Latest news with #PaulPotts
Wales Online
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
What is the prize for winning Britain's Got Talent?
What is the prize for winning Britain's Got Talent? We're moments away from finding out who is the winner of Britain's Got Talent 2025, but what do they win? Paul Potts from Port Talbot won the first ever Britain's Got Talent in 2007 After three months of countless auditions and five semi-finals we finally have reached the Britain's Got Talent live final. Tonight, Saturday, May 31, 10 acts will compete to become the champion of BGT 2025. From magicians to dance acts, we are definitely in for a show full of variety. The talent competition will run from 7pm until 9.45pm on ITV1 and ITV X, where we will finally discover who will be victorious, and who is the recipient of an amazing grand prize. However, you may be asking yourself, 'what is the big prize?' Well, we have the answer... For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter This year, the BGT champion will be awarded a staggering cash prize of £250,000. Additionally, the winner is given the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance. Before these substantial prizes, the initial five winners of Britain's Got Talent received £100k this includes Port Talbot's own Paul Potts who won the first ever season in 2007. However, crowd favourites Ashleigh Butler and Pudsey the dog reaped the benefits of the most generous year, bagging £500,000 in 2012. The following year the prize went down to £250,000 and has remained the same since. Not only that, but they will win the title of Britain's Got Talent 2025 champion and earn infinite bragging rights. The acts in with a chance of winning the dream prize in tonight's grand final will be semi final golden buzzer winners, The Blackouts, Olly Pearson, Jasmine Rice, Joseph Charm and the most recent Harry Moulding, who received a golden buzzer from guest judge KSI. The semi final public vote winners who will be competing in this weekend's final are Stacey Leadbeatter, Vinnie McKee, Ping Pong Pang, Hear Our Voice and nine-year-old dancer Binita. Content cannot be displayed without consent Tonight, we will also see a performance from a big name in the world of music and a well-known face from BGT. The talent competition announced the special guest on Instagram, saying "HE'S BACK!!!", alongside a boxing glove and music note emoji. They announced their surprise guest performance will be from YouTube, rapper and part-time boxer KSI. This season of BGT has seen KSI as a guest judge during the audition stages as well as the most recent semi final, but this time he will be on the stage rather than on the panel. Fans have shared their excitement on social media, with one person saying "Omggggg yessssss!!!!" Another added: "That's awesome, can't wait to watch our KSI do his thing." Article continues below
Wales Online
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Paul Potts' life now after BGT win 18 years ago as he calls for show shake-up
Paul Potts' life now after BGT win 18 years ago as he calls for show shake-up EXCLUSIVE: Paul Potts was crowned Britain's Got Talent's first ever winner back in 2007 after impressing Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan with his vocals Paul Potts won Britain's Got Talent in 2007 Eighteen years ago, mobile phone salesman Paul Potts took a life-changing leap of faith when he auditioned for Britain's Got Talent and astonished the nation. Taking to the stage in a suit and shirt at the time, he belted out his rendition of Nessun Dorma and left the three judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Piers Morgan speechless. During the feedback, Simon said Paul was "a complete breath of fresh air" and called the operatic number "absolutely fantastic". Piers confidently predicted a potential win for the tenor, while Amanda affectionately referred to him as "a little lump of coal that is going to turn into a diamond". Paul later became the ITV competition's first ever winner, after securing the highest public vote over his fellow finalist Connie Talbot. Since his victory on the show, the 54-year-old has gone from strength to strength in his singing career. His first album, One Chance, soared to the top of the UK charts upon release, and remained there for six consecutive weeks. His discography expanded over time with the addition of six more studio albums, which includes his latest record, Musica Non Proibita. Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts is still touring across various venues Paul's incredible journey was later turned into a movie named after his first album, which starred James Corden. The winner has since toured in various venues across the world, and will be making a return to the stage for a number of gigs in Germany this year. According to Paul, he is "singing better" now than he did during his initial rise to stardom. In a collaboration with Sky Vegas, he expressed: "I'm now doing what I love to do all over the world – and it's been 18 years. "In two years, it'll be 20. I still remember critics saying my voice wouldn't last a year, yet I honestly believe I'm singing better now than I ever have. "I'm incredibly grateful for the support I've had from people around the world throughout these years, and I allow myself a little pride in that." In 2019, Paul made a triumphant return to the stage on Britain's Got Talent: The Champions. His vocal performance once again wowed judges and audiences alike, though Simon claimed it was "shaky" at first. Despite giving it his all, he did not progress to the final, with the spot going to daredevil duo Bello and Annaliese Nock instead. At the time, Kseniya Simonova was also the recipient of the golden buzzer. Paul Potts was praised by the BGT judges Piers Morgan, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell Reflecting on this year's Britain's Got Talent competition, Paul discussed his own familiarity with the "pressure" that comes with public voting, especially once the coveted golden buzzer is off the table. He remarked: "The golden buzzer works, but it has to be used live to keep the energy and excitement. "Having competed on Britain's Got Talent: The Champions, I know how it feels to perform knowing you can't get that golden buzzer because they're all gone!" "That adds a real sense of pressure, and it makes the public vote feel even more important. That's the kind of drama we want – positive drama – not the negativity that comes with red buzzers." Sharing more thoughts on the series this year, Paul said the show could benefit from welcoming KSI back as a fifth judge. The YouTube star stepped in for Simon and Bruno Tonioli at different stages of the competition, and returned as a guest judge for the semi-final last week. He shared: 'I think there is certainly a potential for him to return as a permanent judge. I have never heard of him before this year, and I probably don't travel in this circle! "There should be five judges to even things out and makes things fresh. It also means when there is a jury vote then it'll never be a draw – it has to always go one way or another.' Article continues below Britain's Got Talent: The Final airs tonight at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BGT legend issues clear warning to Simon Cowell which could save series
Former Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts has shared his views on the current series of the show and how he believes Simon Cowell could save it A Britain's Got Talent legend has issued insider advice to Simon Cowell that could save future series. Paul Potts, who won the first ever series back in 2007 for his incredible singing voice. However, he is now offering his advice back to mentor Simon as he thinks he has some ideas that could save the show from being axed in the future. He has suggested that producers make the show even "bigger" than it already is and consider adding another stage to the process. Paul thinks his ideas would increase the standard of the acts who get involved as well as adding more wackiness. He think ultimately it would end better for those involved and give acts more visibility afterwards. Speaking to the Daily Star reported that Paul said: "I think they could make the show bigger, if they had another proper stage in the competition. They could make the standard higher and give people more. It would give people more visibility too and would be much better for the acts. "It would be great to have that back in the show to have some more of the fun things shown and show what the balance of the show really is – because you do get some wacky people auditioning. "You've got to be careful how you pay them, but you could show a wider cross section of what the show attracts and the kind of talent that is out there." Paul also explained that he thinks a wider range of talent would be found if producers went out into the community to look for people. He thinks that is is a "missed opportunity" to not go to local communities and that more talent is likely to be picked up if BGT went back to doing this again. The singer thinks that the acts to watch this year are The Blackouts or Hear Out Voice and thinks that both will be in the top two in this Saturday's live finals. Paul is still a fan of the show that launched him into the spotlight and says he still watches from the comfort of his own home. However, he has also said that he would like to get involved in the show again one day. He has explained that he would like to become one of the judges himself or come back for the 20-year anniversary, which will take place in 2027. He noted that the show is "very different" from when he took part 18 years ago. However, he still looks back on his time with "fond memories" and hopes that the programme continues to go from strength to strength.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Every winner of Britain's Got Talent so far ahead of the 2025 final
The 2025 final of Britain's Got Talent is almost here. Judges Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden, as well as guest judge KSI, have watched a huge variety of acts over the last couple of months. Now, a new winner of the ITV talent show, hosted by presenting duo Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, is set to be crowned. Ahead of that, let's look back at all the previous champions. Need to catch up before the BIG FINAL this Saturday? 👑 Stream all episodes of #BGT Series 18 so far over on @ITVX and @WeAreSTV Player now! ITVX: STV Player: — BGT (@BGT) May 28, 2025 Here is every winner of Britain's Got Talent so far: Series 1, 2007 – Paul Potts Series 2, 2008 – George Sampson Series 3, 2009 – Diversity Series 4, 2010 – Spellbound Series 5, 2011 – Jai McDowall Series 6, 2012 – Ashleigh and Pudsey Series 7, 2013 – Attraction Series 8, 2014 - Collabro Series 9, 2015 - Jules O'Dwyer and Matisse Series 10, 2016 - Richard Jones Series 11, 2017 - Tokio Myers Series 12, 2018 – Lost Voice Guy Series 13, 2019 – Colin Thackery Series 14, 2020 - Jon Courtenay Series 15, 2022 – Axel Blake Series 16, 2023 – Viggo Venn Series 17 – 2024 – Sydnie Christmas There is no obvious answer to which winner has had the most success after the show. Paul Potts is among those who shot to fame after his performances, going on to release a chart-topping album, One Chance, as well as a 97-concert tour. Diversity is another that has seen plenty of success after Britain's Got Talent. The group, fronted by Ashley Banjo, has been on a number of tours and even supported Little Mix on their 2013 Salute Tour. Ashley became a judge on Dancing On Ice and even stood in for Simon as a judge on BGT in 2020. Ashley's brother Jordan, also in Diversity, appeared on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! in 2016 and has been on the KISS Breakfast Show. Other success stories include George Sampson, who went on to perform in the West End, release his own dance DVDs and appear in Emmerdale, and Collabro, who achieved a number one and number two album, as well as sold out shows across the world. The BGT finalists for 2025 are: Blackouts (golden buzzer) Vinnie McKee (public vote) Olly Pearson (golden buzzer) Stacey Leadbeatter (public vote) Jasmine Rice (golden buzzer) Ping Pong Pang (public vote) Joseph Charm (golden buzzer) Hear Our Voice (public vote) Harry Moulding (golden buzzer) Binita Chetry (public vote) This year, the winner of BGT will take home a prize of £250,000. They will also be given the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Royal Family. Recommended reading: Surprise proposal on Britain's Got Talent leaves viewers in 'tears' BGT viewers all share the same comment moments into live semi-final Britain's Got Talent fans call for return of this feature after act was 'robbed' In the ITV show's first three years, winners won a prize of £100,000. The biggest winners were Ashleigh and Pudsey with a prize pot of £500,000 in 2012. Britain's Got Talent's 2025 final is on Saturday, May 31, at 7pm on ITV, STV and ITVX. Who do you want to win Britain's Got Talent this year? Let us know in the comments.
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BGT winner calls for U-turn on 'lazy' part of show after major change-up
BGT winner calls for U-turn on 'lazy' part of show after major change-up EXCLUSIVE: Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts says the change-up put in place this year "doesn't help with the diversity and range of acts" and called for a U-turn Simon Cowell reportedly 'gave the green light' to the auditions change-up Britain's Got Talent's first ever champion Paul Potts has urged the show's producers to re-evaluate their choice of auditioning exclusively in Blackpool. This season, auditions were solely filmed at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool unlike previous years where venues, such as the London Palladium, have been used. A source told TV Zone regarding the new format: "The Palladium is such an iconic venue but if you compare the shows in Blackpool to the ones they have filmed in London, the audience is way more up for it there. The auditions resume in the new year and they'll all be filmed up in Blackpool. "Boss Simon Cowell has given the green light to the move and just wants the show to be the best it can be." Paul, 54, has criticised the altered approach to the audition process, describing it as "lazy". When asked if he believes Britain is running out of talent for the show, he shared: "There's absolutely no shortage of talent in Britain, [there's] plenty of untapped potential out there. Article continues below "But the show needs to be more flexible in how it finds and selects that talent. "Just sticking to Blackpool for auditions this year felt, frankly, a bit lazy. I understand that it might have been a cost-cutting idea, even though securing the ballroom wouldn't have come cheaply, however, the limited outreach doesn't help with the diversity and range of acts," he added in association with Sky Vegas. PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 17: Paul Potts arrives at "America's Got Talent: The Champions" Finale at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on October 17, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) The tenor has since called for the production team to reverse their decision and "get back out on the road" to "really engage with people" and uncover "fresh, authentic talent". "And like I've said before, if they want to breathe new life into the show, let's do something bold. Make Blackpool a Vegas-style call-back round. Turn it into a proper second stage, not just a shortcut to the live shows," he continued. "That way you can really test and find the best acts." Paul added: "Britain has amazing talent – there's no question. But if we're seeing acts in the semi-finals that are getting three red buzzers, we have to ask, what are we doing? You start to risk the credibility of the show.' Tonight, the last remaining two acts will be selected for the upcoming final. Those who win the public vote and final golden buzzer will join; singers Hear Our Voice, Jasmine Rice, Stacey Leadbetter and Vinnie McKee, comedian Joseph Charm, dance group Ping Pong Pang, guitarist Olly Pearson and LED show act The Blackouts. On how he believes the final is shaping up currently, Paul warned singers about "a real risk" when it comes to song choice. "It's fairly finely balanced at this stage, but there's a real risk, as I've said before, the singers could end up cancelling each other out," he shared. "We've got a couple of crossover singers going through, but some of the repertoire decisions across the board have felt a bit off. I'm all for hearing something fresh and unexpected, songs that haven't been done to death, but it also needs to be right for the artist. It has to showcase their strengths." Article continues below Britain's Got Talent continues tonight at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.
