London, 2010 — The stage lights came up, the crowd hushed, and five nervous but excited teenagers walked onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage. Dressed in matching casual jackets and sneakers, the boyband Connected were about to deliver one of Series 4’s most nostalgic and feel-good auditions — one that would have fans and judges alike swooning.
The group, who had been singing together since they were kids, wasted no time in throwing it back to the late ’90s with a polished, harmony-rich rendition of the Backstreet Boys’ iconic hit “I Want It That Way.” From the first note, their vocals blended seamlessly, recalling the golden era of classic boybands. Their synchronised movements — subtle, not over-rehearsed — gave the performance an effortless charm that instantly won over the audience
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Amanda Holden was all smiles, clearly enjoying the trip down memory lane, while Piers Morgan looked on with the kind of raised eyebrow that soon gave way to genuine appreciation. By the time the first chorus hit, the studio was buzzing, with teenage fans in the crowd already swaying and singing along.
Just when it seemed the audition had peaked, Connected switched gears into a soaring version of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” The song choice was bold, but the boys’ energy and vocal chemistry carried it through, turning the performance into a full-on celebration of soul, pop, and youthful enthusiasm.
“This is giving classic boyband,” Amanda remarked afterwards, grinning from ear to ear. “You’ve got the harmonies, you’ve got the look, and most importantly — you’ve got the connection with the audience.”
Piers was equally impressed, telling the group, “You came out here with confidence, charm, and real talent. That’s what it takes to go far in this competition.”
By the time all three judges gave their yes votes, the crowd was on its feet in a standing ovation. On social media, fans began sharing clips almost immediately, with comments like “Britain just found its next big boyband” and “This is pure ’90s nostalgia!” flooding in.
For Connected, it was more than just a successful audition — it was the start of a journey that would see them perform for millions, all while staying true to the joy and friendship that brought them together in the first place.
And for everyone watching that night, it was proof that sometimes, the magic of pop music is as simple as five voices, one stage, and a timeless chorus everyone knows by heart.
