article:
- Matty Juniosa