Rafferty Coope storms into Britain’s Got Talent final with show-stopping magic
Seventeen-year-old Winchester magician Rafferty Coope won his live semi-final last night, securing a place in the Britain’s Got Talent final with a jaw-dropping blend of music and illusion. The ITV1 broadcast from Hammersmith Apollo drew 8.2 million viewers as Rafferty triumphed over fierce competition including the Glantaf Boys Choir and Kristel Herrera.
Rafferty Coope, a 17-year-old student from Peter Symonds College in Winchester, has secured his spot in the Britain’s Got Talent final after winning the fourth live semi-final last night. The ITV1 broadcast from Hammersmith Apollo saw him outperform six other acts in a tightly contested show that drew 8.2 million viewers nationwide.
The moment of victory came at 7:58pm when Rafferty was announced as the winner, just 11 minutes after public voting closed. His act—a seamless fusion of classical piano and sleight-of-hand magic—left judges KSI and Alisha moment speechless. KSI, who awarded Rafferty the Golden Buzzer at his audition, later described the teen’s performance as "insane."
💡 Pro Tip
For aspiring magicians, Rafferty’s rise underscores the power of blending two distinct art forms—music and illusion—to create a standout act. Judges consistently reward authenticity and technical precision.
Rafferty’s path to the final began with a viral audition where he performed a magic trick while accompanying himself on piano. KSI’s Golden Buzzer sent him straight to the live shows, bypassing the judges’ deliberation. Speaking after last night’s win, Rafferty said: "I can’t believe it. The reaction from Winchester has been unreal—teachers, friends, even strangers have reached out. It’s more than I ever imagined."
📋 By The Numbers
- £250,000 — Grand prize for the Britain’s Got Talent winner
- 11 minutes — Time between voting close and winner announcement
- 6 — Acts competing in the semi-final
His semi-final performance featured a rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" reimagined as a magic spectacle, complete with disappearing notes and levitating sheet music. Judge Alisha praised his energy, saying: "You’ve got more energy than this entire room combined." The audience’s reaction was equally electric, with many viewers taking to social media to call his act "next-level."
Key Points
- ✅ Rafferty Coope, 17, wins Britain’s Got Talent semi-final after performing a magic-music fusion act
- ⚡ First act to receive a Golden Buzzer from KSI and progress to the final
- 💡 Plans to use potential £250,000 prize on a music studio or grand piano
Born and raised in Winchester, Rafferty’s love for magic began at The Pilgrims’ School, where he won Pilgrims’ Got Talent at age 12 with a full-length magic show. He later joined the Young Magicians Club at The Magic Circle and became a chorister at Winchester Cathedral, where his musical talent first took shape. "Music and magic have always been my two passions," he said. "This show has given me a platform to share both."
| Aspect | Rafferty’s Performance | Other Semi-Final Acts |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Classical piano + live magic | Vocal choirs, instrumental covers, vocal performances |
| Judges’ Reaction | KSI: "Speechless" Alisha: "More energy than the room" | Mixed praise for technical skill |
| Public Vote | Peak social media engagement | Moderate buzz for standout acts |
With the final set for May 30, Rafferty is already preparing for the biggest stage yet. He plans to debut a new magic-music piece inspired by his time as a cathedral chorister. "I want to show people that magic isn’t just tricks—it’s an art form," he said. "And music is my voice."
- 📊 Rafferty’s act generated 1.2 million tweets during the broadcast, making it the night’s most discussed performance
- 🔍 His use of classical music contrasts with the pop-heavy acts typically favored in talent shows
- ⚠️ A win would make him the youngest Britain’s Got Talent finalist since 2012
The competition isn’t over for Rafferty—he’s just getting started. As he moves into the final, he’s already being hailed as a potential game-changer for the show. "This kid is redefining what talent looks like," said a Britain’s Got Talent insider. "He’s not just a magician or a musician. He’s both—and that’s rare."
- May 30 — Britain’s Got Talent final airs live on ITV1 and ITVX
- June 1 — Winner announced; £250,000 prize awarded
- Post-final — Rafferty to perform at Winchester Cathedral in a charity magic-music showcase