America’s Got Talent? Maybe, But Britain’s Got More
At Least When It Comes to Winner Paul Potts’ Moving Rendition of “Nessun Dorma”
Don’t believe me? Then check out the audition footage below for yourself, which comes from ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, the United Kingdom’s version of the hit NBC reality series America’s Got Talent.
The first season of the U.K. series debuted on June 9 this year with three judges, the already recognizable sourpusses Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan, as well as British actress Amanda Holden. It followed a different format from the one Americans are familiar with, however, based on nine daily broadcasts instead of several months of largely weekly episodes. Perhaps the quickie nature of the first “series,” as they like to call what we call “seasons” across the pond, is what allowed a few very questionable types to make it through the audition process and all the way to the semifinals.
In scandals worthy of the most base tabloids, first an impressionist and registered sex offender (for the possible “feet tickling” of a minor, whatever that means—more British slang or euphemisms, perhaps?) named Richard Bates withdrew from the program after he was outed for his past trespasses, and then three transvestite singers and alleged prostitutes from the drag queen musical act Kit Kat Dolls were exposed (no pun intended), forcing the dismissal of the entire nine-member pop group.
With all of the hardcore criminals out of the way, South Wales carphone salesman Paul Potts managed to slay the remaining competition—including utterly adorable six-year-old crooner Connie Talbot—with his operatic performances inspired by his idol Luciano Pavarotti, ultimately winning the £100,000 grand prize during the live finale on Sunday, June 17.
In addition to the cash booty, Potts will have the amazing opportunity to perform live before Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family during the annual Royal Variety Performance later this year, and he received a coveted recording contract with American Idol judge Cowell’s record company.
Now, listen and enjoy, keeping in mind that 36-year-old Potts claims he sang opera for the first time just eight years ago … in a karaoke contest! What a great excuse to run to the nearest bar, like right now, and get hogwild drunk before belting out a few. Maybe you could get some Potts-sized talent then, too.
Take a look here or jump to the video.
Britain’s Got Talent logo courtesy of ITV
i am so excited for tomorrow nights premiere of America’s Got Talent. Britain may have more talent, but America has more Hoff, Sharon and Jerry combined!
woo!
Britain may have more talent…
Well, that was last year. A new season means a fresh start, and this summer should be great on the U.S. version!