**The Keytar King Who Turned Britain’s Got Talent into Pure 1980s Chaos — and Somehow Charmed His Way Through**
Talent shows are packed with polished singers, dazzling dancers, and high-energy acts that follow a familiar script. Every so often, though, someone walks onstage who feels completely different — someone who doesn’t just perform, but flips the entire energy of the room. During Week 6 of the Britain’s Got Talent 2013 auditions, Dutch performer Maarty Broekman did exactly that.
Armed with his beloved keytar (that quirky hybrid of keyboard and guitar), a huge smile, and absolutely zero hesitation, the 23-year-old delivered one of the most unusual, entertaining, and genuinely fun auditions of the entire season. What followed wasn’t a polished vocal showcase or an emotional ballad. It was pure, unapologetic entertainment — and the audience loved every second of it.
### A Walking Flashback to the 1980s
From the moment Maarty stepped into the spotlight, it was obvious 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 didn’t just dress the part — he fully owned the era. With complete confidence, he announced his mission to the judges and crowd: to bring the keytar back and prove that ’80s music was “the best music ever in the world.”
The audience responded instantly with laughter and cheers. Maarty wasn’t trying to impress anyone with quiet humility. He was here to party, and he wanted everyone to join him.
He 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 real musical skill with pure showmanship. His performance wasn’t about perfect technique or emotional depth. It was about joy, eccentricity, and the simple pleasure of watching someone fully commit to being themselves. Every note, every pose, and every exaggerated gesture radiated fun.
### The Flirtatious Strategy That Stole the Show
What truly made the audition unforgettable wasn’t only the music — it was Maarty’s playful, full-throttle campaign to win over judge Alesha Dixon. From the first notes, he directed much of his performance straight at her. He flashed cheeky smiles, locked eyes, leaned into the lyrics, and turned the whole act into a light-hearted, flirtatious love letter.
The chemistry was impossible to ignore. Both the judges and the audience erupted in laughter as Maarty transformed a standard audition into something far more entertaining and personal. It felt spontaneous, bold, and completely in character for someone who clearly refused to take himself too seriously.
David Walliams was instantly won over. He called the song “very romantic” and declared that Maarty was “born to entertain.” Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon also gave enthusiastic yeses, clearly enjoying the light-hearted chaos unfolding in front of them. Simon Cowell, true to form, remained far less impressed. He bluntly criticized the “ridiculous instrument,” “horrible lyrics,” “terrible singing,” and “awful costume,” delivering the only no of the night.
But the other three judges overruled him without hesitation, sending Maarty through to the next round. The crowd roared its approval. In that moment, personality and pure entertainment value won the day.
### Why This Audition Still Stands Out Years Later
In a competition often dominated by emotional power ballads, high-stakes drama, and technical perfection, Maarty Broekman’s audition felt refreshingly different. He didn’t try to be the most polished singer or the most dramatic performer in the room. Instead, he leaned fully into his personality — quirky, confident, and unapologetically fun.
His keytar became a symbol of pure entertainment. His playful attempts to charm Alesha created a memorable dynamic that fans still talk about and rewatch years later. The whole performance carried a sense of joyful chaos that stood out against the more serious acts surrounding it.
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 something important: 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. In a world of carefully crafted performances, he showed up as himself — and that was more than enough.
Watch the full heart-stopping (and hilarious) performance below! 👇
