Top News

Singer Calum Scott is currently globetrotting on his world tour, and fans were in for a shock during his Cape Town gig when an unexpected guest made an appearance on stage.

The 37-year-old Yorkshire native was poised at the microphone, ready to belt out one of his chart-toppers, when a fervent shout from the audience caught his attention. Upon realising what the fan had pointed out, the Britain's Got Talent star swiftly distanced himself from the critter, which he humorously claimed had been granted "VIP access to the show in a viral TikTok video. " in a viral TikTok video.

"There's a praying mantis on your mic," the young woman hollered, prompting Calum to echo her words in disbelief: "There's a praying mantis on my mic?"

• Victoria Beckham dancing footage emerges - and it's nothing like Brooklyn claims
• Gaping hole in Brooklyn Beckham's statement as Nicola's bridal stylist shares truth

"It's trying to be your friend," she added, leading him to acknowledge the tiny insect and question: "Are these guys poisonous?"

The crowd collectively reassured him with a resounding "no," as the woman explained: "They're a sign of good luck!"

Calum then remarked: "He's vibing, I don't know whether you can see this," mimicking the praying mantis swaying back and forth on the microphone.

"It's a sign of good luck," the woman reiterated excitedly, to which Calum responded: "It's a sign of good luck? Thank you so much, little man."

He then stepped away from the microphone stand where the praying mantis was perched, expressing his gratitude: "That's very cool though, thanks so much for pointing that out".

Later, Calum asked her if she "wanted to take it," and she agreed, gently cradling the tiny creature in her hands.

"He'll definitely send me an invoice for his involvement in my show," Calum quipped.

In the comments section of the TikTok video, some users unkindly ridiculed the young woman for her enthusiasm about the praying mantis, but many rushed to her defence.

"How can people judge that she clearly finds happiness in tiny things, and we need more people like that in life," one supporter commented.

Another jested: "She was more excited to see that praying mantis since she was to see Calum Scott!

"May she always be this bright and happy," someone else added.

A fellow TikTok user remarked: "We love her, hope she never loses her spirit. The world will try to dim it, and she is bright".

Praying mantises have traditionally been viewed as emblems of good fortune across numerous cultures, with this standing stemming from their distinctive look, conduct, and significance in mythology, folklore, and agriculture.

A key reason for their link to good luck lies in their characteristic pose. The praying mantis gets its name from how it holds its front legs, resembling hands clasped together in prayer.

This devotional posture has prompted people to regard the mantis as a spiritual or enigmatic being, frequently connected with calmness, patience, and reflection. Across many societies, these traits are viewed as virtues that bring prosperity.

In numerous cultures, particularly in Africa and Asia, the mantis holds a sacred status, often seen as a divine messenger. For instance, certain African traditions hold that if a mantis alights on you, it's delivering a message from the gods or ancestors, warranting respect.

The ancient Egyptians revered the mantis as a guide for souls journeying to the afterlife, further cementing its mystical aura.

In China, the praying mantis is celebrated for its elegance, precision, and patience. Its influence extends to martial arts, specifically 'Praying Mantis Kung Fu,' a style inspired by the insect's movements and thought to bestow luck and skill upon practitioners.

The mantis' knack for remaining still until the perfect moment to strike its prey is viewed as a lesson in patience and timing, traits often associated with success and good fortune.

From an environmental standpoint, praying mantises are a boon to gardens and farms as they feast on pests that can harm crops.

Farmers and gardeners often welcome these insects as natural pest controllers, their presence signalling a healthy, flourishing environment. This practical advantage has fuelled beliefs of mantises bringing luck and prosperity.

Moreover, the rarity and striking look of the praying mantis, with its triangular head, large eyes, and almost extraterrestrial-like behaviour, have made it a subject of fascination and reverence.

People frequently view unique or uncommon creatures as signs, and coming across a mantis can seem like a significant occurrence, further bolstering its status as a bearer of good fortune.