The 88-year-old Colin Thackery sang “Wind Beneath My Wings” for his late wife Joan during one of the most memorable auditions on Britain’s Got Talent.

With a baritone that was both delicate and forceful, the Korean War Army veteran paid a heartfelt and authentic homage to his 66-year wife.

When Thackery finished, not many people in the auditorium appeared to be dry-eyed, thus it appears that someone was chopping onions there.

The octogenarian brought a genuine seriousness to the song, keeping the audience spellbound the entire time she sang the lament made famous by Bette Midler.

Wearing a striking Army redcoat, he sang, and his fellow soldiers in the same uniform were obviously moved to tears by his performance. Check out the video below to see the audition for yourself.

Thackery’s performance moved the entire room, according to Judge David Walliams, who also remarked,

‘It was just the most perfect tribute and you sung with such heart that it affected all of us deeply.’

It was exquisite. Alesha Dixon, the resident genuine romantic on Britain’s Got Talent, was obviously on board as well, remarking ‘Colin That was really, really great.

You demonstrated to everyone that you can always pursue your passions and sing about the people you care about. It was fantastic.

‘As I was listening to the words, I’d never thought of it before, that all of the men and women that fought for their country are the wind beneath our wings,

because if it weren’t for you we wouldn’t be here,” said Amanda Holden, who was equally impressed. Congrats!

That was a very beautiful tribute. Later in the show, Thackery embraced the romantic theme by singing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Love Changes Everything’ with a veteran choir, as you can see below.