Britain's Got Talent 2012: Nine-year-old singer Malaki overcomes his nerves to receive standing ovation

PUBLISHED: 17:46 EST, 28 April 2012 | UPDATED: 18:54 EST, 28 April 2012

It was an emotional installment of Britain's Got Talent this evening, as the audience saw nine-year-old Makai broke down in tears midway through his performance just before the final ad break.

As the last part of the show began the youngster, who sang Beyonce's Listen, was seen being comforted by his mother and Alesha Dixon.

The young star eventually overcame his nerves, and Alesha asked: 'Are you alright sweetheart? You did so good. What do you want to do?'

Emotional: Nine-year-old Malakai Paul broke down during his performance of Beyonce's Listen on Britain's Got Talent, but then finished to receive a standing ovation

Blew them away: The judges and crowd went wild as soon as Malaki finished his song

Malaki replied that he would like to sing, and finished his song to receive a standing ovation from the audience and judges.

Alesha gushed afterwards: 'Malakai, it's very, very simple, you are a star. It's a natural raw talent, that's what we are looking for. That was amazing sweetheart.'

David Walliams added: 'I thought that was a really special audition, I agree with Alesha, you're a total star.'

Struggled: The audience and judges were moved when Malaki started to cry halfway through the song

'Absolutely brilliant, well done.' said Amanda.

A smiling Simon Cowell added: 'I've got to tell you, what I like about you - you're brave, you know. You got off to a bad start but you picked yourself up and people are going to like you a lot.'

Although he was comforted by his mother and judge Alesha Dixon, and continued to receive a standing ovation, children's charities have slammed producers for allowing the youngster to perform.

Support: Malaki's mother and Alesha Dixon rushed on stage to comfort him

Moved: Amanda Holden was clearly deeply touched by Malaki's efforts

But speaking to The Daily Mirror, Peter Bradley, of charity Kidscape, said: 'Year after year we see kids breaking down on BGT all for the sake of entertainment.'

BGT refuted the allegations, telling the paper, they have stringent procedures in place for dealing with children on their shows.

Before his performance Malaki said: 'If I won half a million pounds I would probably give my family £200 each. I would still go to school. And as it's my birthday coming up I'd probably have quite a good birthday.'