Well, it’s all over; Susan Boyle takes second place in Britain’s Got Talent. But given all the publicity Boyle received here in the States, it wasn’t clear to many of us just how close the competition has been all along.
Most unbelievable as finalists to most American viewers, I would guess, was the father-son duo called Stavros Flatley. Britain went bonkers for these self-described "two little pudgy fellows" who danced Michael Flatley-style steps with their shirts off and sweat flying. Simon Cowell said they were "utter genius," and judge Amanda Holden said, "You are my favorite act." Really? These guys must be seen to be believed:
Certainly one of the best, most serious contenders came in a small package: 10 year-old Hollie Steele offered her own drama this week. Last night, she stumbled during a performance of "Eidelweiss," burst into tears, but pulled herself together and sang beautifully. In the final performance, the sweet little Steele sang a lovely version of a tune from The Phantom of the Opera, "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again."
What do you think of these two performances?
More on Britain’s Got Talent:
Stavros Flatley were terrible (but to be fair to them, they admitted they had no talent in their own interviews), but being willing to make a fool of yourself and laugh along with everyone always goes across well in the UK.
I found Hollie Steel irritating and I don’t see why she got a second chance to sing after she messed up the first attempt. Others hit a few duff notes and didn’t get to repeat!
I voted for Stavros Flatley 8 times. Freakin’ hilarious!
haha — Flatley killed me. Thanks for posting, Ken.
Rather confused. Pudgy men without deodorant flapping around stage… How is that talent? And while the kid can sing well for her age, on a certain other program, Simon would have nailed her for her lack of performance. She’s supposed to be singing to a dead father- the smiles were inappropriate for the mood.
I don’t know why, but Flatley is HILARIOUS!!! Maybe it’s because they are stepdancing, and I love me a good river dance, but holy cow! They WERE genius!!!!
Haha! Ahh you gotta love the Stavros act, I think they’re hilarious and my fav act after the dance acts and suprised they didn’t come into the top 3. Just so brilliant and funny
I want to be Greek!!
These acts were HORRIBLE, especially the so called “dancers” !
Also they didn’t take themselves too seriously – they were just having a laugh with their act and why not? Glad they made it into the finals anyhow
I wanted Stavros to win because they made me laugh so much – especially with the way the economy is, it was lovely.
And as a Northern girl, albeit not from Accrington. I really felt for Hollie last night. There’s no way I could do that now, let alone be ten. I don’t think it was for show as some people are suggesting.
Brits sure like to use the qualifiers “utter” and “absolutely” a lot, huh? Simon uses “utter” the same way your average 15-year-old American girl uses “like.”
‘Brits sure like to use the qualifiers “utter” and “absolutely” a lot, huh? Simon uses “utter” the same way your average 15-year-old American girl uses “like.”‘
Nah, i think that’s just reality show judges. Honest, that’s not how we all speak – i think it’s esp unique to Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden
Stavros Flatley was BRILLIANT throughout the competition. Just TOO funny… you should really watch their audition and semifinal performances; they’re fantastic and utterly hilarious.
My bet is on Shaun Smith. I think Simon will be signing him…
Please, that little faker’s eyes were completely dry. The whole thing was staged and an embarrassing display of caving to a child’s tantrum, fake or not. She was average for a child who has most likely been dragged through rigorous training by an overzealous stage mom, so let’s stop pretending the whole ordeal wasn’t a disgusting example to children everywhere.
What about Shaheen? They make so much of her bravery after crying and messing up, etc. but in Shaheen’s first audition Simon cut him right off and was very stern, and he composed himself and suggested another song, and killed it. He should be highlighted instead of this girl. She’s sweet and can sing high but she’s also pitchy and doesn’t sound natural.