Just when you thought you’d heard every incredible “Bohemian Rhapsody” cover imaginable—from exceptional AGT performances to spontaneous audience sing-alongs to haka renditions—this one appears out of nowhere. And it’s just as amazing, wonderful, insightful, and motivating as the original.
On the streets of Paris, window shutters open to show three women clothed in white singing “Is this the real life…” in a strongly Disney-coded fashion. A pianist comes, apparently out of nowhere. Then another vocalist emerged from another window. And another. Then, a blonde dude in a horse-driven carriage rides down and yells out, “Mama, just killed a man…” so wonderful you just know it made Freddie Mercury grin wherever he is.
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Oh, did we mention the 11-year-old who can totally shred a guitar solo?
These are just a few of the 30 musicians and vocalists who gathered to create a genuinely epic flash mob rendition of Queen’s iconic rock anthem. This was somewhere between a flash mob and immersive theater. Wow.
To say the video has gone insanely viral would be an understatement. In less than 24 hours, the video has acquired over 30 million views on TikTok and Instagram. Of course, many viewers exhibited more than a little FOMO.
“Could you imagine seeing this?” Like, oh, I’d flip out.”
“This is tremendous, and I am so envious of those who witnessed it in real life.”
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“Flash mob of healing vibes 😍”
Perhaps it’s no wonder that Julien Cohen, the video’s pianist and architect behind this enormous flash mob, was able to pull off such a once-in-a-lifetime cooperation. He is well-known for his viral duets with brilliant musicians on social media. And, if someone invites you to Paris to participate in a “Bohemian Rhapsody” flash mob, are you really going to say no?
The star-studded lineup includes Michael Spence, alias Mickey Castillo (lead vocalist), and Olly Pearson (second guitar), both of whom participated on Britain’s Got Talent. BGT judges frequently compared Castillo to the late, great Freddie Mercury, which is fitting. Pearson also sang Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” while on the show.
@juliencohen_piano The most INSANE Bohemian Rhapsody Flashmob you will ever see!! With 30 musicians and singers in the streets of Paris 😍 Lead singer: @Mickey Callisto Lead guitar: @GuitarOlly First 3 singers: @✨ DDKN ✨ Pop choir: @ddkn.off @Sone and @coline sicre Counter-tenor solo: @michaelkonesaki Second guitar: @Axel Thomas Bass guitar: @pasmaniandevil Opera choir (check out their instagram!): @eeva.matilda @chevalierdesatvrn @c.lui.michel @dounia.el_baaj @Emmanuelle Jakubek @Lisa Chaïb-Auriol @louthomasmezzo @celestelajeune @pariton_chuck @nicolaethetenor @olgavojnovic @romainjurmande @sarapaonemezzo @Shadi_officiel @msyatparis @tirsothevoice Video editing: @manondess_ Sound mixing: @t_jnvc Music coordination: @Eeva ♬ son original – Julien Cohen
Aside from being a musical treat, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is also tremendously engaging because it connects individuals via strands of pure, naked emotion. This group handled both of those factors brilliantly, and the end product is not only a celebration of one of Queen’s most cherished works but also of humanity as a whole—how good it feels to collaborate with others and literally watch art being created. It couldn’t have arrived at a better moment.