Britain's Got Talent 2010.

[Jeff]

I'm sure Richard would want me to start a thread for his favourite programme (!) which starts again tonight at 8pm on ITV1. The format remains the same: a succession of individuals of questionable talent take the stage to hoots of derision from the audience, the judges press their buzzers after a few seconds to get rid of them and finally, just when you think it can't get any worse, another unpromising looking performer comes on, belts out a half-decent West End hit, the audience gives them a standing ovation, the judges applaud, Simon Cowell feels his wallet and utters his trademark phrase:

"YOU MAY BE SPECIAL !!"

Regular viewers will know when to start laughing. Two years ago I started a thread for Faryl Smith. This year I may have to start one for 10 year old Chloe Higginbottom who does Vera Lynn songs. (Someone should tell her the vacancy has been filled !!) After a sneak preview on News at Ten last night she may be the next one for the Cowell treatment. Last year we had Subo, now it's Chlobo !! To save you watching all 90 minutes, she's bound to be on Youtube by this time tomorrow. Remember you heard it here first !! :rollin Or should that be :

[Richard]

Apr 17, 2010 11:03:12 GMT Jeff said:

I'm sure Richard would want me to start a thread for his favourite programme (!) which starts again tonight at 8pm on ITV1.

Hello Jeff!

I'm glad you didn't want me to start it for you!

Richard

[Jeff]

Well Richard, you'll be interested to know Simon Cowell didn't hear Chloe sing because he was off sick with flu !(You see, there is a God after all!). She got through to the next round and Vera Lynn has wished her luck but said she thinks ten is too young to really appreciate the sentiment of "White Cliffs of Dover" so we may see a change of repertoire next time ! (I think she sang it in tribute to her grandad who was in the forces.)

[nicola]

Sorry, but I didn't like Chloe. There's no denying that she can sing, and that she has a surprisingly mature vocal, but the sound of her voice is downright unpleasant to me. She has a deep voice for a girl of her age, but Faryl is a mezzo but she still sounds absolutely angelic. Didn't find any pleasure in Chloe at all.

As usual, here I am with the harsh opinion.

[martindn]

Hi Nicola,

For once I agree with you. Chloe has a very deep voice for her age, but not well controlled and not particularly pleasan, unlike Faryl. That little girl who burst into tears last year I enjoyed more I think.

But I don't like the idea of exploiting very young kids like that to make money for the likes of Mr Cowell. These shows all seem to be about the sympathy vote these days, with actual talent coming a distant second.

My daughter says the lady whose daughter she looks after is thinking of auditioning for the X Factor at the weekend. She's a single mother with an autistic daughter, so thinks that gives her a chance. No idea if she can sing though!

Martin D

[nicola]

By the way, the show was absolutely bliss whilst there was no snotty Simon. I'm probably the only one, but I like Louis - he doesn't take himself so seriously. Always smiling and ready for a laugh.

[nicola]

But I don't like the idea of exploiting very young kids like that to make money for the likes of Mr Cowell.

There's a fine line as far as that is concerned. I think handing over a child to Simon Cowell is exploitation (like how he handled Angelis), but looking at Chloe - she clearly wanted to do it and it was important to her. If she does what Faryl did (rejecting Cowell) she could be okay. Faryl is still incredibly down to earth when I met her at the Royal Albert Hall - she seems to be enjoying it, and is taken care of very well as far as I can see.

[Joe]

Hi all,

I was very impressed with Chloe's "White Cliffs of Dover" rendition. Mind you, that song wants a lower vocal range so perhaps it wasn't the best choice.

I will be watching with interest! Some good acts so far!!

Joe

[Elliot Kane]

I never actually watch the show. I just wait for the press to explode into a sudden feeding frenzy - that tells me who the ones are that're worth watching. After that, YouTube rules.

Not interested in sob stories or novelty acts - they just bore me.

[Maggie]

Fantastic gymnastics act on BGT with Rhydian's O Fortuna accompanying the performance, very dramatic......

www.youtube.com/watch?v=49cU7gtPIzM

[Jeff]

As usual they left the best till last: Christopher Stone and his version of "Maria". So good, I watched the repeat on Sunday. Sad, eh ? For me the biggest laugh of the night was the gymnast on the horse.. Having been buzzed after all of 3 seconds the horse responded to the judges in a manner unavailable to rejected human contestants. Mr Cowell is apparently something of an expert on matters equine. Having correctly identified the horse as male he then boasted to Amanda Holden: "I knew that was coming. It lifted its tail." A pity then that no-one thought to offer him a bucket and shovel since it would have gladdened the heart to see a man find his true vocation in life. Besides Simon, it's good for your roses !

[Richard]

Hello Jeff!

It's good on rhubarb too, but I prefer custard!

Richard

[Joe]

I thought Christopher Stone was wonderful...I don't know what Simon went on about.

I wonder what Chloe Hickinbottom will sing at the semi-finals.

[Elliot Kane]

Olivia Archibald is incredible. Amazing voice! Another album to get.

[Martin]

I don't often watch BGT but after reading the reviews of 14 yr old Olivia Archbold singing "Arms of an Angel" last night, I looked her up on YouTube.

Wow - what a voice and performance. Check it out! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Martin