In the brightly lit Cape Town arena, just as Calum Scott was about to sing, the entire audience erupted in laughter at a sudden shout from the crowd. An “uninvited guest”—a tiny praying mantis—was calmly perched on the microphone, leaving the singer stunned before he burst into laughter in surprise. Instead of panicking, Calum gently stepped back, chatted with the audience, and called the little creature the “special VIP of the show.” The entire audience of thousands immediately erupted in laughter and applause, creating a completely unexpected and heartwarming moment. When a member of the audience carefully removed the praying mantis from the stage, Calum even joked that it “would send an invoice for its performance fee after the show.” In just a few short minutes, an unexpected incident transformed into a heartwarming moment that went viral and was considered an unforgettable sign of good luck for the tour.

Calum Scott briefly pauses Cape Town show after unexpected ‘stage invader’ steals the spotlight

Calum Scott is currently traveling the world on tour, and fans at his Cape Town concert were treated to an unforgettable—and very unexpected—moment when a surprise guest appeared onstage.

The 37-year-old singer, originally from Yorkshire, was standing at the microphone preparing to launch into one of his hit songs when a loud shout from the crowd stopped him in his tracks. A visibly excited fan had spotted something unusual, prompting Scott to look closer and quickly step back from the mic.

The unexpected intruder? A praying mantis—something Scott jokingly said had earned “VIP access” to the show in a moment that quickly went viral on TikTok.

“There’s a praying mantis on your mic!” the woman yelled, leaving Scott to repeat the discovery in disbelief: “There’s a praying mantis on my mic?”

When she added that the insect was “trying to be your friend,” Scott laughed before asking the crowd if the creature was dangerous. The audience quickly reassured him it wasn’t, with the fan enthusiastically explaining that praying mantises are considered a symbol of good luck.

@calumscottofficial

Praying mantis got VIP access to the show..

♬ original sound – Calum Scott

“He’s vibing—I don’t know if you can see this,” Scott joked, copying the insect’s gentle swaying as it clung to the microphone.

After hearing once again that the mantis was a lucky sign, Scott smiled and thanked the tiny visitor before stepping away from the stand. “That’s actually really cool—thanks for pointing that out,” he said.

A short while later, Scott asked the fan if she wanted to take the mantis, and she carefully scooped it up in her hands. Ever the entertainer, he added, “He’ll probably send me an invoice for his appearance in my show.”

The TikTok clip sparked plenty of discussion online. While a few commenters mocked the woman’s excitement, many others came to her defense.

“How can anyone judge someone for finding joy in small things?” one person wrote. “We need more people like that.”

Another joked that she seemed more thrilled about the mantis than seeing Calum Scott himself, while others praised her enthusiasm, calling her “bright,” “pure,” and full of infectious joy.

Why Are Praying Mantises Seen as a Sign of Good Luck?

Across many cultures, praying mantises have long been viewed as symbols of good fortune. Much of this belief comes from their distinctive posture—front legs folded together in a way that resembles prayer.

This stance has led people to associate the mantis with spirituality, patience, and calm reflection—qualities often linked to prosperity and success.

In parts of Africa and Asia, mantises are even considered sacred, sometimes believed to carry messages from gods or ancestors. Ancient Egyptians revered them as guides for souls in the afterlife, while in China, the mantis is admired for its precision and discipline, inspiring the martial art known as Praying Mantis Kung Fu.

Beyond symbolism, mantises are also valued in agriculture. They help control harmful pests, making them welcome visitors in gardens and farms—another reason their presence is often seen as a positive sign.

With their rare appearance, striking features, and almost otherworldly behavior, praying mantises have fascinated humans for centuries. Spotting one can feel meaningful, reinforcing the belief that they bring luck wherever they appear.