Brian May Brought to Tears by Miriam Bryant’s Haunting “The Show Must Go On” at Polar Music Prize 2025

It was a night meant to celebrate music’s most influential artists, but at the 2025 Polar Music Prize in Stockholm, one unforgettable performance turned into a deeply personal moment for Queen guitarist Brian May. Swedish singer Miriam Bryant stunned the audience with a breathtaking rendition of Queen’s “The Show Must Go On,” the band’s final anthem recorded before Freddie Mercury’s death.

A Performance That Stopped May in His Tracks

The performance carried an emotional weight that was impossible to ignore. As Bryant’s soaring vocals filled the hall, May, in the middle of an interview, suddenly stopped speaking, visibly shaken by the raw power of the moment. Overcome with emotion, the Queen legend wiped away tears before stepping forward to personally thank Bryant afterward.

“I was just so moved,” May said quietly. “That was perfect, just perfect.”

The heartfelt reaction quickly went viral, with fans around the world praising not only Bryant’s performance but also the vulnerability shown by May — a man who has carried Freddie Mercury’s legacy with him for more than three decades.

The Song That Defined Resilience

“The Show Must Go On” holds a special place in Queen’s history. Co-written by Brian May and Freddie Mercury in 1990, the song was recorded as Mercury’s health rapidly declined due to AIDS. Despite his deteriorating condition, Mercury delivered one of the most powerful and defiant vocal performances of his life, embodying the resilience, artistry, and courage that defined him.

The track would become one of Queen’s final singles before Mercury’s death in November 1991, immortalizing his determination to perform until the very end. For many fans, it remains an anthem of strength in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Miriam Bryant’s Touching Tribute

Known for her rich voice and emotional delivery, Miriam Bryant approached the song not as an attempt to imitate Mercury, but as a heartfelt tribute that captured its spirit of defiance and hope. Her rendition balanced vulnerability and power, allowing the lyrics — “Inside my heart is breaking, my makeup may be flaking, but my smile still stays on” — to cut through with fresh poignancy.

The audience responded with thunderous applause, but it was May’s tearful reaction that defined the evening. In that instant, the performance transcended tribute, becoming a bridge between generations, reminding fans and bandmates alike of Freddie’s enduring presence.

A Living Reminder of Freddie’s Legacy

For May, who has long spoken about the pain of losing Mercury and the responsibility of carrying his legacy forward, Bryant’s performance was more than a musical moment — it was a living reminder of the band’s journey, their struggles, and Mercury’s unparalleled courage.

“The Show Must Go On” is more than just a song to Queen; it’s a testament to Mercury’s willpower and artistry. To hear it performed with such reverence in a setting that honors music’s most influential voices made the moment all the more powerful.

Global Reactions

Clips of May’s tearful response quickly spread across social media, with fans calling it “a full-circle moment” and “the most moving tribute to Freddie in years.” Many noted that seeing May openly moved was a reminder that even legends are human, carrying their memories and emotions into the present.

Bryant herself later expressed gratitude for the honor of performing the song, calling it “the privilege of a lifetime” to sing one of rock’s most iconic anthems in front of the very man who helped create it.

Conclusion

The 2025 Polar Music Prize ceremony will be remembered not only for honoring music’s greats but also for the deeply human moment when Brian May was moved to tears. Miriam Bryant’s rendition of “The Show Must Go On” reignited the spirit of Freddie Mercury — a defiant reminder that even in the face of mortality, art, love, and legacy endure.

For Queen fans and music lovers alike, it was a moment that proved, once again, why Freddie’s voice — and the music he left behind — will never fade.