Hollie shows nerves of Steel
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Hollie Steel made it through to the final of 'Britain's Got Talent' last night (29.05.09), despite breaking down in tears during her performance.
The 10-year-old singer forgot the words to song 'Edelweiss', taken from the 'Sound Of Music', and despite the encouragement of the three judge - Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan - and her mother she could not continue.
An emotional Hollie - who was comforted by her mother and Amanda - begged presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly if she could start again and, although the producers initially said no, Simon stepped in to ensure the youngster got a second chance.
The 49-year-old judge - dubbed 'Mr Nasty' for his usually scathing comments to hopefuls - said: "I don't care how but we will find the time somewhere, so let's move it along. When you were on it you were brilliant, we all get nervous."
Hollie's brave second attempt was a huge success and she received a standing ovation from the judges and the studio audience of the ITV programme.
Simon praised her, saying: "You are officially now the bravest girl in the world. You absolutely nailed that last note."
Piers, 44, added: "You can smile now. It's all over. That was one of the gutsiest things I've ever seen in my life. I couldn't have done that. You should be very proud of yourself."
Hollie made it to the final after being voted through by the judges ahead of Welsh waiter Greg Pritchard, who performed a falsetto rendition of Freddie Mercury's hit 'Barcelona'.
After choosing the schoolgirl, Amanda, 38, said: "It wasn't just that she came back on stage, it was that her performance was better."
Dancer Aidan Davis went straight through to tonight's final (30.05.09) after winning the public vote.
The 12-year-old thrilled the audience with his mesmerising routine, set to Justin Timberlake's 'Rock Your Body', which was reflected several times in screens behind him.
Afterwards, Simon exclaimed: "Whatever it is, you've got it. Total charisma, great face, great routine. I'd be amazed if we didn't see you tomorrow night."
Other acts included cabaret trio the Dream Bears, who danced in skin-tight red PVC hotpants to cult hit 'It's Raining Men', fruit-eating juggler Luke Clements - who received three buzzes to cut his act short - and family singing group Good Evans who performed 'High School Musical' track 'Breaking Free'.
Aidan and Hollie will compete in the final against singers Susan Boyle, Shaun Smith and Shaheen Jafargholi, dance groups Flawless and Diversity, comedy dance act Stavros Flatley, saxophonist Julian Smith and singing grandfather and granddaughter 2 Grand.
(C) BANG Media International
