Maarty Broekman Brings the 1980s Back With Unforgettable Keytar Audition on Britain’s Got Talent
Britain’s Got Talent has welcomed singers, dancers, comedians and musicians from every possible genre, but Maarty Broekman arrived with a mission that immediately made him stand out: he wanted to bring the sound and style of the 1980s back into fashion.
During his 2013 audition, Maarty walked onto the stage carrying a keytar—an electronic keyboard designed to be worn and played like a guitar. His retro clothing, energetic personality and obvious love of 1980s pop music made it clear that this would not be a conventional singing performance. The official video describes him as a singer attempting to win over judge Alesha Dixon with his keytar.
A Performer Completely Committed to the 1980s
From the beginning, Maarty treated the audition as more than an opportunity to sing. His appearance, instrument and performance style combined to create a full retro character inspired by the decade’s synth-pop and Euro-disco culture.
Rather than choosing a modern chart hit or an emotional ballad, he delivered an upbeat original-style performance built around electronic keyboard sounds and theatrical confidence. His enthusiasm encouraged the audience to join in, even as the judges appeared divided over whether the act was brilliant entertainment or simply too unusual.
That contrast became one of the most entertaining parts of the audition. Some judges enjoyed Maarty’s commitment and playful personality, while Simon Cowell appeared far less convinced by the keytar-driven performance.
Three Judges Sent Him Forward
Despite the mixed reaction, the act earned enough support to continue in the competition. ITV’s official Britain’s Got Talent page states that Maarty received yes votes from three judges, while the fourth judge declined to support the audition.
The result showed that an act does not always need unanimous approval to make an impact. Maarty’s performance was memorable because it was different, confident and immediately recognizable. He did not try to follow current musical trends. Instead, he presented exactly the kind of performer he wanted to be.
His bold approach helped him progress beyond the audition stage and eventually reach the live semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent Series 7.
Maarty Returned for the Semi-Finals
Maarty later appeared in the fifth semi-final, where he continued his retro-inspired musical act with another keytar performance. The official Britain’s Got Talent upload described him as a “born ’80s entertainer,” showing that his distinctive identity remained central to his appearance on the program.
He finished sixth in his semi-final and did not advance to the final. However, reaching the live stage was still a significant achievement for an unconventional performer whose act was built around an instrument and musical style rarely featured on mainstream talent television.
Britain’s Got Talent continued acknowledging Maarty after his season ended. In 2014, ITV referred to him as an “’80s obsessed” former semi-finalist and the “king of the keytar” when sharing a new track he had recorded in support of that year’s contestants.
Why the Audition Remains Entertaining
Maarty Broekman’s performance continues to attract viewers because it delivers something many talent-show auditions lack: complete commitment to a unique idea.
He was not simply using an old instrument as a joke. His clothing, movement, music and personality all belonged to the same retro concept. Whether viewers loved the performance or agreed with Simon Cowell’s skepticism, it was difficult to forget.
The audition also captured the unpredictable appeal of Britain’s Got Talent. A performer does not always need to possess the strongest voice or most technically difficult skill. Personality, originality and the ability to entertain an audience can be equally important.
Maarty understood his identity before he entered the theater. He loved 1980s music, believed the keytar deserved a comeback and used the BGT stage to present that passion to a national audience. His act may have divided the judging panel, but it succeeded in creating a lively television moment.
A Celebration of Retro Pop Culture
The performance also offers a reminder that older musical styles can find new audiences. Synth-pop, electronic drums, bright fashion and portable keyboards became defining elements of popular music during the 1980s. Maarty transformed that nostalgia into an energetic talent-show act.
His audition was playful rather than serious, but his enthusiasm appeared genuine. That sincerity helped make the performance enjoyable. He was not embarrassed by his unusual musical taste and did not attempt to change his style to please every judge.
Maarty Broekman entered Britain’s Got Talent determined to bring back the keytar. He may not have won the competition, but he successfully turned his love of the 1980s into an audition that viewers still remember.
