A video from a decade-old X Factor Lithuania episode has unexpectedly become a viral sensation on social media as Lithuanian singer Jonatanas Kazlauskas opens up about the story behind his now-trendy rendition of Justin Bieber’s hit Sorry.
Lithuanian singer Jonatanas Kazlauskas speaks out as ‘Sorry’ audition turns viral trend
Clips from the audition were widely shared on TikTok and Instagram, inspiring memes, edits and a new wave of attention for the singer.
The original performance dates back to 2015 when Jonatanas appeared on X Factor Lithuania to sing Sorry. In the clip, she is seen struggling with the lyrics, dancing awkwardly and repeatedly saying “sorry” as she tries to continue. The judges’ reactions – from hidden faces to sympathetic applause – only added to the amusement.
The video, which was uploaded to the official X Factor Lithuania YouTube channel on 4 January 2016, has gained a modest following over the years, accumulating over 1.1 million views by 2026. However, the audition returned to the public’s attention only at the end of January this year.
The TikTok user posted the clip with the caption “Justin Bieber from ‘Temu'” and within days it was viewed millions of times and shared across platforms.
In recent weeks, fans have turned the performance into a meme phenomenon, often linking the video with witty captions like “Bro’s just apologizing” and remixes that segue from the awkward moment to unrelated clips — such as video game highlights or comedic reactions. Some creators have even made Accuracy Reenactment videos recreating the scene in detail, while others compile embarrassing moments into short viral edits.
Aside from the humor, the revival also saw several of Jonatanas’ more polished performances from the same season resurface online. Instagram and TikTok users posted these clips alongside the original, framing the trend as a sort of “redemption arc” that highlights his true singing abilities after the Sorry performance.
Jonatanas talks about an embarrassing audition
In a recent interview referenced by The Tab, Jonatanas explained that extreme stress and limited preparation time contributed to his difficulties during the original audition. He said he only had a few days to learn the song and was so overwhelmed a week before his performance that he was hospitalized for stress. “I became popular too quickly,” he admitted, reflecting on the pressure he felt at the time.
Despite the unpleasant audition, Jonatanas was not immediately eliminated. The public vote kept him in the competition until the seventh week of the show, and he later performed other songs that were better received. “I had a lot of people who liked my performances before,” he said, adding that the audience continued to support him even after the Sorry moment.
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This phenomenon reflects how social media can resurrect and reframe old moments in unexpected ways. The ten-year-old clip now resonates with audiences worldwide not because of its musical excellence, but because of its authenticity and relatability – the singer nervously trying to give his best under pressure.
While many viewers find this trend hilarious, others see a deeper connection in the awkwardness and magnanimity of Jonatanas’ efforts. As one meme creator noted, the performance of Sorry becomes a symbol of trying, faltering, and moving on—something that many find both funny and strangely uplifting.
Whether for laughs or to appreciate his story, the viral trend shows how a single “sorry” from a live performance can reverberate around the world years later, reminding viewers that sometimes vulnerability itself becomes the most shared performance of all.