Singer Andrew, 13, has really got talent

By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 12:57, Monday, 14 April 2008

CARLISLE chorister Andrew Johnston won the hearts of the nation and the Britain’s Got Talent judges when he sang Pie Jesu on Saturday night’s show.

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Andrew Johnston: Big hit around the globe

Andrew, 13, wowed the TV audience and left tough talking judge Simon Cowell close to tears as he told him how he was bullied for singing.

“And what’s your dream Andrew?” said Cowell.

“To sing on stage,” he replied. “And do you get support from your friends?”

Andrew said: “I get bullied a lot. Cowell said: “From where?”

Andrew said: “The school. I have been bullied all my life since I was six because my mates don’t like that kind of music.” “And how do you deal with that?”, said Cowell. “I carry on singing,” said Andrew. “That’s the right answer,” said Cowell.

The former Stanwix School and current Trinity School pupil received a standing ovation from the audience at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.

Cowell said his voice was “fantastic” and that he had a real chance of winning the show, while fellow judge Amanda Holden said she was “mesmerised” and that his voice could “knock all those bullies out”.

Journalist and broadcaster – and the third judge on the panel Piers Morgan – said: “The thing about school bullies Andrew is that they don’t like you for one reason. You have got more talent than they could ever dream of having.”

Andrew received three yes votes from the judges to make it through to the next round.

The teenager added that Cowell – who said his performance was “one of the highlights” of that day’s auditions – did not quite live up to his tough-talking reputation.

“He was really nice – he didn’t say any bad comments,” he added.

Mum Morag Brannock, of Stanwix, said she was “bursting with pride”.

She said. “I’m so proud of him. He’s got a smashing voice.”

Also a talented rugby player who plays in the second row for Carlisle RFC, Andrew is determined to become a singer with the theatre when he leaves the choir next year.

Mr Cowell’s final words of advice to Andrew were: “I think you are better than you think you are... but hear it from me – you are good.

“Next time I want to see a bit more confidence and self belief.

“I want you to look me in the eye and say you can win this because you are capable.”

If Andrew won it would earn him a £100,000 cash prize and a spot in the Royal Variety Performance in front of Prince Charles.

This morning he appeared on GMTV and a Facebook site has been set up to support his bid to win the contest.

First published at 11:36, Monday, 14 April 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk