It was all about a dancing dog, a 133 strong choir, a hip-hop singer who lost his keys, a surprise wildcard announcement and a not-so-live performance from Tulisa on last night’s Britain’s Got Talent first semi-final. Following seven weeks of auditions, it was finally crunch time for the first round of anxious contestants as only two acts could sail through to the finals.
Two lucky finalists:
Out of all of the BGT performers, it was Ashleigh and the loveable Pudsey that I was most looking forward to seeing again – and they did not disappoint. The relationship between Ashleigh and her teddy bear looking dog is heart-warming, and one which I am sure all dog lovers can relate to. The duo is a match made in heaven and a complete joy to watch. I can completely understand why this pairing has won over the heart of the British nation, and I would be delighted if they made it to the Royal Variety Performance. Move over Uggie (dog from The Artist).
Simon Cowell claimed that “this is what BGT is all about” and “what he has been waiting for his whole life.” He jokingly added: “Honestly, I’ve had a lot of dogs in my life, but never one like this.”
Welsh choir Only Boys Aloud made it through to the final with the most public votes after Cowell put the judges’ vote to deadlock along with boyband The Mend. The schoolboys who performed rousing hymn Gwahoddiad in Welsh managed to impress Amanda and David with their pitch perfect performance, and not surprisingly bagged the majority of the public votes. Embodying the sound of the Valleys, their voices rang out strong through the auditorium winning themselves a standing ovation from the adoring audience.
Amanda, who was moved to tears by the boys during their first audition saying: “My heart just swells everytime I hear you. You truly are the voice of Wales.” Alesha said: “That was inspiring. I appreciate that you stuck to your roots tonight with something traditional. Simon, who commended the work of choir master Tim Rhys-Evans, said he liked everything the boys stood for.
We waved goodbye to:
Zipparah Tafari aka MrZip had the audience eagerly waiting to see if this forgetful rapper had found his keys and phone. Once again he managed to have the audience (and judges) up on their feet and bopping away to his self-penned number. I preferred the original track to the jazzed up version, but MrZip’s styling has come on leaps and bounds. He looked suave and every bit the budding pop star in his black blazer and matching t-shirt. I predict that it won’t be long until Where’s Me Keys, Where’s Me Phone will be a chart-topping sensation. Not to mention the ringtone of school children nationwide.
Alesha said: It was "such a catchy song" and "great way to open the show,” while David Walliams stated "I predict this will be a number one hit record and will be voted most annoying number one of all time." Simon seconded David saying: "You're such a good salesman, you should come and work for me." Amanda Holden managed to muster up a witty comment explaining that her her mum had changed the words to "Where's my glasses? Where's my pills?" which she suggested could be a B-side.
Jive Aces delivered a fun-filled performance of The Bare Necessities and brightened up the stage with their yellow suits. However, the six-piece act failed to make Simon Cowell flash his pearly whites. He said: “I think it was fun. But from the auditions to the semi-final I expect a step up. Based on that performance I don’t think you have a cat in hell’s chance of winning.”
Lauren Thalia gave a pleasant version of Earthquake by Labyrinth, however her vocals were a bit shakier than usual. It is difficult not to warm to the adorable 12-year-old. I agreed with Alesha when she said: Lauren is wasn’t the most perfect vocal.” However, she said that the tween’s personality “shone through in abundance” and praised her “organic talent.”
I was surprised when violinist Analiza Ching wasn’t in the final two. Her superb rendition of The Pretender by The Foo Fighters was world-class. Simon hit the nail on the head when he said: “Absolutely fantastic. Loved the song choice, this is what we’ve been looking to find in this competition. By a clear mile the best act of the night.”
Following years of dance acts entering reality talent competitions, it really would take something spectacular and seriously special to grab my attention. I enjoyed United We Stand’s interpretation of Romeo and Juliet, but I didn’t think it was enough to separate them from the millions of other dance acts out there. The troupe, from East London, were told by Simon that their performance was “indulgent” and “boring,” while Amanda thought the 14-member group hadn’t stepped up enough from their audition.
Mum-of-two Rachel Knowland played it safe with a lacklustre performance of The Ronettes Be My Baby. It definitely wasn’t a strong enough performance for the semi-finals as it lacked that a good dollop of energy and passion. Overall, the performance was bland and forgettable. I agreed with Simon when he said: “It’s one of my favourite songs but my problem is that you didn’t put your stamp on the song. I’m not going to remember that in 10 minutes.
Britain's Got Talent continues tonight with the second live semi-final at 7.30pm on TV3.
Laura Delaney
