BGT: Ones to look out for...

Last Saturday Ant and Dec waved goodbye in the last of the series of Saturday Night Takeaway, but they certainly aren't going to be off our screens for long, as they're back this Saturday night - along with Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, David Walliams and HIS Simon, Simon Cowell.

Yep, the new series of Britain's Got Talent is returning, and the contestants are all hoping for a place in one of the live semi-finals, with five of the best acts already being sent straight through to the final, after receiving the Golden Buzzer treatment.
Just like last year, each judge, and Ant and Dec, each have one opportunity to hit the Golden Buzzer - and Ant and Dec have already said that they hit theirs during the very first audition!

Britain's Got More Talent, and my fave, Stephen Mulhern, is also back for another year, going behind the scenes and putting David Walliams in very silly positions, I'm sure!

As we get ready for the new series, where Ant and Dec have already promised that "We have got a dog that hypnotises people, a little girl who does martial arts with a samurai sword – not the kind of things you see every day!” I also have the inside scoop about a few of the acts to definitely keep your eye out for:

Imogen and Millie (the dog)

How cute is Millie! 

Since Ashleigh and Pudsey won the hearts of the Britain’s Got Talent judges and the audience in 2012, there have been so many wanting to show off how talented their pets are. Imogen brought her dog Millie along to show the judges her tricks and talents, which included riding a scooter. I imagine Simon's heart melted first! 

Bonetics 

Junior is a 17 year old dancer and student from Essex. He takes inspiration from many types of performance including contortionists, circus performers and yoga. The judges’ feedback was mixed yet they were all mesmerised by his act. David told him ‘you should be very proud’. I wonder what we'll all think?

Ysgol Choir

A 160 piece (yes, 160 piece!) choir from Wales have a wide age range of between 8-69. They wowed the judges with the culmination of their powerful vocals, prompting David to describe their performance as ‘being welcomed into heaven’.

Billy and Emily England

Billy and Emily are roller skating siblings from Birmingham. They are the 6th generation of performers in their family, including their mother who was a trapeze artist and father who was a wire walker. Alesha described their act as fearless and Simon claimed he’d ‘never seen an act like it’ in his life. Sounds good!

Narinder Dhani

42 year old Narinder is a self-taught instrumental comb player from London. The judges were all up on their feet during his musical medley performance. Narinder was even joined on stage by Ant and Dec who played alongside him. I wonder if they got ready to rhumble?!

Lisa Sampson

Lisa Sampson owns 150 hula hoops. She is self-taught and has recently started teaching hula hooping at her village hall in Sussex. Since learning to hula hoop Lisa has broken various objects in her house including lights, mirrors and a TV unit. Simon describing her ‘human slinky’ trick as ‘Fantastic!’ I love a hula hoop, me!

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Simon Cowell signs Britain's Got Talent finalists

It's been announced this morning that Simon Cowell has signed BGT finalists, Jack Pack!

These guys were my absolute favourite this year and I'll be eagerly looking out for their debut... 

The band - Sean Ryder Wolf, Alfie Palmer, Andrew Bourn and Martin McCafferty are thrilled to be working with Simon and his label, saying:

“It's a dream come true for us to be signing to Syco Music. We'd like to thank Simon Cowell for believing in us and giving us this opportunity. We can’t wait to get to work in the studio and try to repay our supporters for the faith they have shown in us.”

Jack Pack, when they starred on BGT

Simon is also clearly a fan, commenting:

“I love this era of music, it only works if you’ve got great voices and if you respect the time and Jack Pack win on both counts. I’ve always wanted to work on this type of record so I am looking forward to us working together”.

The boys album is said to be due for release next year, where they will take inspiration from the Rat Pack and swing era.

Who's excited?

BGT Final - Who's going to win?

Tonight is going to bring a night of variety, entertainment and passion. (No I'm not talking about the England World Cup friendly!)

It is, of course, the final of Britain's Got Talent.

Who will win? Who deserves to win? Will the winner be a judges Golden Buzzer act?

I'm going to give my lowdown on the finalists, before their big night, and tell you who I'm backing to win a gig at the Royal Variety show.

Collabro

The musical theatre singing quintet blew me away with their tear-jerking performance of Bring Him Home. Anyone who gives me goosebumps are a sure-fire thing. I wouldn't be surprised if these guys win, or get an Il Divo style record contract.

The Addict Initiative

Spooky troupe, who tell a story through dance rather well. I don't have high hopes for them winning, but I am looking forward to what they bring to the stage tonight.

James Smith

Armed with his guitar. James is a definite star in the making. While I think he might be overshadowed tonight, there's no way he will be in the future, although it might be a few years before we see him head to Glastonbury.

Darcy Oake

The magician who's got it ALL. I don't know how he manages to do the big tricks he does so smoothly and so well on such a massive scale. I have to rewind, just to see if I can spot the mysteries of magic. I don't think he'll win, but the Magic Council will be impressed!

Lucy Kay

I have to be honest, there was something about Lucy I wasn't too sure of. She's got a great voice and a quirky style, but something's telling me she won't win the final tonight or have a big career after. The judges certainly like her though and she got a standing ovation after her semi-final performance.

Yanis Marshall, Arnaud and Mehdi

 As I've said previously these guys are so much fun and I'd love a night out, dancing, with them. But I don't think the public will vote them as winners and if they did, I'm not sure The Queen or her Royal family will enjoy this act as much as some of the others in tonight's final.

Lettice Rowbotham

Lettice (still makes me smile saying her name!) is going all out tonight. She's reported to have borrowed a violin worth £1.5million to perform with.
While Lettice's act isn't necessarily my cup of tea, she's very good and could well be a dark horse tonight.

Paddy and Nico

So, I was a tad disappointed that Paddy and Nico won their semi-final place over singer, Bailey. I know they've got a fair few fans out there, and it was amazing at first to see this little old lady being thrown around the stage. I feel now, though, among the rest of tonight's acts that they're a bit one-trick-pony-ish. They have a good chance of getting the win, but I hope they don't!

Bars and Melody

Ah these boys, real names Leondre Devries and Charlie Lenehan, are lovely! Simon's Golden Buzzer act could well win it tonight, but could equally be overseen, considering the high quality of singers in the final. They're cheeky chaps, and I'm rooting for them. (Remind you of anyone? Ant and Dec?)

Jack Pack

No denying, these are my FAVOURITES, and so far, I'm hoping they win! They've got great presence, and can sing swing like the best of the bunch.

Jon Clegg

He was picked as the judges Wild Card, after losing out in the first semi-final. He made me laugh and his impression of Dec is one to remember. I wish acts like this did a little better than they seem to in BGT, as Jon brings old school variety back to its best. And that's what it's all about!

Well there you have it - a round up of tonight's finalists!

Enjoy the show, Jolly's!

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No-so-live blog - BGT semi-final 5

So after a mahoosive lazy Sunday, I'm finally catching up with last night's BGT - where I've heard already that Amanda's golden buzzer, Paddy, managed to make a recovery in time for the show -(publicity?!)

Apart from that, I've managed to keep away from any sources who may know the final result, so I have no idea who's through to the final next weekend. 

Let's hit play...

La Voix & The London Gay Big Band

It's a bit Vegas in Benidorm... Fun, and definitely variety, with La Voix having a great voice indeed. I don't think they'll go through but it was good to sing along to. 

Bailey McConnell *MY RUNNER UP*

Beautiful Bailey... Loved this song, love his voice. He's a talent waiting to burst out on to the music scene and I think he'll be a huge contender to win the whole show. The fact he writes just as well as he sings at his age is special. Simon, sign him soon!

Kings and Queens

I'm not really a massive fan of dance troups, as you'll have read this week, you've got to really stand out for me to look and think 'wow'. Loved the song choice they danced to, and the change of costumes were clever. Bit of Peter Andre cheese was very random, but I do like a bit of Mysterious Girl. 

They were good, but not good enough to go through. With Simon all the way on this one. Not sure what the other three judges were watching. 

Peat Loaf and Elaine

For me, tribute acts do not belong in or on the Royal Variety - and I felt a bit cringed out watching. Elaine actually has a better voice than Peat Loaf himself... She'd have been better off on her own. 

Andrew Derbyshire

Andrew seems like a lovely guy and has a nice voice, but again, I don't see a place for him on the Royal Variety show. I don't think he'll go through with other stronger singers (aka Bailey) in the competition...

Jensen Zhu 

Oh dear. This was like really bad slap stick! I'm glad some people, along with the judges, enjoyed it... It was certainly different! Sounds like a lovely man... Bless him, I hope he finds a girlfriend!

Kieran Lai

Talented, no doubt, but it looked a tad clumsy in places. Considering the acts that were last night, I think he could do well... But that is only because of the lack of talent tonight. Like Simon said, I got bored after a while. 

Paddy & Nico 

For her age, the moves Paddy does are pretty fab. But from a dance perspective it was a mess. I reckon she'll go through because she's a sweet old lady. The judges were nice to her and she should be proud but for a talent show, she made a few mistakes in the routine, and if it was anyone else, of a younger age, they would have been ripped to shreds by them. 

Jack Pack *MY WINNERS*

Saving the best til last! 

Amazing voices, and seem like down to earth, nice guys. I love that they have their own style, fashion-wise and I reckon they could give bands such as The Overtones a run for their money. 

They blew the other acts out of the water. A tough one between these guys and Bailey, I hope they both go through. Gave me goosebumps. Another act Simon should sign up, and fast! 

Was lovely to see Richard & Adam and Attraction perform in the results show... That's why Attraction won! 

I was thrilled that Jack Pack won the show, totally deserved and I'm now backing them to go all the way and win BGT 2014. 

It was a little disappointing that Paddy & Nico went through over Bailey as she made mistakes and Bailey had a perfect performance. 

So, next, it's the final! And to find another winner... 

Live blog - BGT semi-final 4

Tonight we're being treated to TWO golden-buzzer acts courtesy of Simon Cowell and Ant and Dec (ooooh!) and I have a tiny bit of gossip - Amanda's golden buzzer act, Paddy and Nico were sadly forced to withdraw from the competition due to 78-year-old Paddy sustaining a rib injury during a practice session.

Who's going to replace them, I wonder?

I'm also hoping tonight will bring some of the energy of Monday's semi-final, as I feel that the last two nights have been lacking that sparkle...

So, here's who we've got entertaining us tonight, along with my take on their performances:

Bars and Melody *MY WINNERS*

So, here they are, Simon's golden buzzer act! They were amazing in the audition and tonight they were fab again. Innocent, sweet but with an edge... These boys are adorable. Even Simon was swaying with a candle, and as Mr Cowell said they're 'real'. I want them to win!

Toju

Ant and Dec's golden buzzer! I loved him in his audition... Hilarious! Tonight, he was just as good - I was a tad disappointed that he wasn't better. I'm still rooting for Toju to get through to the final, as I just want to see him again!

Alan Turner-Ward

A typical BGT novelty act, good luck to the guy but I'm with Simon and was ready to press my buzzer after about 30 seconds. He belongs in a fun holiday camp, where we'd all have a laugh and a cheesy dance, but it's not for the Royal Variety show. But, hey, David looked like he was having fun!

Eva Iglesias

This woman can hold a note, but to be fair, she's just another in a long line of singers that come on this show, and then disappear from the limelight. She had lots of pizzazz and attitude - girl power if you like - but I disagree with the judges and doubt Eva will make the final.

Innova Irish Dance Company

Innova have bought a modern twist to Irish dancing which was refreshing to see. The girls are all in perfect sync and you can tell they've worked hard. I think there's definitely a place for them in the final and on the Royal Variety show.

Kieran and Sarah

These two sound lovely, but they'll be compared to Lucy from last night - and unfortunately for Kieran and Sarah, Lucy was better. Their performance was flawless, though, so deserve every chance to go through!

Lettice Rowbotham *MY RUNNER UP*

Lettice (I still can't believe that's her name!) and she reminds me of someone who'd fit into the Big Brother house pretty well! 

She's a very talented violin player, even though that's not really my cup of tea, I enjoyed it. And the staging was fabulous. I think she'll go through tonight.

Light Balance 

It's different, fast and fun... But I think the Innova Irish Dancing Company were better, if we're putting dancers against dancers. They could be in the final, as this kind of act usually goes down quite well with audiences. And the studio went wild for them. As did the judges!

Pyroterra 

I have respect for the fact the guys are talented in what they do... I couldn't do it. But I wanted, as Amanda said, more danger. Simon seemed happy with it but it kind of failed to keep me entertained. It didn't light my fire...

Britain's Got Talent is having a breather tomorrow night to make way for England's World Cup friendly, but it'll be back Saturday night.

As for me, I'm being a busy girl that evening, so will have to give the last semi-final a miss, but I'll catch it on catch-up on Sunday and bring my not-so-live blog from the comfort of my sofa.

Enjoy everyone!

Live blog - BGT semi-final 3

I find with the BGT semi-final's that at least one night has the weakest acts, and I hope that night was last night.

Even the judges didn't seem very enthused, either because the talent wasn't up to standard or they just couldn't wait til the end of the show to run backstage and see who pushes Tina over the edge to her grisly death in Corrie! 

Once again, I predicted the winner and runner up correctly (YAY ME!) - so here are tonight's contestants, along with my humble opinion. 

Can I make it three-lucky-guesses-in-a-row?

Brian Chan

I don't know what this is or why he's even in the semi-final. If these designs are his, then he's clearly talented. But I'm with Simon and Amanda. I'd buzz him right out... And so would the Queen. She told me ;) 

The most entertaining part was David dressing Simon in the pink head-dress. You did look silly by the way, Si. 

Cartel 

LOVED LOVED LOVED the Jamie twist. Simon was surprised indeed!

Now even after my dance group comments, I have to say I think these guys brought it back fresh to the Diversity and Flawless days. Simon was proved wrong and Cartel are in with a shot!

Crazy Rouge

Very Las Vegas! Great show opener, but as I've said before, dance acts are wearing thin on this show now, although I think if they were to win the men taking their shirts off will make the Queen blush!

Ellis Chick *MY RUNNER-UP*

Such a cute likeable little face. And sang just like a mini-Bublé... 

Now everyone who knows me knows that I like the Bublé just a little bit...but not as much as my Auntie Elaine who also adores this song, too. It's a massive thumbs up from me, and her to I reckon!

Kitty & Rosie

Bless them, they're quirky and likeable people. Simon wanted to split them up, but can he be swayed? It seems not, as such. I thought it was nice, sweet and quite cute and they loved it on that stage, but they won't be in the final...

As Simon said - winners of the top prize on a high-class karaoke comp, maybe? 

Lucy Kay *MY WINNER*

I can't help feeling that Lucy has dwelled on the sob part of her story... 

Undeniably a gorgeous voice, although I don't think she has huge stage presence, but I do think she's got a very good chance of winning a place in the final. 

REAformed

Alesha's golden buzzer - so there was a lot of living up for the girls. They looked like a proper established girl band already (so Louis Walsh says!!) Nice voices and plenty of sass. It's a thumbs up from me... But baby-Bublé nabs it, still. 

Sam Jones 

Sam and baby Leo are adorable. Some parts were hard to understand while Sam was doing the voice of Leo, but the act was entertaining and funny in parts, although a little difficult to get at times. 

Yanis Marshall, Arnaud and Medhi

Haha, these guys are great and dance a hell of a lot better in the highest of heels than I ever could! Looked great, a fab novelty act and were fun to watch, but I think their first audition was better. Loved it still!

Live blog - BGT semi-final 2

So last night Collabro sailed through to the final, with Darcy the sexy magican man going through as runner-up...

Jon Clegg and Darcy split the judges, and therefore it was a very close public vote. 

I think Jon is definitely going to be the wild card, and I'm saying that before the results of the second semi-final are in! 

David Walliams is probably hoping for a drier show tonight, after his water drenching treat from Alesha last night...

So here we go, Jolly's... My take on tonight's acts:

Ed Drewett

Lovely song writer and deserves to go far in my eyes, as he seems a grounded lad, who's worked hard  to get where he is today. 

It's always brave to do an original song on a show like this and it paid off. But as Simon said, doing a second song would have been even more beneficial. 

The Addict Initiative *MY RUNNER-UP*

I hate sounding a bit of a nelly negative, but this was just another dance act to me. Clever story-telling but it mimicked the first audition. I think they might go through tonight, as they were the strongest so far. My runners-up, but only just. 

Bolddog FMX Team

Having pre-recorded their performance as it was dubbed too dangerous for live TV (don't try this at home folkes!) they were expected to give high thrills and hopefully no spills... 

What these guys do is very clever, dangerous and maybe a tad mad, but it didn't keep me entertained for long, once I saw one amazing trick, I'd seen them all. I could easily have walked away and come back. 

Sweetchix

Sweet, indeed. But was it powerful enough? I think they may be one of the best acts so far tonight, but I'm not sure the public will vote for them - although the Essex massive might pull through! Definitely look older than they are...

James Smith * MY WINNER*

I was sat there thinking 'please be good' as I still didn't have a winner. And he was more than good... Loved his take on the song as seems to be a pure talent. They saved the best til last tonight! Thank goodness for James Smith!

Jodi Bird

After her first audition I was hoping Jodi would be great. I think she started off a little weak and was squeaky in places. She definitely has talent but her first audition was lots better than this, I think. Sorry Jodi fans!

Koni Puppets

Good idea and entertaining to a point. But again, like a few acts tonight, once it's been seen, it's been seen. Four buzzers, which I can't remember ever happening, and I wanted to cringe for them. 

Mini Moves

Cute, with lots of attitude, it was a great show opener. They will go far in dance-land, and the land of Scotland will no doubt vote for them - but I doubt they'll win BGT. 

Ricky K 

I always like the under-dog types who have worked hard all their lives to make their dream come true. For such a simple act, which looks easy, I bet it's not. A buzz from Simon, I kind of understand why... Seems such a nice guy, but maybe a bit of a one trick pony... 

Live blog - BGT semi-final 1

Tonight was the first live semi-final in this years BGT and as ever, it did not disappoint.

With a very tanned Ant and a not-so tanned Dec at the helm what could possibly go wrong? Apart from an egg-throwing incident a-la last year...

Simon, David, Amanda and Alesha looked as gorgeously important as ever, sat in front of their big red buzzers - Simon using his as appropriately as ever.  

But what did we all think of the acts? Here's my take: 

Darcy Oake 

Darcy is another one whose first audition I loved. His magic mesmerised me, as did his looks (Shhh, don't tell the boyfriend!)

How DID he do it!? 

And tonight... Well, a class of his own. It was so clever and I wouldn't mind at all if he made the final.

CountryVive

As far as line dancing goes this was pretty good. It isn't really my cup of tea but I think this group bring it into the 21st century, and it was a quite modern and sexy routine. It certainly wasn't a "mess" as Simon said, although I do usually agree with him. 

Will they go through? I don't think so, but the guys and girls should be proud of themselves. 

Collabro *MY WINNER*

Beautiful first audition and beautiful performance tonight. If these boys go through as winners tonight I'd be thrilled. 

Sometimes you don't need to say much, and this group left me speechless. Standing ovation well deserved. 

Christian Spridon

Enter, Mr David Walliams' gold buzzer choice! As Dec said, he's flamboyant and OTT! He also fancies David! 

We all like a bit of fun in these shows, and he gave us that... Floating in singing it's raining men was definitely a quirk... Simon pressed his buzzer, and so did I! I enjoyed the scantily clad men lots more! Along with his judges critique, where Alesha drenched David!

But should Christian go through, anyway? In the words of Big Brother, I guess - YOU DECIDE! 

Henrietta Adewole 

Oh dear... As singers always seem to do well on BGT, I thought Henrietta would do okay. 

For me, it was pitchy in places and at times out of tune. I feel bad for her, as maybe it was a song choice thing, but fellow singer Micky pipped her to the post tonight. 

Lauren and Terrell

We always want the little'uns to do amazing and these two were good. But, for me they weren't as great as I wanted them to be. The end was really well done, but I had hoped for more, unfortunately. I'll be surprised if they go through later, and if they do, then they'll need to do better. 

Micky Dumoulin

Dont know what it is but Micky reminds me of Olly Murs a little bit. Seems Alesha thinks the same!

Great song choice - I loved it. He's got a nice voice. But just 'nice' sometimes isn't enough... Quirky performer with a hint of cheekiness.

Fab note at the end, he held it well. I hope he has a shot at final-dom. 

Jon Clegg *MY RUNNER-UP*

I loved his first audition, and I also loved tonight... I like this sort of act, anyway, but Jon seemed to have everyone entertained with some great impressions. Loved the Ant and Dec one!

No more to say, apart from that he deserves a place in the final!

Patsy May

Its a muppet. And I don't really like muppets. But her first audition was funny, I just wish it had been as funny tonight. She could definitely give Miss Piggy a run for her money, as my mum said while watching. I didn't think much. (Sorry, Muppet family!) I would have preferred more comedy. Apparently there's "only one Patsy May." Thank goodness for that! 

Ok, so after realising I sound like Simon Cowell's love child (I'm not by the way!) tonight, I'm now going to watch Corrie and wait for the results show. 

Who will go through? And who will be the Wild Card?!