In the realm of talent shows, Britain's Got Talent stands as a renowned crucible for unearthed gems.
Bars & Melody emerged as a duo worth following closely among its alchemical successes.
A question naturally arises: What has become of Bars & Melody since their meteoric ascent on Britain's Got Talent?
In this exposé, we will traverse the trajectory of these two prodigious performers, from their transformative moment on the British talent stage to their current status in the world of entertainment.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}
First debut: Britain’s Got Talent (2014)
Bars & Melody, comprising the lyrical wordsmith Leondre and the soulful vocalist Charlie, enchanted Britain's Got Talent audience with their endearing personas during their debut in 2014.
As the harmonious notes of their original composition, 'Hopeful,' echoed through the auditorium, an electrifying moment ensued.
The audience erupted in a fervor, chanting,
Golden Buzzer! Golden Buzzer!! Golden Buzzer!!!
It was a jubilant outpouring of support, an acknowledgment of something extraordinary transpiring on that stage.
And then, in a dramatic gesture, Simon Cowell, the discerning judge known for his unyielding critiques, pressed the Golden Buzzer, bestowing upon the young talents a ticket to the next level.
Simon Cowell's sentiments echoed in his words as he stated,
"I've listened to everything you've said, and I think you two are really talented."
It was a rare and genuine endorsement from a judge famed for his exacting standards.
In the aftermath of their initial audition, Bars & Melody's star soared.
They graced newspapers, television shows, and even American television screens.
Their journey through the competition saw them evolve into an idol duo of sorts, their talents continuously impressing the judges and the audience alike.
Alicia Dixon, one of the judges, seemed smitten with the duo, while Simon Cowell's admiration stemmed from Bars & Melody's ability to deliver songs that resonated with authenticity, a reflection of their genuine personas.
The finals witnessed Bars & Melody returning to their original composition, 'Hopeful,' albeit with a significant upgrade.
Their performance resonated with a noble purpose, as they expressed a desire to reach out to children facing bullying worldwide.
Simon Cowell couldn't help but inquire about their ages, to which he learned that Leondre was a mere 13 years old, and Charlie, the elder of the two, was 15.
Their maturity and charm belied their youth, leaving the judges thoroughly impressed.
Post-Britain's Got Talent, the promotional video for 'Hopeful' swiftly followed suit, garnering over 140 million views on YouTube, a testament to their enduring popularity.
To this day, 'Hopeful' remains an anthem in their live performances, a constant reminder of their humble beginnings and their commitment to empowering children worldwide.
Bars & Melody, once born under the spotlight of a talent show, has since continued to shine as a testament to the enduring power of authenticity and talent.
Their journey from Britain's Got Talent to global stardom is a compelling narrative, one that reaffirms the universal appeal of music that speaks from the heart.
New Tracks and Debut Album (2015)
In 2015, Bars & Melody released several new tracks and their debut album '143,' which compiled their new songs from 2014 to 2015.
This album achieved an impressive 4th position on the UK album charts.
In February 2015, they dropped 'Keep Smiling,' a track that garnered over 10.09 million YouTube views.
We've even uncovered a secret video related to 'Keep Smiling.'
In April 2015, 'Stay Strong' was released, amassing over 12.11 million YouTube views.
Here's a sneak peek into 'Stay Strong.'
Then, in June 2015, they presented 'Beautiful,' which has racked up over 15.80 million YouTube views.
It's interesting to note that in 2015, the duo still retained their youthful charm.
Bars & Melody didn't limit their talents to the UK; they ventured on a winter tour across the UK, Netherlands, and Poland.
In this video, you can catch them during their tour in Poland, where they even playfully sang Adele's 'Hello,' drawing a momentary glance from Charlie to gauge if he was being too loud.
Their concerts in the UK were monumental, performed in arenas that were awe-inspiringly vast.
The duo's momentum was soaring.
Japan Debut & First Album (2016)
In 2016, a significant turn of events occurred when Leo's father, seeking a piece of Bars & Melody's success, transitioned his profession from stonemason to what he now calls a 'music promoter.'
Given Leo's parents' divorce, this change in behavior might provide some insight into why the marriage ended.
During this year, they released their second album, 'Teen Spirit,' and embarked on tours in Australia and Japan.
In Japan, they even released a Japanese version of their debut album, featuring the Japanese lyrics for 'Hopeful,' through 'Avex Music Creative.'
Leo expresses his desire to convey their message in Japanese due to their firsthand experience with bullying, igniting a passion to reach out to bullied children worldwide.
Take a peek at the promotional video for the Japanese album track 'Unite.'
Continued Success with New Releases (2017)
In February 2017, they released 'Thousand Years,' another hit that has garnered over 35.36 million YouTube views.
They also released their album, 'Generation Z,' featuring mature-sounding tracks like 'Fast Car' and 'I Won't Let You Go.'
Global Tour and Further Ascension (2018)
Their global tour in Greece in September 2018 showcased their immense international following.
In October 2018, they released the single 'put Ü first,' accumulating 3.80 million views on YouTube.
In December, they graced Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka with their shows.
Their unstoppable ascent continued.
A Packed Year (2019)
In early 2019, Bars & Melody released a single from their album 'LoveToSeeMeFail.'
The video has gained over 3.08 million views.
Notably, Leo's voice seems deeper compared to previous recordings.
In the following weeks, they embarked on a tour from late March to mid-May, capturing the moments with personal Vlogs, offering glimpses into their private lives.
On July 26, they eagerly released their single 'Waiting for the Sun' on various platforms, and its YouTube video garnered 10.72 million views.
In late August, they sang 'Waiting for the Sun' on 'Britain's Got Talent: The Champions' during its 5th week.
Given the show's significance to their career, it's clear that Bars & Melody's journey touched even the judges' hearts.
In the subsequent week's finale, they performed 'Lighthouse,' reflecting on their growth and success.
On October 4, they released 'Lighthouse' as part of their new album set for 2020, amassing 6.66 million YouTube views.
Challenges Amid COVID-19 (2020)
March 6 marked the release of their new single 'Ai n'tGotYou,' and on March 27, they finally launched their album 'Sadboi.'
This video reached 3.44 million views.
The album featured 12 tracks, including previously released singles like 'Love to See Me Fail,' 'Waiting for the Sun,' 'Lighthouse,' and 'TeenageRomance.'
However, the COVID-19 outbreak forced them to postpone their Sadboi tour in late March.
Some concerts were canceled, while others were rescheduled.
Reflecting on the Pandemic (2021)
On January 15, Bars & Melody released the album 'CarpeDiem,' starting with the hit single 'OwnWays.'
The album consists of six tracks: 'Santorini,' 'Oriental,' 'No Type,' 'Russian Model,' 'Little Missy,' and 'Own Ways.'
COVID-19 lockdowns took a toll on them, with financial difficulties, as conveyed in one of their videos.
This period prompted introspection and a deeper appreciation for their parents.
Both Charlie and Leo have shared insights into their perspectives on love in various videos.
Leo had a relationship with Carla Brocker in 2018, but by 2021, she had moved on to a new boyfriend.
Charlie, too, had a previous relationship before deciding to keep future romances more private due to the challenges of modern dating amplified by social media.
Bars & Melody's Connection with Japan
Bars & Melody's connection with Japan has been a fascinating aspect of their journey.
In 2015, before their appearance on Japan's children's program '原塾メイト' (Harajuku Mate), there were glimpses of them interacting via video chat.
It was a prelude to their Japanese adventures.
In Tokyo, during the 'ジュニアワーズ' (Junior Wars) event in 2015, Bars & Melody's appearance was marked by their joyful performances.
It's worth noting that, amusingly, they weren't the main singers at this event, demonstrating their versatility.
The warmth of their interaction with the audience was palpable.
Leo expressed his admiration for a girl near the window, playfully declaring her as his girlfriend, a moment that undoubtedly delighted their fans.
This led the lucky girl to tears of joy.
Bars & Melody's outreach in Japan extended to appearing on the Japanese news program 'News Zero.'
They also delivered a heartfelt performance of 'Hopeful' in a middle school in Shibuya, echoing their anti-bullying message.
In 2016, they continued their engagement with Japanese fans by making another appearance on '原塾メイト' (Harajuku Mate), deepening their connection with Japanese audiences.
Their videos from 2016 provided fans with personal insights into Charlie and Leo's likes and dislikes through Q&A sessions, making it must-watch content for Bars & Melody enthusiasts.
Additionally, they shared the Japanese lyrics of 'Unite,' allowing fans to grasp the meaning behind their music.
Cover Songs and Their Popularity
Bars & Melody's YouTube channel is not just about their original music; it's also a treasure trove of cover songs.
These covers have significantly contributed to their global appeal.
Let's delve into the top three cover songs that have garnered immense popularity:
"Ed Sheeran - Shape Of You" (2017)
Their rendition of Ed Sheeran's hit song became a sensation, amassing a staggering 23.61 million YouTube views.
It showcased their ability to put their unique spin on chart-topping tracks.
"Lukas Graham - 7 Years" (2016)
The year 2016 witnessed Bars & Melody's cover of "7 Years" by Lukas Graham.
This rendition accumulated 16.32 million YouTube views, showcasing their ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
"Wiz Khalifa – See You Again ft. Charlie Puth" (2015)
In 2015, they took on "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, and it garnered 15.98 million YouTube views.
Their heartfelt rendition resonated with viewers worldwide.
These covers, each accumulating over 10 million views, underline Bars & Melody's exceptional talent for interpreting popular songs in their distinctive style, further expanding their global fan base.
Bars & Melody's journey, marked by musical evolution, personal growth, and unwavering dedication to spreading messages of hope and positivity, continues to captivate fans worldwide.
As they face the challenges of an ever-changing industry and global events, their resilience and creative spirit shine brighter than ever, making them an inspiring force in the world of music.