At 68 years old, Matt Dodd, a grandfather from Dublin, captivated the judges and audience of Ireland’s Got Talent with a showstopping performance that left everyone in awe. Known for singing since he was ten, Matt had performed for years, mostly for the senior passengers on his bus route or at his local mass. But nothing could prepare him for the incredible reception he would receive on the big stage.
For his audition, Matt chose to sing the iconic Tom Jones hit “I (Who Have Nothing)”, a song famously known for its operatic range and raw emotion. Originally performed by Shirley Bassey in 1963, and later popularized by Tom Jones in 1970, the ballad tells the story of a man who, though he can offer no material wealth, loves a woman with a passion that surpasses all.
Matt’s performance immediately stunned the audience. As he hit each heavy note with effortless precision, the room was captivated, and the judges were left speechless.
Judges Left in Awe: “We Don’t Hear Voices Like Yours Anymore”
As Matt’s performance built to its peak, the judges’ faces were filled with admiration. Louis Walsh was first to react, exclaiming, “Where did that voice come from? You hit every note!” His astonishment was echoed by Michelle Visage, who told Matt, “That gift is very rare. You don’t get that a lot in a lifetime. You have something very special.”
Denise van Outen added, “I think we just found a new superstar. It was powerful, passionate, and pretty perfect. It blew my mind.” By the time Matt had finished his performance, the crowd was already on their feet, giving him a standing ovation for his flawless delivery.
A Grandfather’s Dream Realized
Matt’s journey to the Ireland’s Got Talent stage was an unexpected one. Although he had always been a fan of television talent shows, he had been turned down in the past, including an unsuccessful audition for The Voice of Ireland, where he “didn’t even get in the door.” But it was his grandchildren’s encouragement that pushed him to audition for Ireland’s Got Talent in 2018.
“I was watching Ireland’s Got Talent one night with the grandkids, and one of them said, ‘Granddad, why don’t you enter?’” Matt recalled in an interview. “She filmed me singing in the house, sent it in, and that’s how it all started.” His grandchildren accompanied him to the audition, where they watched proudly as Matt took the stage in a stylish tuxedo.
Matt’s performance has since become one of the most-watched auditions in Ireland’s Got Talent history, amassing millions of views on YouTube. Viewers from around the world have been in awe of his voice, with many commenting on the power, pitch, and clarity that rivaled younger contestants.
“Wow! He is really amazing! Such amazing volume, power, and clarity,” one viewer commented. Another added, “How did this wonderful gentleman’s talent get overlooked for so long? He’s absolutely spectacular!” Fans praised him for bringing a fresh, yet timeless energy to the stage, and his voice has been celebrated as one of the best in recent years.
Since his Ireland’s Got Talent audition, Matt has continued to perform locally, especially in care homes where his love for singing began. He still enjoys singing for the elderly, a group that holds a special place in his heart. Despite not winning the competition, Matt’s story has inspired many, particularly older individuals, to pursue their dreams at any age.
His grandchildren remain his biggest supporters, and his family continues to cheer him on as he continues to share his voice with the world. His participation in Ireland’s Got Talent has opened doors for him to sing in larger venues, and while he didn’t win the competition, the legacy of his incredible talent continues to resonate.