Latest news with #NessunDorma
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Paul Potts' life now after BGT win 18 years ago as he calls for show shake-up
Paul Potts' life now after BGT win 18 years ago as he calls for show shake-up EXCLUSIVE: Paul Potts was crowned Britain's Got Talent's first ever winner back in 2007 after impressing Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan with his vocals Paul Potts won Britain's Got Talent in 2007 Eighteen years ago, mobile phone salesman Paul Potts took a life-changing leap of faith when he auditioned for Britain's Got Talent and astonished the nation. Taking to the stage in a suit and shirt at the time, he belted out his rendition of Nessun Dorma and left the three judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Piers Morgan speechless. During the feedback, Simon said Paul was "a complete breath of fresh air" and called the operatic number "absolutely fantastic". Piers confidently predicted a potential win for the tenor, while Amanda affectionately referred to him as "a little lump of coal that is going to turn into a diamond". Paul later became the ITV competition's first ever winner, after securing the highest public vote over his fellow finalist Connie Talbot. Since his victory on the show, the 54-year-old has gone from strength to strength in his singing career. His first album, One Chance, soared to the top of the UK charts upon release, and remained there for six consecutive weeks. His discography expanded over time with the addition of six more studio albums, which includes his latest record, Musica Non Proibita. Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts is still touring across various venues Paul's incredible journey was later turned into a movie named after his first album, which starred James Corden. The winner has since toured in various venues across the world, and will be making a return to the stage for a number of gigs in Germany this year. According to Paul, he is "singing better" now than he did during his initial rise to stardom. In a collaboration with Sky Vegas, he expressed: "I'm now doing what I love to do all over the world – and it's been 18 years. "In two years, it'll be 20. I still remember critics saying my voice wouldn't last a year, yet I honestly believe I'm singing better now than I ever have. "I'm incredibly grateful for the support I've had from people around the world throughout these years, and I allow myself a little pride in that." In 2019, Paul made a triumphant return to the stage on Britain's Got Talent: The Champions. His vocal performance once again wowed judges and audiences alike, though Simon claimed it was "shaky" at first. Despite giving it his all, he did not progress to the final, with the spot going to daredevil duo Bello and Annaliese Nock instead. At the time, Kseniya Simonova was also the recipient of the golden buzzer. Paul Potts was praised by the BGT judges Piers Morgan, Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell Reflecting on this year's Britain's Got Talent competition, Paul discussed his own familiarity with the "pressure" that comes with public voting, especially once the coveted golden buzzer is off the table. He remarked: "The golden buzzer works, but it has to be used live to keep the energy and excitement. "Having competed on Britain's Got Talent: The Champions, I know how it feels to perform knowing you can't get that golden buzzer because they're all gone!" "That adds a real sense of pressure, and it makes the public vote feel even more important. That's the kind of drama we want – positive drama – not the negativity that comes with red buzzers." Sharing more thoughts on the series this year, Paul said the show could benefit from welcoming KSI back as a fifth judge. The YouTube star stepped in for Simon and Bruno Tonioli at different stages of the competition, and returned as a guest judge for the semi-final last week. He shared: 'I think there is certainly a potential for him to return as a permanent judge. I have never heard of him before this year, and I probably don't travel in this circle! "There should be five judges to even things out and makes things fresh. It also means when there is a jury vote then it'll never be a draw – it has to always go one way or another.' Article continues below Britain's Got Talent: The Final airs tonight at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Where Amanda Holden's Britain's Got Talent golden buzzer singer from North Wales is now
It is in our nature to feel extremely patriotic seeing Welsh people compete in different things. It could be Jade Jones from Bodelwyddan competing in the Olympics, or perhaps someone from Swansea on Tipping Point. Regardless, of who it is we love seeing fellow Welshies doing well, and one Welshman who did just that is Gruffydd Wyn Roberts who competed on Britain's Got Talent in 2018. The North Walian singer from the Isle of Anglesey, shocked the judges with his impressive audition which lead Amanda Holden to press her golden buzzer. He sang the challenging operatic number, Nessun Dorma and automatically progressed to the semi finals. Gruff, who lived with his nan at the time eventually made it to the live grand final of the show. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter. READ MORE: BBC Casualty's Barney Walsh flooded with congratulations following exciting news READ MORE: BBC Countryfile's Adam Henson inundated with support after sharing farm update His audition video has amassed over 10 million views on YouTube as his performance lead the judges to do a stand ovation. Amanda then pressed the big golden buzzer and the singer jumped off the stage to give her a big hug. He later moved on to the final of the competition, where he later placed in fourth. This season of BGT was won by the comedian and disability rights activist, Lee Ridley also known as Lost Voice Guy. Gruff who was 22 at the time was later nominated for a National Reality Television Award for 'The Best Overall Performance'. He later won the Cân i Gymru (Songs for Wales) competition in February 2020 with his own song, Cyn i'r Llenni Gau. Shortly after the competition he released his debut album, Chapter One, which featured his winning song. It also includes covers of Creep by Radio Head, Rule the World by Take That and Perfect by Ed Sheeran which he performed in the final of BGT. Since his time on both shows, he has sung across Wales and has a gig lined up for this summer in Caernarfon. He'll be performing with North Wales choirs Côr Ieuenctid Môn and Côr Meibion Caernarfon Male Voice Choir. He shared on Instagram: "Looking forward to returning to Galeri (Caernarfon) for another show! New songs, new arrangements, some of your favourites and a surprise or two!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by GRUFFYDD • WYN (@gruffydd_wyn) He now has taken on a new role, as Gruffydd and his partner recently welcomed a little boy in to the world. He announced on Instagram in February 2025: "Welcome to the world little man! Croeso i'r byd dyn bach! Hari Wyn Roberts" Family, friends and fans of the singer all took to the comments of the post to share their congratulations and 'llongyfarchiadau' to the family.
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Italian Conductor Hosts 'Opera Unbound: A Sunset Serenade' at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Innovative Italian conductor returns to DC on a mission to bring opera to unexpected places–from outdoor stages to TikTok WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, May 21, 2025 / / -- Opera Italiana is in the Air, a unique outdoor global concert series, returns to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with Opera Unbound: A Sunset Serenade on Sunday, June 15 at 6:30 PM. The free, open-air concert invites audiences of all ages to experience the beauty of Italian opera in an iconic, welcoming setting - far different from the fancy gilded concert halls where it's normally showcased. Timed for Father's Day weekend, the event reimagines opera as a shared celebration — perfect for families, date night, passing tourists, and anyone opera-curious. Founded by Italian conductor Maestro Alvise Casellati, Opera Italiana has introduced new audiences to high quality performances in iconic public spaces, such as the Lincoln Memorial, Central Park, New York, Bayfront Park Amphitheater, Miami, Sforza Castle, Milan, Villa Borghese, Rome, and Galleria Umberto I in Naples. Casellati aims to make opera accessible to all while inspiring and connecting new and diverse audiences and artists. Now in its fourth Lincoln Memorial appearance, the 2025 performance will feature classic arias including Nessun Dorma and famous arias and pop works performed by internationally celebrated artists: - Leah Hawkins, soprano, who has captivated audiences at the Metropolitan Opera and Washington National Opera. She is a former Cafritz Young Artist and the 2024 recipient of the Met's prestigious Beverly Sills Artist Award. - Murat Karahan, tenor, an internationally acclaimed performer with leading roles at Vienna State Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Arena di Verona, and other European opera houses. TikTok Challenge Brings a New Voice to the National Mall Casellati's efforts are helping people find new relevance with younger audiences - something that's happening online too. The hashtag #OperaTok has racked up 55M+ views on TikTok. So this year Maestro Casellati is launching the #DCOperaChallenge - inviting aspiring vocalists to post a one-minute performance of themselves singing opera by May 27. One winner will be selected to travel to Washington, D.C., and sing the U.S. National Anthem live at Opera Italiana is in the Air's June 15th concert, with a $1,000 travel reimbursement provided. 'Our concerts bring opera to the community at large in unusual spaces,' says Casellati. 'Now, thanks to social media, Opera has a new voice. For the first time, we created a TikTok challenge that provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a big unknown talent to debut on one of the most iconic stages in America.' Special Performance at Children's National Hospital As part of the weekend's programming and Casellati's mission to widen the reach of opera, Opera Italiana is in the Air will also be a special guest of Children's National Hospital for a private performance on Friday, June 13, highlighting the healing power of music to uplift and heal. 'Opera Italiana's dedication to sharing high-quality opera with diverse audiences was especially meaningful in our setting, where children and their families are navigating some of life's most challenging moments,' said Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan, Performance Coordinator at Children's National Hospital referring to a concert presented last year. 'The presence of such world-class artistry transformed a typical day into something extraordinary, offering comfort, distraction, and a touch of magic to those who need it most.' In 2023, UNESCO recognized Italian opera singing as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its enduring cultural value. That same spirit drives Opera Italiana is in the Air: bringing this timeless art form into public spaces to inspire new audiences and keep opera vibrant for future generations. Lincoln Memorial Event Details When: Sunday, June 15, 2025 | 6:30 PM Where: Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, National Mall, Washington, D.C. What to Bring: Admission is free. No tickets or dress code required. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, or lawn chairs and picnics for comfortable seating. ABOUT: Founded by Alvise Casellati, Opera Italiana is in the Air is a public initiative dedicated to celebrating Italian opera while reimagining its role in contemporary culture. With an emphasis on openness and artistic excellence, it promotes the idea that opera is part of everyday life, accessible to anyone, anywhere. WEBSITE: #OperaItalianaIsInTheAir #OperaItaliana #AlviseCasellati #NationalMall #LincolnMemorial #thingstodoindc #freeindc MEDIA CONTACT: Sheila Jaskot, Laura Evans Media, [email protected] MADE POSSIBLE BY: Intesa Sanpaolo, Ferrero, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and Limak with the patronage of the Italian Embassy and the Foundation for Italian Art and Culture. Sheila Jaskot Laura Evans Media [email protected] Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Britain's Got Talent winner shares what really happens in the contestants' hotel
Former Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts, who won the show in 2007, has exclusively opened up about his time on the show and what life was like in the contestant's hotel Britain's Got Talent sensation Paul Potts has dished the dirt on what life was like behind the scenes at the contestant's hotel. The opera singer, who wowed audiences and judges alike in 2007, opened up about his experience on the talent show and the camaraderie among contestants. The BGT icon shared: "There were quite a few really strong acts like Damon Scott, who brought a lot of fun to the show. We actually had a real sense of community among us. The hotel we stayed in helped with that. It was a nice place to unwind, and we were lucky to have a good setup where we could relax after performing." Paul also revealed how the contestants would "support each other" throughout their time on the show, creating a supportive atmosphere within the hotel, reports the Daily Star. Potts remarked: "There's usually a really strong sense of camaraderie, because everyone's in the same boat. For us, we were all staying at a hotel in North London, and we'd sit together watching the audition rounds and supporting each other. "I'm sure that kind of bond still happens now. You might get one or two acts who are a bit more competitive and keep to themselves, but honestly, if you do that, you miss out on so much." Since clinching the title on the inaugural series of Britain's Got Talent with his stunning performance of Nessun Dorma, Paul has become well-versed in the world of hotels during his subsequent tours. In one instance, a pre-show mishap left him without an outfit due to a hotel mix-up: "I was really fortunate [when I was on the show] because they actually sent me to a West End tailor, and they made me a tuxedo. "Unfortunately, it ended up getting shrunk by a hotel dry cleaner in New Zealand, not ideal! Buying off the peg has always been a bit awkward for me, not just because of my size, but because I've got quite short arms and leg so I usually have to get sleeves altered or I look like I've borrowed someone else's suit." Paul recently blasted the Golden Buzzer rules on Britain's Got Talent and called for them to be changed to make the competition fairer. The famous Golden Buzzer can be pressed by a judge or host when they want a particular act to go straight through to the live shows, meaning they skip past the boot camp stage of the competition, automatically giving them a head start. Saying it 'takes the shine off the show', the 53-year-old shared: 'The more they put through on the Golden Buzzer, the less spots available in the semi-final, so it does take the shine off the Golden Buzzer a little bit.." He continued in an interview with Sky Bingo: 'It's awkward for the judges because of course they haven't seen all the acts, so they have to decide, do I use it now? Or do they end up giving it to someone who may not have deserved it as much. If it ends up being left to the last show, they might end up giving it to someone who may not have deserved it as much as someone else.
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Owners Block Stairs So Cat Won't Wake Them—Then Opera Starts Blaring
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A cat from South Florida was tired of his owners ignoring him early in the morning, so he took matters into his paws, and internet users can't cope with what he did. In a viral TikTok video shared on Saturday under the username @ Dewey's owners wake up to opera music blasting full volume from their keyboard, which their cat had learned to operate all by himself. "Never forgot when our kitten learned how to turn on the keyboard to wake us up at 6 a.m. We ignored his meows for too long, he had to get creative," the poster writes in the clip. Meanwhile, her partner, still in bed, can be heard saying: "He turned on the demo of 'Nessun Dorma,'" which ironically means "no one shall sleep" in Italian. As she moves the camera down to the lower floor, where the keyboard is, viewers can see furniture blocking the staircase, preventing the cat from being able to reach the bedroom. Then, the tabby cat appears on the ground floor, out of nowhere, looking up at her, pleased that his trick worked. "Dewey, is this what you wanted?" she yells at him. Cats are way smarter than we give them credit for. Not only do they know their names, but it has recently been discovered that they can also associate their family members, humans and felines, to their respective names. Bondi Vet explains that while a cat's brain only measures about two inches and weighs around an ounce, its structure is about 90 percent similar to that of humans. Moreover, experts believe that their intelligence is comparable to that of a 2-year-old child. While some believe that breeds like Bengals, Siamese, and Abyssinians are the smartest cats, Bondi Vet says that true problem-solving intelligence is based more on the individual cat rather than its breed. A stock image shows a cat's paws on a keyboard. A stock image shows a cat's paws on a keyboard. getty images The video quickly went viral on TikTok and it has so far received over 558,400 views and 104,800 likes on the platform. One user, Amy Hanich, commented: "This is hilarious! Nessun Dorma means no one sleeps... basically. The whole premise of the song is that the princess won't let the towns people sleep until they find out the name of the love interest." WhoWoreWhatJewels said: "The song reflects his feelings of hunger and denial." Kelly Briggs added: "That's what you get for blocking the stairs." Newsweek reached out to @ for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
