Singer Andrew, 13, has really got talent
Last updated 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, 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.
Congratulations Andrew. I drove up from Manchester again last Sunday to see and hear Andrew sing as his time at the Cathedral came to an end. Andrew's Ave Maria was stunning to hear in person.How true to yourself you are Andrew, you are a lovely, polite and charming young man who still has the ability to blush. I shall treasure the picture I had taken with you and your mum. And to Morag I say, well done, you have a son to be proud of, not just for his voice but for the lovely young man he is growing up to be. I know Andrew is proud of you and he is where he is now because of your love and devotion to support him, let us never forget that. GOOD LUCK with the CD Andrew, I already have mine on order. Never forget who you are as your fame grows Andrew, because who you are is a special talented lovely young man any mum would be proud of. Take care. Judy xxx
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WOW! ndrew has a gift from god. I saw him in britans got talant tour and he blew me away and gave me goose bummps. I met him afterwords and he is really nice. When does his cd come out i am gonna be first o buy it. love u andrew. Heather. x x x
Posted by Heaather - 13 on 3 August 2008 kl. 13:32