Britain's Got Talent Instant Celebrities

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Where are they now?

Perhaps you experienced those electrifying moments when virtual unknowns stepped onto the Britain's Got Talent stage and achieved instant worldwide fame. Those are the moments people dream of all of their lives. Few ever achieve that level of celebrity and, as the famous quote states, most who do have only their 15 minutes of fame.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the biggest winners on that stage? Are they still living in the spotlight? Did fame change them and their lives for the good? Where are they now?

I just had to know and so I have been following up on a few of the most prominent winners, or near winners, of Britain's Got Talent. Curious? Join me as I reveal what went on behind the scenes after each series finale.

Who is Ronan Parke?

Twelve year old Ronan Parke was the sensation of the 2011 Britain's Got Talent season. Though expected to win the competition, Ronan finished as the eventual runner-up.

Like other famous BGT second place winners who have gone before him, Ronan came out the real winner in terms of a lucrative record deal with Sony and becoming a huge worldwide star. Millions of fans continue to regularly view Ronan's YouTube videos.

Ronan Parke released his first album in October of 2011 and continues to perform for enthusiastic audiences.

Ronan's New Album

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Connie Talbot - Age 6

This performance by six year old Connie Talbot answers the question: What does it take to impress Simon Cowell? Here Connie performs her a cappella version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." In an instant, Connie Talbot won the hearts of millions worldwide, and was a favorite to win the 2007 Britain's Got Talent competition. What's not to love about this little girl with the voice of an angel?
☆"Britains Got Talent or Americas Got Talent ♥ Connie Talbot WOWs Simon Cowell !"
by behindthesecret | video info

174,285 ratings | 116,156,376 views
curated content from YouTube

Recording "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

Connie Talbot in the Recording Studio

Connie's Life After Britain's Got Talent

Connie Talbot, runner-up to the eventual Series 1 winner, Paul Potts, went on to record her first album at the tender age of six. Connie's first recording, Over the Rainbow, which was issued in 2007, was certified Gold. She has since recorded two additional albums: Connie Talbot's Christmas Album and Holiday Magic, released in 2009 and 2010.

Plans are in the works for the release of a Wii video game that will feature Connie Talbot's songs.

The Voice of an Angel

Connie Talbot has a rare gift. Here is a sampling of this child's pure talent. Connie lives to sing and her joy is apparent. For me, to share in her happiness and support her success is a real privilege.

These singles are available for purchase and instant download. Which is your favorite?

Who is Connie Talbot?

Connie Talbot, 11, an English singer, was born on November 1, 2000. Talbot currently resides in Streetly, Metropolitan Borough of Walsall, West Midlands, with her family, where she attends primary school.

Talbot, who was just six when she auditioned for Britain's Got Talent, was described as "pure magic" by Simon Cowell. Connie had never taken any voice lessons prior to her televised performances. She sang her signature song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, as a tribute to her grandmother, with whom she had shared many special moments watching The Wizard of Oz. Connie had hoped to win the competition in memory of her grandmother.

Comments for Connie

Share your thoughts about Connie Talbot. What do you think or feel when you watch Connie perform or listen to her voice?

  • Doc_Holliday May 20, 2012 @ 11:26 am | delete
    Paul Potts was a real surprise but I just loved Connie. I have now made a lens about another instant celebrity, blind girl Rachel Lehcar who stunned the audience in the Australian version of the Voice
  • Richard3331 Apr 11, 2012 @ 2:40 am | delete
    Ita a great feeling
  • MarcoG Apr 5, 2012 @ 5:36 pm | delete
    She is a cutie, and has such an impressive vibrato for one so young!
  • daria369 Apr 1, 2012 @ 8:29 pm | delete
    Amazing!
  • LaraineRose Apr 1, 2012 @ 3:50 am | delete
    This is just the beginning. She will go far!
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Connie Talbot CDs and DVD

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The Phenomenon of Paul Potts

What kind of phenomenon would cause hundreds of millions of individuals to watch a performance over and over and over again? The name of that phenomenon is Paul Potts, winner of the Britain's Got Talent inaugural 2007 Series.

I still get major chills every time I watch Paul's audition. This is about way more than 15 minutes of fame. Even if you have enjoyed this previously, I invite you to immerse yourself once again in a truly moving television moment. I've lost count of how many times I have returned to view this performance. I'm always thrilled to experience Paul's ultimate dream coming true. He was born to sing and this is the breakthrough that allowed Paul Potts to pursue a professional singing career. Maybe that is why we all love to revisit his triumph time and time again.


Click on the video image or this link.

Life After Winning Britain's Got Talent

After winning Series 1 of Britain's Got Talent, Potts recorded One Chance, which went to the top of the charts in nine countries. In December of 2007, Paul Potts received his first Platinum certification, having sold over two million copies of that first recording. Since then, Potts has recorded two additional albums, the 2009 Passione, and the 2010 Cinema Paradiso. Potts continues to perform and tour extensively.

My Paul Potts Playlist

This is my current playlist for Paul Potts. All selections are available for instant purchase and download should you desire to create your own song list. Enjoy!

Who is Paul Potts?

Paul Potts, 41, was born on October 13, 1970, in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire, England. One of four children, Potts was raised in Fishponds, Bristol.

Potts developed an early love of singing in school and through his participation with several church choirs. Paul commented that his voice was always a source of solace as he continuously struggled with a low sense of self-confidence.

Before entering the Britain's Got Talent competition, Potts served as a manager for The Carphone Warehouse and sang in a number of amateur opera performances. Potts is married and lives in Port Talbot.

Reflections

What are your reflections as you think about Paul Potts and his dream come true?

  • daria369 Apr 1, 2012 @ 8:29 pm | delete
    Beautiful!! :)
  • LaraineRose Apr 1, 2012 @ 3:51 am | delete
    When I heard how humble he was and then he opened his mouth and started singing I just loved him.
  • Tipi Mar 30, 2012 @ 9:37 pm | delete
    I usually am not attracted to opera but Paul Potts is an amazing instrument...he sings for the gods...and for us! I will agree with Simon again, a complete breath of fresh air and fantastic.
  • JanezKranjski Nov 25, 2011 @ 2:50 pm | delete
    His talent is amazing. When I was watching his audition for the first time felt like he is lip singing.
  • Rewards4life Aug 15, 2011 @ 4:24 pm | delete
    Paul Potts is amazing he made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. True talent.
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Paul Potts CDs

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Susan Boyle - World Record Holder

Susan Boyle was the runaway favorite to win the 2009 Series of Britain's Got Talent. Her audition video, in which she sings "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables, received over 100 million views on YouTube within nine days of airing. It has since had several hundred million views. The media and fans were shocked when, in great controversy, Susan Boyle finished the competition as the runner-up to the dance troupe Diversity. This show set a record with 17.3 million viewers watching the competition's finale.

All was not lost, however. Susan Boyle released I Dreamed A Dream, her first CD, in 2009. It became Amazon's best-selling album while still in pre-sales. This recording set several impressive records. Within six weeks of release, Boyle's recording became the 2009 best-selling album in the world, with sales topping nine million. This album, according to Billboard, marked the best debut week for a female artist since 1991, when this statistic was first tracked.

In 2010, it was announced by Guiness World Records that Susan Boyle has set three world records: Fastest selling debut for a female artist in the UK; most successful first week of sales by a female artist in the UK; and oldest person to reach number one with a debut album in the UK. 48 is old? Go figure.

Boyle's second album, The Gift, was released in 2010. In January 2011, Susan Boyle received an award for having sold 14 million albums in 14 months. Anyone projecting 15 minutes of fame for Susan would have really missed the mark. Boyle is currently working on a new album. It has also been reported that she will star in a musical about her own life. More details are sure to be shared in the near future.

Thrill of a Lifetime

In what had to be the thrill of a lifetime, Susan Boyle was presented the opportunity to sing a duet with her idol Elaine Paige. This is a magical moment.
Susan Boyle performs Duet with Elaine Paige ( 13th / Dec / 09 )
by SusanBoyles | video info

32,056 ratings | 13,788,615 views
curated content from YouTube

Susan Boyle Sampler

You can listen to a selection of Susan Boyle's top-selling songs here. Available for instant download. Enjoy!

Who is Susan Boyle?

Susan Boyle, 50, was born on April 1, 1961, in Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland. One of 10 children, Boyle never married and cared for her mother until her death in 2007.

Boyle's singing experience before auditioning for Britain's Got Talent occurred largely in her church and in karaoke performances in local pubs. After winning several local singing contests, Susan's mother encouraged her to enter the Britain's Got Talent contest. And, of course, the rest is history.

Susan Boyle Duet With Jackie Evancho

Jackie Evancho - A Mother'S Prayer (With Susan Boyle)
by qweasdzxc9511 | video info

231 ratings | 58,602 views
curated content from YouTube

A Mother's Prayer

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Your Impressions

Why do you feel Susan Boyle was such a big hit worldwide?

  • Annamadagan May 16, 2012 @ 8:27 pm | delete
    Great lens with some great information.
  • Cari_Kay Apr 10, 2012 @ 11:17 pm | delete
    Her story just was mesmerizing. I think it was all too much for her but what a gift she has!
  • MarcoG Apr 5, 2012 @ 5:38 pm | delete
    I'm so over Susan Boyle, although I'm quite keen on seeing the new musical about her - Rab C Nesbitt was always on when I was growing up! :)
  • daria369 Apr 1, 2012 @ 8:30 pm | delete
    Loved Susan!!
  • LaraineRose Apr 1, 2012 @ 3:52 am | delete
    I saw her first performance in the Got Talent Show. She came out 'looking' like a joke. She began to sing ... she is no joke! What talent!
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Susan Boyle CDs

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Who should get top billing?

Of these two Britain's Got Talent celebrities, who do you feel is the standout?

Paul Potts or Susan Boyle?

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I'm with Paul Potts.

LaraineRose says:

Paul Potts for sure. Just love his singing!

hermaniv says:

I'd go with Paul! Loved his talent and voice. Just phenomenal.

JanezKranjski says:

Hard choice, but I prefer his music choice over Susan's.

Graceonline says:

I couldn't possibly decide. Both have amazing talent, fabulous voices, a deeply moving story. This doesn't let me sit on the fence, though, and since Paul Potts hasn't a single vote, I'll lean his way.

Susan Boyle all the way!

Cari_Kay says:

I never tire of watching her audition. It always brings me to tears!

MarcoG says:

Probably Susan...but not really keen either...she seems like a sweet lady, though.

Tipi says:

Oh my...two very different and equally amazing giftings, I choose both. Tears are running down my cheeks as I listen to I Dreamed a Dream, stunning as Pierce said.

TheLifestyleChanger says:

Susan Boyle.

gypsyman27 says:

I'd like to go with Susan Boyle. See you around the galaxy...

 
view all 12 comments

Andrew Johnston - Choirboy Wonder

Britain's Got Talent - Final - Andrew Johnston
by aqib14 | video info

24,861 ratings | 11,986,296 views
curated content from YouTube

Who is Andrew Johnston?

Andrew Johnston, at age 13, emerged as a favorite to win the second series of Britain's Got Talent in 2008. Johnston, a boy soprano from Carlisle, placed third after advancing to the finals of the competition.

Johnston was born on September 23, 1994, in Dunfries, Scotland. Andrew's parents separated while he was yet an infant. Following a move with his mother, Morag Brannock, to Carlisle, Andrew became head chorister at Carlisle Cathedral.

After the Britain's Got Talent competition, Johnston was offered a recording contract with SyCo, a Simon Cowell recording label. Johnston's initial release in 2008, One Voice, was certified gold and peaked at number four on the UK charts. Following that release, Andrew's voice began changing from a treble to a tenor. His musical trainers chose at that point to allow Andrew's voice to finish maturing before pursuing new opportunities to showcase his talent. Johnston has been receiving voice lessons at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. He continues to live with his family in Stanwix, Carlisle.

Andrew Johnston, who was bullied for being a singer and loving classical music, has visited schools as a part of the Sing Up campaign to encourage youth to join choirs.

Andrew Johnston - One Voice

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Affirmations for Andrew

Anything you would like to share about Andrew Johnston or your reaction to his gift?

  • daria369 Apr 1, 2012 @ 8:30 pm | delete
    Incredible!
  • Tipi Mar 30, 2012 @ 9:54 pm | delete
    Andrew has beaten the bullies and won our hearts and mesmerized us as he held us in the moment, I felt like I want to breathe his voice into my soul. Bravo!
  • Rewards4life Aug 15, 2011 @ 4:29 pm | delete
    Fantastic lens I remember seeing them the first time around and they still amaze me, it was nice seeing them all in one place. Thanks.
  • gypsyman27 Jul 22, 2011 @ 2:04 am | delete
    Hey the kid's gotta be good, he was born on my 41st birthday! See you around the galaxy...
  • PipPipHooray May 14, 2011 @ 10:25 am | delete
    awesome lense! great subject and idea for a lense. well done.
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Who's your favorite?

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Celebrity Website Links

Catch up on all the latest news and happenings at these official websites.

Official Paul Potts Website

Susan Boyle's Website

Andrew Johnston's Website

Connie Talbot's Website

What is Britain's Got Talent?

Britain's Got Talent, also known as BGT, is a British show televised on ITV and TV3 Ireland. It is a part of the Got Talent series. BGT, which began in 2007, is now in its fifth series. Contestants compete for a £100,000 prize. Each series winner is invited to perform before the Queen and the Royal Family.

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No part of this work may be copied or used in any way without written permission.

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You may wish to check out my other web pages as listed in the lensography below. Thanks for stopping by!
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Final Act

Any last thoughts about Britain's Got Talent? These performers? This lens? Last chance! The curtain is coming down on this production. Thanks for being in the audience for our performance.

  • KayeSI May 24, 2012 @ 1:14 pm | delete
    Very interesting. I had barely heard of this show until I saw a video this year with another outstanding duo of singers - Jonathan and Charlotte. Talk about a powerhouse singer. That made this lens doubly interesting to me to help "put together the pieces" of other singers I'd heard. Thank you :)
  • raitoavi May 3, 2012 @ 5:04 pm | delete
    I don't know how Connie Talbot will do in the future, but that somewhere over the rainbow appearence brought shivers to my spine, great lens by the way.
  • MarcoG Apr 5, 2012 @ 5:40 pm | delete
    The new series looks pretty good. But to be honest, Diversity and Twist'n'Pulse have been my favourites so far (and Ant & Dec, of course) :)
  • daria369 Apr 1, 2012 @ 8:32 pm | delete
    So nice that people can showcase their talents in a show like this! :)
  • awelldressedbullet Apr 1, 2012 @ 3:27 pm | delete
    Happy April Fool's Day
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RenaissanceWoman2010

One of my favorite things in all the world is to experience the success of others. I love to be a part of seeing individuals achieve their dreams.... more »

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