East Lothian bingo caller's heartwarming tribute to brother ahead of BGT final
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East Lothian holiday park bingo caller Vinnie McKee is just one performance away from potentially clinching the title of this year's Britain's Got Talent champion.
The 29 year old Glaswegian from Ruchazie is counting on Scotland's support as he prepares to take the stage in tonight's eagerly anticipated live final.
Vinnie, who has been deeply affected by the loss of his brother Frankie last year to a suspected irregular heartbeat, believes his brother will be with him in spirit during his performance.
The entertainer, who works at Dunbar's Thurston Manor Holiday Park, impressed with his rendition of The Proclaimers' classic 'I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)' at his audition and earned Simon Cowell's golden buzzer in the process.
Vinnie said: "When I step on stage tonight my brother will be there with me and I will 100 per cent be singing for him."
He recounted feeling his late brother's presence during the live semi-final, saying: "I felt Frankie beside me when I sang in the live semi-final. I spoke to him before I went on saying he better be on stage waiting for me as I could not walk out there myself and he was.", reports the Daily Record.
Vinnie opened up about the profound impact his brother's passing had on his family, describing the past year as the most challenging period of their lives, but noted that BGT has brought them a glimmer of hope.
He expressed how participating in BGT has been a beacon of light amidst the darkness, stating: "Losing him has been devastating for my whole family. Last year was the worst time of our lives but BGT has given us all something to be excited about. It's been a bit of light at the end of a very long tunnel."
Reflecting on his journey to the final, Vinnie revealed the personal significance behind his audition song choice: "When I sang 500 Miles in my audition it was an ode to my brother and everything that has happened to our family."
He confessed that while he didn't verbalise the tribute at the time, he believes the emotion resonated in his voice as he performed: "I didn't say that out loud at the time but I think everyone could feel and hear the emotion in my voice as I sang the words.
"My mum, dad, sister, aunt and uncle will all be in the audience tonight and Frankie will be with me on stage cheering me on. I want to make him, my family and Scotland proud."
Vinnie, who is gearing up to wow at this year's Pride of Scotland Awards, is set for a final showdown alongside LED dance squad The Blackouts, the youthful guitar wizard Olly Pearson, ping pong dance ensemble Ping Pong Pang and humourist Joseph Charm.
Joining them in the quest for glory are vocalists Maya Giotea and Stacey Leadbeatter, the impassioned Hear Our Voice choir, nimble nine year old gymnast Binita Chetry, and drag artist songstress Jasmine Rice in the gripping race to clinch the talent show's top honour.
While judges Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden, and Simon Cowell will put forth their critiques, the ultimate decision rests in the hands of the public; Vinnie is counting on passionate support from Scotland to claim victory.
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Should he triumph, the soul-stirring crooner would become the second Scot to seize victory on the renowned ITV programme, echoing the success of Jai McDowell, who earned accolades as champion back in 2011.
With his semi-final rendition of Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" leaving audiences captivated, Vinnie expressed: "I am so proud to be flying the flag for Scotland and it would be amazing if the nation got behind me tonight and voted."
He added with heartfelt pride, "I feel like I have already won as reaching a final is a huge achievement for a wee boy from the East End of Glasgow."
He revealed the shock of performing for millions compared to families at the holiday park: "This is the biggest thing I have ever done and I have to pinch myself sometimes to make sure it is really happening. I'm used to singing in front of a room full of families in a caravan park and now I'm singing live in front of millions."
Don't miss the Britain's Got Talent live final airing tonight on ITV1 and ITVX at 7pm.
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