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:
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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.
@Leo:
Hollie is not pitchy. Get a refund on your ears. Seriously. And ‘pitchy’ is the lamest word ever. Either she’s sharp or flat. And if you don’t know which (and she was neither) then you have no business commenting.
@Lamia:
You need to see a psychiatrist. Fast. PS. Is ‘lamia’ the state of being lame? Very suitable in such case.
@girl:
You’re right about Stavros Flatley.
Is it just me, or for those that have seen him…doesn’t Shaun Smith look like he could be Sam Witwer’s brother? Sam played Davis Bloom/Doomsday on the past season of Smallville.
Also, There is some controversey about Julian Smith, the soprano sax player. He claims to be a music teacher who hasn’t made it and wants to have a career, but apparently he already has had a fairly successful career using the name Joolz Gianni and has recorded with many well known people.
Susan you are a star.The Brit’s have it all wrong.Now you can pick your agent and go very far.We love in America.They got it so wrong but then again ,i know you know this.I truly hope one day you get to sing for the Queen.You so deserve it.You have inspired million’s and i thank-you so very much.
All the finalists were winners. Don’t know why people complain about Hollie’s unfortunate semi final breakdown. She’s only 10-years old. Plus Hollie was the only singer to sing different songs in each of her performances. How many chances did Shaheen get because he kept choosing the wrong songs for his voice? Anybody else would have been sent home in the auditions and/or semis. Susan Boyle got an extra minute in the semi’s (2m50s) while everybody else got 1m45s. Without that extra minute, do you really think she had enough time to calm down/recover from her early stumbles for the big finish that showed off her voice?
Stavros Flatley was a joy to watch and was very entertaining. One of the few mis-reads by Simon and the people voted them into the finals. There’s just something about them. Michael Flatley even became a big fan and hoped they’ll win BGT.
Hollie Steele is a gem. Beautiful singing voice and range. Bright and long career for her whether it’s singing and/or the West End. Just needs to start formal training for her voice and acting/dance lessons.
Congratulations to Diversity. One of the few acts not to stumble in any of their performances and had something different for each outing. Sets a high bar for every future BGT contestant to prepare 3 different performances (audition, semi, and finals). Finally, BGT is open to ‘everybody’, professionals and amateurs. So it isn’t a big secret and many pros are truly unknown and looking for that one chance/break. The exposure from the show is incalculable for advancing one’s career or dreams.
Maybe it’s better that Susan Boyle did not win. She would have been stuck to the Britain’s got talent machine, touring with them, etc. now she can go and sing on her own.
Sarah Brightman, come’s to mind, Holly. keep singing, as did Andrea Bocelli when Andrew Johnston graced the stage and the world with great vocal gifts. and again one day Andrew may be an amazing tenor.
the Stavros Flatley GREAT FUN. and JOY. no stiffer upper lips here in Canada. well done all.
Sorry but the whole Hollie Steele saga was stage managed, did you see any tears when she supposedly broke down, I don’t think so. It is just another case of how BGT is very carefully staged, don’t be taken in, things are not what they appear!
Sorry but the whole Hollie Steele saga was stage managed, did you see any tears when she supposedly broke down, I don’t think so. It is just another case of how BGT is very carefully staged, don’t be taken in, things are not what they appear!
Flawless were the best tongiht alongside Diveristy – shocking they didn;’t make the top 3!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY9I6pxnVpM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MamSKGd4y28&feature=related
It was a great finale. I was pulling for Susan, but I enjoyed all the acts.
shaun smith is the best!!!
“Rather confused pudgey men, flapping on stage”? Good job people who want to make others laugh are not so up themselves. In the present climate I think it’s just what people need a good laugh and some one prepared to not only make the people laugh but have the confidence to laugh at themselves in the name of talen. Ikia what talent do you have?
Holly Steel may be a fine singer one day, but right now, her voice has a grating, chirping bird effect that made me want to cover my ears. I enjoyed the likable Flatleys, but didn’t see how they made it to the finals. Diversity? As boring as their uninspired name. I turned it off after a minute of wondering whether it was a good time to do my nails. The ten year old boy, on the other hand, was amazingly good, although I don’t think a ten year old belongs in this kind of competition. Their voices change, and the pressure is cruel to a child. Susan should have won handily, as should have Adam Lambert. I think both Susan and Adam have much fame and fortune ahead of them, while the so-called real “winners” will quickly fade into obscurity.
Remember we British like the underdog to win!!! We also like bonkers acts (hopefully you in the USA were spared some of the worst…). FLAWLESS have worked professionally, whereas Diversity have not – and in the UK groups like these are unusual, which is why they caused such a storm. Our Queen will probably enjoy a change from the usual ’singers’ and ‘comedians’she’s usually offered at the Varity performance!!