Is the thought of a sensual swing rendition of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes ever crossed your mind? Yeah, I don’t either. Jack White’s menacing vocal delivery and the throbbing rock guitar riff form the foundation of the original song. So, it’s difficult to picture it succeeding when played more gently and at a slower pace. However, this is exactly what 2018 Britain’s Got Talent contestant Aleksandar Mileusnic did.

As he approached the stage and spoke with the judges, the 23-year-old singer from Stevenage seemed calm. This seeming assurance, however, was only a mask for his anxieties and lack of self-assurance, as he confessed in an interview conducted just before his performance. He hadn’t landed a record deal, the career-launching fulcrum, despite performing since the age of 17. Therefore, performing has been neglected for quite some time. How, then, would he handle his big moment onstage?

The young singer’s motivation to succeed extended beyond himself. He was adamant about putting on a show that his kid would be proud of, even if his wife was expecting a child. Because it would be “life-changing” for his young family, the council worker acknowledged that the prize money of one million pounds was a significant motivator.

Mileusnic delivered a great performance accompanied by a jazz piano. He calmly whipped the crowd into a frenzy, which was a contrast to his earlier anxiety. The song’s crescendo provided him with an opportunity to showcase his vocal range. In anticipation of what was almost certainly going to be a successful audition, the audience cheered enthusiastically. Over six million people have viewed the video of the performance, which was filled with passion and feeling.

Upon his completion, both the judges and the audience stood up. Mileusnic was overwhelmed by the praise he was receiving and was on the verge of tears. This was like a second opportunity for the man who had almost made it big in the music industry but had never quite made it.
Not only did Amanda Holden praise Mileusnic’s singing, but she also pointed out that his handsomeness was an asset. “I feel like I’m actually witnessing a star being born” was Simon Cowell’s reaction to the performance, which matched his enthusiasm.

After a remarkable audition, Mileusnic moved on to the next round of the competition. His rendition of “No Diggity” by Blackstreet, influenced by swing, was played in the semi-finals. Among the many compliments offered by the judges was this from Simon Cowell: “I really hope the public put you through to the finals because you deserve to be there.” His aspirations were dashed when the general population ranked him just fourth.