10 of the biggest and best Britain's Got Talent moments
Freya Drohan – Published 27 May 2014 01:44 PM
With the live semi-finals in full swing, it's only a matter of time before we find out who the winner of Britain's Got Talent 2014 is... or 'are', of course.
Dance troops, drama-confident dogs, mime acts and pitch-perfect vocals, one of the world's biggest talent shows has seen it all.
In no particular order, here are ten of the biggest and best moments of BGT:
1. Stavros Flatley
The best fusion of Greek and Irish culture since Georgia Salpa’s birth; Stavros Flatley had our attention from the 'get go' when they auditioned in 2009. Dimitrios and Lagi, a father and son act, can claim the title of one of Simon Cowell’s “favourite dance acts ever”.
According to their Twitter (@StavrosFlatley) the “original fatman and his son from BGT are still going strong and having fun dancing all over the world. Available for live bookings”.
2. Diversity
It was going to take one hell of a performance to beat Susan Boyle in the 2009 final.
Diversity, a street-dance crew comprised of three sets of brothers and four other members, were born ready. Their two minute routine showcased their innovative and fresh approach.
The troupe have had continued success since their win; with regular concert appearances and TV work.
3. Susan Boyle
One woman is synonymous with Britain’s Got Talent and that is Scottish woman Susan Boyle.
Famously telling Simon she was “forty-seven [years old], but that’s just one side of me”, Susan proved the old adage to not judge a book by its cover when she caused Simon, Amanda and Piers’ jaws to drop.
Though she was pipped to the post by DIversity in 2009, to date Susan is currently worth over €24 million, has sold 19 million albums and received two Grammy Awards.
4. Paul Potts
The mobile phone salesman from South Wales blew the world away with his vocal talent when he performed 'Nessun Dorma' at his initial audition. Paul proceeded to win the overall competition in 2007.
After his win, the tenor became the top record-selling Britain's Got Talent contender and was even invited on to the Opray Winfrey Show. He is estimated to be worth about €6 million.
5. Jonathan and Charlotte
You know you’ve given a stellar audition when Simon Cowell simply gasps, “Oh My God”.
Self confessed “shy” Jonathan and his singing partner Charlotte received a standing ovation with their rendition of The Prayer.
The duo came second in 2012 when they were aged 17 and 16 respectively. Simon Cowell signed them up for a record deal and they have since released two albums.
6. Connie Talbot
You could have heard a pin drop when then-six-year old Connie Talbot sang 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' in 2007. Famously causing Amanda Holden to weep, Connie’s captivating performance showed her pure and unadulterated talent.
Having lost of Paul Potts in the final, Connie (now 13) balances school work with her music career.
7. George Sampson
Who can forget this dancer’s visually stunning performance of 'Singing in the Rain' at the age of 14. George won the series in 2008 and was signed up by Simon Cowell.
In the subsequent years after BGT, George was enlisted for endorsements, musicals and TV parts. However he was dropped by Simon when he failed to progress in his career.
8. Janey Cutler
The late Janey Cutler smashed her audition with an English-language version of Edith Piaf’s 'Non Je Regrette Rein' in 2010. When asked where she had been all this time, the great-grandmother modestly replied “I’ve just been in my wee pubs and clubs”. She progressed to come runner up that year.
The former pub singer opted out of public life after she rose to fame, but she did record an album with a group of seven Chelsea Pensioners. She passed away unexpectedly in her sleep in September 2011.
9. Ashleigh and Pudsey
Ashleigh (19) and her dog Pudsey stole the nation’s hearts with their impressive tricks. They were ultimately named as winners in the 2012 show.
Ashleigh and Pudsey have done exceptionally well from their spell on the series. A Pudsey biography was published and the loveable canine starred in a campaign for PETA, as well as his theatre and TV performances with Ashleigh.
Still in the pipeline is Pudsey: The Movie, produced by Simon Cowell. Pudsey will be voiced by David Walliams.
10. Ryan O’Shaughnessy
Dublin singer songwriter Ryan O’Shaughnessy auditioned in 2012 with his original song ‘No Name’ about his unrequited love. Ryan was hotly tipped for stardom when Simon commended his “brilliant sense of melody, lyrics superb and I love your voice”.
He finished fifth in the live shows of BGT after being .
Now 21, Ryan continues to tour around Ireland and work on his solo career.
Do you have any other favourites?
