Britain's Got Talent 2009

[Jeff]

I agree Pavapotts was robbed. I also didn't like the way the lady who sang "Rule Britannia" was booed which shows the mentality of some members of the audience. I'm surprised the show still uses the Union Jack logo lest someone is offended.

[nicola]

Susan Boyle is just a little bit above average. The only reason she has received so much hype is because of the shows clever editing (always a strong point in these Cowell shows). It played dotty music whilst she spoke to the camera, made her out to be really stupid, which only added to the surprise. This surprise woke up the media. I WAS impressed with her first audition, but her rendition of 'Memory' was rubbish. She is over-hyped, and she does not need to win the competition. I'd like Diversity to win. It's about time one of these hard working youth groups got some recognition.

I actually really liked Shaun Smith, though I think he would have done better on X Factor. I was sad that the MD Productions dance troupe didn't get through, but I ALWAYS love the dance troupes. They always look amazing.

Came here looking for a thread on Escala, but didn't find one. I have their album today, and it's listening to average albums like this that makes me realise that groups like 'Raven' deserve far more publicity and popularity. I threw their name out in my review.

It's an okay album, though. Just no different to any of the other string quartet albums out there.

[Jeff]

While Richard is slumbering he's missing all the fun. Last night we were treated to a fat tart with illuminated implants ! Piers Morgan loved it, his kind of woman apparently. Fortunately sanity prevailed in the end and a modest saxophonist with genuine talent was voted through. I roared with laughter when Simon Cowell said he wasn't there for the money. He should pay us to watch it !

By the way Nicola I agree with you about the editing. Susan Boyle's audition was shown in the first programme to ensure maximum publicity for the show. I shan't be buying Escala's album. They're very similar to a group called Bond from a few years back. Once I've seen tonight's last semi-final, I'll give my verdict on all the finalists tomorrow. Yes Richard, I know you can't wait !! Now on a hot afternoon like this I think my sunlounger beckons so I'll join you for a nap !

[postscript]

May 28, 2009 14:10:54 GMT Jeff said:

I agree Pavapotts was robbed. I also didn't like the way the lady who sang "Rule Britannia" was booed which shows the mentality of some members of the audience. I'm surprised the show still uses the Union Jack logo lest someone is offended.

Hi Jeff.

Yes I agree on the Pavapotts one and as for madness of the general public, look at what happened the other night, the dad and son dancers causing us to lose one of the two good ones who should have been there. As for last night, I agreed with the loss of the very young boy on the grounds he haas plenty of chances ahead of him. The granddad and daughter haven't the talent but deserve their five minutes.

Peter S.

[postscript]

Hi Nicola.

Agree with you on MD and much of what you say about Sarah Boyle.

Peter S.

[postscript]

Hi Jeff.

... Fortunately sanity prevailed in the end and a modest saxophonist with genuine talent was voted through. I roared with laughter when Simon Cowell said he wasn't there for the money. He should pay us to watch it !...

I agree entirely. I was amazed that the general British public has the wit to go for decent talent. I really did not think his act would appeal. I just wish he would dress decently. He can play and plays extremely well. He should push Susan Boyle out of winner's position, in my view.

Peter S.

[pjrcorreia]

Hi everyone,

After reading the comments about Gareth Oliver and Pavapotts, I was very curious to watch his performance, and finally found it:

Gareth Oliver (HQ) Semi-final BGT 2009

I think it's BRILLIANT! And Simon Cowell is indeed a COCONUT!

Paulo Correia

[Richard]

What's the other difference between Simon Cowell and a coconut?

You can get a drink out of a coconut!

Richard

[postscript]

May 29, 2009 21:04:13 GMT pjrcorreia said:

Hi everyone,

After reading the comments about Gareth Oliver and Pavapotts, I was very curious to watch his performance, and finally found it:

Gareth Oliver (HQ) Semi-final BGT 2009

I think it's BRILLIANT! And Simon Cowell is indeed a COCONUT!

Paulo Correia

As you are probably aware, Simon Cowell is very much a love/hate sort of guy. There are times when he can be as bereft of sense as the British public and I do sometimes wonder how he became successful but all in all he is simply a guy who is no more nor less opinionated than the rest of us and does speak his mind somewhat more bluntly or less guardedly than the other judges on Britain's Got Talent. I agree with you Paul that I too think on this one that he got it wrong but what is often blamed on Simon Cowell is usually due to the structure of the show, it is trying to serve several conflicting issues at the same time. It is trying to make auditions for a specific one-off event an entertainment; open options to people to have their five minutes of fame; provide an entertaining variety show in itself and possibly find people who could possibly make a career out of their talent by giving them an unorthodox entry into the entertainment profession. Additionally it also raises some money for charity through a surcharge on the phone calls of public participation.

All in all it is hardly surprising it occasionally falls over its own feet.

As for the judges and the recent controversy over a short-lived fourth judge. First, it should never have been tried since the format tells you it would not work; second, the personalities there work well with one another, different people with different ideas yet balanced by a general level of common ground. Amanda holds herself well against the two men, provides that fascinating combination of female attractiveness with brains and articulation; Piers is sufficiently 'outside' the industry to bring a fresh look while having a clear feel for public opinion and together they are a good counter-weight to Simon.

Collectively they work well with one another and each has a clear humanitarian understanding. This was superbly exhibited in the problems with Holly Steel last night. The degree to which Simon responded out of pure professionalism or out of humanitarian kindness I am unclear but each in their own way responded superbly well. In particular when it came out that Ant and Dec, possibly off their own bat responding to the situation, clearly told in their ear-pieces by the producer 'no way could she have a second chance' then Simon very clearly over-riding the situation with a very clear direction to whomsoever was purportedly in charge of the operation, 'we will find a way somehow to give her a second chance'.

Love him or hate him at that moment Simon Cowell clearly showed how good he is at his job. That's why they are all there and the show happens.

Peter S.

[Jeff]

Today we shall witness the downfall of some overhyped egos presided over by their overpaid mentors and all undermined by some dodgy decision-making. But that's enough about the FA Cup Final (even if Faryl is singing the anthem). I have to confess I am a fully paid -up member of the TWABB club (Those Who Are Bored with Boyle) and the voting will probably split along ethnic and gender lines so here's my tongue in cheek guide to tonight's final.

Aidan Davis. 12 years old. Head and shoulders above his semi-final rivals according to Mr C and similar to last year's winner George Sampson. But will the public want a breakdancer to win 2 years running ?

2 Grand. Grandfather and grand-daughter singing act. OAPs will love it but may be a bit twee for some tastes.

Diversity. Everywhere I look I see "Diversity to win". Similar to Flawless but IMO not as good. They could split the dance vote so neither wins.

Flawless. Top-notch dance group who really live up to their name. Black teens up and down the land have topped up their mobiles ready to sink Boyle's hopes. A dance group have never won this but given the core audience of the show, they have an outstanding chance of doing so.

Julian Smith. Shy sax player is the most naturally gifted of all the contestants but that doesn't always win this show. Ask Faryl. I like this guy but I recognise I'm in a minority. Got a great career in front of him but probably not showy enough to win a contest of this nature.

Susan Boyle. The greatest singer ever to walk the face of the earth if you believe the hype.WELL I DON'T. When I went to the BGT show last summer 80% of the audience were under 20. There isn't a cat in hell's chance that people of that age group will vote for someone who looks like their granny or aunt. "Red hot favourite" but so was Faryl last year and she could only finish 5th and was a far better singer than Boyle. Reportedly felling the pressure and her semi was shaky. Basically she's an introvert who has yet to prove she can deliver on the big occasion. A midweek clash with a journalist and her subsequent removal to a safe house can hardly have helped her chances so don't be surprised if the bookies have got it wrong again, especially if people are sick of hearing about her. If nerves don't get her, the teen vote will.

Shaheen Jafargholi. Another child singer with some professional experience so likely to handle the occasion better than other kids. Confident semi performance but not my cup of tea. A huge ethnic vote could make me eat my words later on.

Stavros Flatley. Greek father and son salad-dodgers who do a belly dance routine. Hard to take seriously (like the show as a whole) but will have their supporters in the tavernas. Don't be surprised if you get slow service in your local kebab shop tonight.

Hollie Steel. Steel by name but not by nature I'm afraid. 10 year old Edelweiss singer who shouldn't be in the final at all after fluffing her semi and given a second chance after a tearful appeal to the judges which of course they heeded. Clearly too young for this ordeal and every chance of repeat waterworks if again paralysed by stage fright when under even greater pressure tonight in which case I'm phoning the NSPCC. May win on the sympathy vote but I hope not. Win or lose mummy will be holding her hand (and a cheque for £100,000 in the other hand?) so be prepared to cringe. If you have older teens watching with you, keep a sick bucket handy or your carpet will be ruined.

Shaun Smith. Good singer but in the wrong show. If he entered the X factor it's debatable if he'd win. Probably feels this is the easier option and sure to get the support of teenage girls who always vote for the best looking boy.

So will Boyle bottle it ? Will Hollie have another hiccup ? Frankly you are confusing me with someone who cares but for what it's worth (not much)...........

PREDICTED RESULT.

1. Flawless.
2. Shaun Smith.
3. Aidan Davis.

After last year I won't be voting for anyone let alone betting on the result. At the end of it all there will only be one real winner: Simon Cowell (120 million and counting).

[I-H-F]

Oh, I can't wait for this over-hyped show to be finally over! Other than Hollie Steel's first performance, I didn't see anything to write home about. As for semi-finals, I thought that meant TWO, not umpteen?

[Elliot Kane]

Jeff - from what I gather, while almost everyone has an opinion on many of the acts on BGT (I do myself, of course) the people who actually do most of the voting are middle aged women, which is why angelic looking young boys and people with sob stories do so well.

Susan is one of them and has the whole of Scotland behind her as a 'special vote' besides. Regardless of talent (And she is nowhere near as good as Faryl, I agree, or Paul Potts for that matter) I don't see how she can lose. Too many people want her to win on the strength of that first performance to even be rational about the issue.

People who wouldn't normally vote only bother to do so if there's something on offer that carries major hype (And thus major public interest). Again, that only really benefits Susan, this year.

I'm not sure even a truly terrible performance would be enough to stop the Boyle Bandwagon, depressingly.

[Richard]

I definitely won't be watching tonight!

This warm weather's making me drowsy again...

Richard :zz

[stephen]

Hi Richard,
Sorry if I disturbed your Slumber!!. Here's ajoke to wake you up.....If Britains got talent how come Ant and Dec present the show ?.

Stephen.

[Dave]

I wasn't going to watch it either but just walked in as little Hollie Steele started singing "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again", for a 10 year old she did very well!

I've no idea who will win though, the Susan Boyle hype will be hard to beat and of course, it's not only about the singers. Hollie must have a chance though, especially after last night's semi-final when she forgot her lines and broke down in tears. That was apparently very upsetting but on watching the replay just now, there were definitely no actual tears visible even on close up, when she was crying. Call me an old cynic if you like but this is a Simon Cowell show so hmmm......

Dave