At the Microsoft Ignite conference, one of the most memorable and spectacular demonstrations of low‑code technology took place — unofficially dubbed “Karaoke Coding.” On stage, Charles Lamanna, Vice President of Microsoft Power Apps, created a fully functional smart home voice control application live… all while performing Queen’s legendary song “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The essence of the demonstration lay not only in the striking combination of music and technology but also in showcasing the accessibility and flexibility of the platform in even the most unconventional scenarios. Using nothing but voice commands through a microphone, Charles step by step built the app, configuring its interface, logic, and external integrations — all seamlessly embedded into the lyrics of the song. Each vocal phrase triggered a specific feature: for example, “Is this the real life?” launched the creation of the home screen, “Open your eyes” initialized the setup of user windows, and at “Let me go,” the app synchronized with the cloud data store. The whole process unfolded as a carefully choreographed musical‑tech show where every sung line manifested as a new function of the system.
This approach highlighted Power Apps’ capabilities from an unexpected angle: not only does the platform support voice control and natural language input, but it also allows you to integrate such features in real time without writing any code. Beyond screen and connection setup, the demonstration also showcased integration with smart home IoT devices — lights, thermostats, and multimedia systems — which, at the grand finale, responded to voice commands from the app by turning on lights, playing music, and opening blinds, all live before the audience.
The audience’s reaction was electric: they gave Charles a standing ovation at the end, and the video of the performance quickly became one of Ignite’s most viewed moments. Later, this case was featured in Microsoft’s key presentations as an example of a creative yet technically robust way to showcase low‑code capabilities.
This unusual approach not only delivered a wow factor but also conveyed an important message: low‑code platforms can be powerful, flexible, and accessible even in the most creative and unconventional scenarios. The demonstration broke the stereotype of app development being dry and routine, instead presenting it as exciting, inspiring, and even entertaining. The very idea of “karaoke coding” became a symbol that technology can be delivered in a way that’s engaging, fun, and easy to grasp even for non‑technical audiences.
Throughout the conference, participants continued discussing Charles’s performance, with many saying it gave them a completely new perspective on Power Apps, showing it as a tool not only for business but also for creativity. This creative case strengthened Microsoft’s image as a company capable of not only building world‑class technology but also finding fresh, unconventional ways to communicate its power to the audience.
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