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Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BGT's Jonathan and Charlotte's now - from tragic split to new careers and weight loss
BGT's Jonathan and Charlotte's now - from tragic split to new careers and weight loss Opera duo Jonathan and Charlotte have been on a rollercoaster since finding fame on Britain's Got Talent back in 2012 The pair competed together on Britain's Got Talent in 2012, but where are they now? (Image: ITV/ Ken McKay ) Britain's Got Talent has been a launching pad for opera talents over its 18 years, with names like Paul Potts and Susan Boyle emerging from the show. A teenage operatic pair captivated the audience in 2012, leaving Simon Cowell shocked as he uttered "Seriously?". At the tender ages of 17 and 16, Jonathan and Charlotte stunned the judges with their rendition of 'The Prayer. ' In classic Simon Cowell fashion, he suggested Jonathan should "dump" Charlotte to further his chances, but the two decided to stick together, even switching the order of their act's name for their journey to the live final. They eventually were runners-up to Ashleigh and her dog Pudsey, much to the dismay of their fans. Charlotte expressed her astonishment at the success: "Oh my God, we came second out of 70,000 people, it's incredible, it's been amazing." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Subsequently, it was revealed that Simon Cowell was deliberating a £1 million record deal with them under his Syco label. Jonathan and Charlotte went on to drop their debut album 'Together' in September 2012, reinterpreting songs by artists including Elton John, Muse, and Queen into Italian. After touring Europe and releasing another record and selling over a quarter of a million albums. the duo parted amicably in February 2014 when solo opportunities came knocking from Sony Classical. When they announced the news, Jonathan and Charlotte expressed their gratitude in a statement on their website, saying: "We have had the most exciting journey together ever since meeting at West Hatch High School in 2006 and are so happy for each other." The offer of solo record deals from Sony Classical was met with excitement as they looked forward to returning to the recording studio. They expressed their gratitude to their fans, saying: "For those that voted for us, bought our CDs and saw us in concert – thank you. We hope to see you soon at our own shows. Love Jonathan and Charlotte." Charlotte has continued her career in the performing arts, shifting her focus towards musical theatre productions. Her notable performances include Carousel in Concert at The Royal Festival Hall and a role in the original West End cast of The Heathers. Recently, Charlotte gained popularity on TikTok with a video recalling her Britain's Got Talent audition. The caption read: "Simon Cowell hated me but then he got me Kurt Geiger's for xmas." In the video, she joked about people recognising her as 'Charlotte from Jonathan and Charlotte', confirming "probably because I am". Content cannot be displayed without consent In early April, Charlotte took to the stage in Todrick Hall's new musical, Midnight. Reflecting on the experience in an Instagram post, she said: "This show has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding shows I've ever worked on. "I've laughed and cried every day, watched the most talented humans create, and been giddy to see what would happen each day." Meanwhile, Jonathon is currently immersed in producing his next album following a global tour, as well as delighting audiences in his hometown of Essex. Following their separation, he soared to the top of the Classical Artist Album chart with his debut solo album, 'Tenore'. Content cannot be displayed without consent In a heartfelt social media update, he expressed gratitude towards his supporters for engaging with his music, which has fuelled his passion and enabled his career as a singer. He stated: "Your kindness in allowing me to explore all kinds of music and your superlative taste in good tunes has led the way! !". Jonathon has recently made headlines with his remarkable five-stone weight loss achievement. Having previously acknowledged his lack of self-discipline, he has shared: "I've still got a lot to lose but I'm making my way. I feel stronger and healthier than I have in 10 years, which is a lot. "This year I've made an active choice. I've felt I've lacked the discipline a lot. When I was out in America it's fast food everywhere." He recounted his challenging start to the year and his progress since then, saying: "I was in a terrible state in the start of the year and I've been able to claw my way back doing light exercise. Article continues below "For a long time I was just experiencing life, letting life live me, trying to find the next pleasure. Taking control of your own life, grabbing the world with your hands, feels amazing."
Daily Record
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Britain's Got Talent's Jonathan and Charlotte 13 years on and what happened after Simon Cowell split them up
Britain's Got Talent first started unearthing opera talent in 2007, discovering stars like Paul Potts and Susan Boyle. But few acts have been as memorable as the teenage opera duo Jonathan and Charlotte from 2012. Their breathtaking rendition of The Prayer elicited an incredulous "Seriously?" from none other than Simon Cowell himself. At just 17 and 16 years old, Jonathan and Charlotte captivated the judges from their very first note. At the time, Simon, ever the blunt critic, suggested that Jonathan should pursue a solo career, implying that Charlotte could be a hindrance. Ignoring Simon's counsel, the duo stuck together, even changing their name before progressing to the tense live finals on May 12, 2012, reports the Manchester Evening News . The pair enjoyed a remarkable journey but ultimately finished as runners-up, with Ashleigh and her dog Pudsey taking the top spot, leaving Jonathan and Charlotte's supporters disappointed. By the following morning, there were already whispers that Simon was negotiating a deal for Jonathan and Charlotte, potentially offering them a £1 million contract with his Syco music label. In September 2012, Jonathan and Charlotte went on to release their first album, 'Together', which included tracks inspired by legends such as Elton John , Muse, and Queen. After captivating listeners all over Europe and climbing the music charts, the singing duo hit a pivotal moment in their joint career. In February 2014, they announced the end of their musical union as individual solo pursuits from Sony Classical beckoned. Sharing the news of their solo contracts and gratitude towards their supporters on their website, they wrote: "To now be offered our own solo record deals by Sony Classical is the most exciting thing ever. "We are thrilled to be going back into the recording studio so soon." Now, Charlotte is seizing new opportunities with her love for the stage, captivating musical theatre audiences. Her notable performances include 'Carousel in Concert' at The Royal Festival Hall and the original West End run of 'Heathers'. Her latest role was in Todrick Hall's acclaimed production 'Midnight' in early April, which she praised on Instagram , saying: "This show has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding shows I've ever worked on. "I've laughed and cried every day, watched the most talented humans create, and been giddy to see what would happen each day." Meanwhile, Jonathan is busy with his upcoming album after a worldwide tour and continues to perform in his local Essex . After their professional parting, Jonathan's debut solo album 'Tenore' rocketed to the top of the Classical Artist Album chart. Jonathan has also been in the spotlight for shedding an impressive five stone. He candidly admitted: "I've still got a lot to lose but I'm making my way. I feel stronger and healthier than I have in 10 years, which is a lot." Reflecting on the changes he's made, Jonathon remarked: "This year I've made an active choice. I've felt I've lacked the discipline a lot. When I was out in America it's fast food everywhere." He also shared his earlier challenges and his journey towards better health, stating, "I was in a terrible state in the start of the year and I've been able to claw my way back doing light exercise . "For a long time I was just experiencing life, letting life live me, trying to find the next pleasure. Taking control of your own life, grabbing the world with your hands, feels amazing."
South China Morning Post
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Marina Abramovic directs pianist Igor Levit in 16-hour marathon Erik Satie performance
Classical pianist Igor Levit takes to a London stage this week for an epic musical endurance test directed by performance artist Marina Abramovic. Advertisement Levit is aiming to be the first person to solo play Vexations, a single sheet of music repeated 840 times, in a public performance expected to last at least 16 hours. The audience at central London's Queen Elizabeth Hall will witness 'silence, endurance, immobility and contemplation, where time ceases to exist', according to Abramovic on the venue's website. Written by Erik Satie in 1893, Vexations' is described as 'one of classical music's most simple, yet arduous and demanding works'. Pianist Igor Levit. He has live-streamed a solo performance of Eirk Satie's Vexations but will be the first person to do so on a concert stage when he plays it in London this week. Photo: Felix Broede for Sony Classical Satie's manuscript included a composer's note instructing that it should be repeated 840 times, a feat which generally takes between 16-20 hours of continuous playing. Advertisement During the Covid-19 pandemic, Levit live-streamed a Vexations performance from a Berlin studio.
Edinburgh Live
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Britain's Got Talent opera icons Jonathan and Charlotte now after Simon Cowell split
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Britain's Got Talent has been a launchpad for opera sensations over its 18-year run, with Paul Potts and Susan Boyle being just two of the big names that found stardom on the ITV stage. Cast your minds back to 2012 when the teen opera duo Jonathan and Charlotte left audiences stunned, prompting a shocked reaction from Simon Cowell who blurted out "Seriously?". At just 17 and 16 years old, the pair wowed the judges from the outset, delivering a powerful performance of 'The Prayer'. Ever the straight-talker, Simon suggested Jonathan might be better off going solo, hinting that Charlotte could hold him back. Undeterred by the music tycoon's comments, the duo remained united, even reversing their name before heading into the nail-biting live finals on the unforgettable date of May 12, 2012. READ MORE -Josie Gibson vows to ditch 'extreme' diets after 'health scare' READ MORE -Louise Redknapp 'feels very lucky' as she opens up on 'age-gap' with boyfriend Despite a remarkable journey, Jonathan and Charlotte ultimately finished as runners-up to winners Ashleigh and her dog Pudsey, sparking outrage among their ardent fans. After coming second in a competition of 70,000 entrants, an ecstatic Charlotte was quoted by Wales Online saying, "Oh my God, we came second out of 70,000 people, it's incredible, it's been amazing", reports the Mirror. Rumours were rife by the following morning that Simon Cowell was already in talks to sign Jonathan and Charlotte to his Syco label with a hefty £1 million record deal. (Image: Redferns via Getty Images) (Image: Ken McKay) (Image: AFP/Getty Images) Come September 2012, the pair released their debut album 'Together', featuring Italian covers of songs from legendary artists such as Elton John, Muse, and Queen. After dazzling Europe with their tours and churning out another hit, singing duo Jonathan and Charlotte reached a turning point in their career. In February 2014, they announced the end of their joint musical efforts when Sony Classical presented them with tantalising solo opportunities. The duo shared an emotional note on their official website, looking back on their remarkable path since their first encounter at West Hatch High School in 2006: "We have had the most exciting journey together ever since meeting at West Hatch High School in 2006 and are so happy for each other." They looked back fondly on their breakout as Britain's Got Talent finalists and chart-topping musicians: "To come second on BGT and sell over quarter of a million albums was beyond our wildest dreams." Overflowing with enthusiasm, they revealed their individual paths, expressing deep appreciation for their fans: "To now be offered our own solo record deals by Sony Classical is the most exciting thing ever and we are thrilled to be going back into the recording studio so soon." Above all, they showed gratitude towards those who've supported them throughout their journey: "For those that voted for us, bought our CDs and saw us in concert – thank you. We hope to see you soon at our own shows. Love Jonathan and Charlotte." Charlotte is taking the musical theatre world by storm, having lit up the stage in "Carousel in Concert" at The Royal Festival Hall and being part of the original cast of "Heathers" in London's West End. She recently won over TikTok users with a humorous video where she quipped about her resemblance to the famous Charlotte from 'Jonathan and Charlotte,' captioning it: "Simon Cowell hated me but then he got me Kurt Geiger's for xmas." In the clip, she amusingly confirms her identity when people compare her to the well-known Charlotte, responding with a cheeky "probably because I am". Charlotte's most recent gig was in Todrick Hall's latest hit "Midnight" which premiered earlier in April. She took to Instagram to share her excitement, saying: "This show has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding shows I've ever worked on. "I've laughed and cried every day, watched the most talented humans create, and been giddy to see what would happen each day." Meanwhile, Jonathan is busy working on his new album following a global tour and continues to perform in his hometown of Essex. Following their break-up, he soared to the top of the Classical Artist Album chart with his debut solo album, 'Tenore'. Grateful for the overwhelming support, he expressed his thanks on social media, saying: "Your kindness in allowing me to explore all kinds of music and your superlative taste in good tunes has led the way! !". In recent times, Jonathon has captured attention with a stunning weight loss achievement, shedding five stone. Previously recognising a lack of self-control, he has shared: "I've still got a lot to lose but I'm making my way. I feel stronger and healthier than I have in 10 years, which is a lot." He has also made it clear that this year marks a significant change in his outlook, claiming: "This year I've made an active choice. I've felt I've lacked the discipline a lot. When I was out in America it's fast food everywhere." At the start of the year, he said he wasn't in the best place, but has since made strides in improvement: "I was in a terrible state in the start of the year and I've been able to claw my way back doing light exercise." Reflecting on his past approach to life, he concluded with a burst of optimism: "For a long time I was just experiencing life, letting life live me, trying to find the next pleasure. Taking control of your own life, grabbing the world with your hands, feels amazing."
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Britain's Got Talent icons Jonathan and Charlotte's life now after split and new careers
Jonathan and Charlotte were an operatic duo who shot to fame on the sixth series of Britain's Got Talent, and now eight years on, we take a look at what happened to the pair Britain's Got Talent has witnessed a plethora of opera talents in its 18-year history, with Paul Potts and Susan Boyle among the luminaries who shot to fame on the ITV show. Back in 2012, audiences were left gobsmacked as teen opera pair Jonathan and Charlotte took to the stage, prompting Simon Cowell to utter a stunned "Seriously?". At the ages of 17 and 16, the duo captivated the panel from their very first notes belting out 'The Prayer'. Hitting us with his typical no-nonsense advice, Simon reckoned Jonathan should go solo, fearing that Charlotte could hamper his progress. Brushing off the mogul's remarks, the twosome stuck tight, even flipping their moniker ahead of reaching the tension-soaked live finals on the iconic date of May 12, 2012. Despite a stellar run, Jonathan and Charlotte had to settle for runner-up spots behind top dogs Ashleigh and pooch Pudsey, a result that had their loyal following up in arms. On the heels of placing second out of 70,000 acts, an elated Charlotte exclaimed, "Oh my God, we came second out of 70,000 people, it's incredible, it's been amazing", reports Wales Online. By the next morning, buzz swirled that Simon Cowell was already bargaining to snag Jonathan and Charlotte with a cool £1 million Syco record deal. September 2012 saw their inaugural album, 'Together', hit shelves, packed with Italian renditions of hits from icons like Elton John, Muse, and Queen. After serenading Europe on tour and dropping another chart-topper, the musical journey for the duo hit a fork in the road. In February 2014, they called it quits on joint ventures as Sony Classical dangled irresistible solo deals before them. Singing sensations Jonathan and Charlotte have released a heartfelt statement on their website, reflecting on their incredible journey which began at West Hatch High School in 2006: "We have had the most exciting journey together ever since meeting at West Hatch High School in 2006 and are so happy for each other." They reminisced about their success as Britain's Got Talent runners-up and best-selling artists: "To come second on BGT and sell over quarter of a million albums was beyond our wildest dreams." With excitement brimming, they shared news of their solo ventures, expressing gratitude to their fans: "To now be offered our own solo record deals by Sony Classical is the most exciting thing ever and we are thrilled to be going back into the recording studio so soon." And most importantly, they thanked their loyal support base: "For those that voted for us, bought our CDs and saw us in concert – thank you. We hope to see you soon at our own shows. Love Jonathan and Charlotte." Moving forward with new adventures, Charlotte continues her passion for performance, dazzling audiences in the realm of musical theatre. She has illuminated the stage in "Carousel in Concert" at The Royal Festival Hall and shone in the original line-up of "Heathers" on the West End. Charlotte recently captured hearts on TikTok, sharing her whimsical tale from Britain's Got Talent with the viral video captioned: "Simon Cowell hated me but then he got me Kurt Geiger's for xmas." In the video, she jokes about her resemblance to the renowned Charlotte of 'Jonathan and Charlotte,' wittingly replying "probably because I am" when faced with comparison comments. Her latest performance took place in Todrick Hall's new sensation "Midnight" earlier in April, where she took to Instagram to disclose her joy: "This show has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding shows I've ever worked on. "I've laughed and cried every day, watched the most talented humans create, and been giddy to see what would happen each day." Jonathon is now working on his next album after a tour around the world, as well as performing locally in his home town of Essex. After the pair split he topped the Classical Artist Album chart with his first solo album, Tenore. In a recent social media post he thanked fans for listening to his music, inspiring him and allowing him to have a singing career. He said: "Your kindness in allowing me to explore all kinds of music and your superlative taste in good tunes has led the way! !". Recently, Jonathon has been in the headlines for his dramatic weight loss of five stone. Previously admitting to a shortfall in self-discipline, he recently said: "I've still got a lot to lose but I'm making my way. I feel stronger and healthier than I have in 10 years, which is a lot. "This year I've made an active choice. I've felt I've lacked the discipline a lot. When I was out in America it's fast food everywhere. "I was in a terrible state in the start of the year and I've been able to claw my way back doing light exercise. "For a long time I was just experiencing life, letting life live me, trying to find the next pleasure. Taking control of your own life, grabbing the world with your hands, feels amazing."
