Hoopervalley Interviews Lithuanian X Factor’s “Sorry” Guy After 10 Years

A Lithuanian singer who went viral a decade ago for a particularly memorable audition on March 1, 2021, is finally sharing his story. Jonathanas, who captivated – and bewildered – audiences on X Factor Lithuania with his rendition of Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” is the subject of an upcoming interview with TikToker and YouTuber Hoopervalley.

The performance, initially shared on TikTok and Instagram, quickly became an internet sensation, though not necessarily for the reasons one might hope. Reports described the cover as “off-key” and featuring an “awkward delivery.” However, the dramatic facial expressions and intense emotional style Jonathanas brought to the stage proved undeniably captivating, sparking widespread discussion and a significant online following.

Hoopervalley announced the interview with excitement, stating, “Friends, you can’t imagine what I just interviewed. It’s the ‘Sorry’ guy who appeared on Lithuanian X Factor. This is his first interview in ten years. He told me the story behind this performance and it’s so intriguing!”

Jonathanas himself attributes much of his performance to overwhelming stress. “A lot of it was due to excessive stress. I think I had very little time to prepare. I received the song on Friday, so I had about 2-3 days to prepare. I remember being hospitalized a week before due to the stress. I just became popular too quickly,” he explained.

Despite the widely-discussed performance, Jonathanas managed to remain on the show, attributing his continued participation to the support he received from viewers for his earlier performances. He even acknowledged another less-than-stellar performance of a different Bieber song, stating, “Despite making a mistake singing and another Bieber song, people still voted for me.”

The initial reaction to Jonathanas wasn’t universally negative. He reportedly “charmed” audiences with his personality, earning a dedicated fanbase. While he did release a song after the show, he ultimately chose a different career path, becoming a programmer.

Looking back on the experience, Jonathanas described a breaking point. “Fatigue, stress, exams – everything piled up and a bomb went off. It was very difficult to recover, I felt crushed, and I crushed myself. I was to blame and it was very embarrassing,” he recalled.

He offered advice to future contestants, emphasizing the importance of rest. “To those who will participate in the project in the future, I wish you don’t forget to rest.”

Interestingly, Jonathanas’s story isn’t unique within the X Factor franchise. Other contestants have also gained notoriety for their performances of “Sorry.” Yuri Adamyan performed the song on X Factor Armenia, and Dalton Harris delivered a rendition on X Factor UK in 2018. A Facebook post from March 1, 2021 highlighted judges singing along to an “amazing” cover of the song, suggesting that while Jonathanas’s performance was unconventional, the song itself has proven popular with contestants and judges alike.

The renewed interest in Jonathanas’s story, fueled by Hoopervalley’s upcoming interview, demonstrates the enduring power of viral moments and the lasting impact of reality television. His story serves as a reminder that behind the often-polished facade of talent shows, there are real people navigating intense pressure and unexpected fame. The interview promises to offer a deeper understanding of the events surrounding his X Factor audition and the decade that followed, providing context to a performance that continues to resonate with internet audiences today.

As of today, February 4, 2026, the interview with Hoopervalley has yet to be released, but anticipation is building among those who remember the “Sorry” guy from Lithuanian X Factor. The interview is expected to shed light on the pressures of reality television and the challenges of navigating sudden internet fame, offering a compelling narrative of resilience and self-discovery.