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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."
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Unforgettable Britain's Got Talent act diagnosed with autism after show success
Unforgettable Britain's Got Talent act diagnosed with autism after show success The Britain's Got Talent star shot to fame on the talent show in 2012 Jonathan wowed BGT judges with his classical voice (Image: PA ) He was one of Britain's Got Talent's most unforgettable acts, but Jonathan Antoine then stepped back from the spotlight. It was 12 years ago that the then 17-year old wowed the judges with his classical singing prowess. His rendition of The Prayer alongside Charlotte Jaconelli earned him high commendations from the panel, including Simon Cowell, who likened him to the iconic Luciano Pavarotti. Jonathan captivated audiences throughout the series and made it all the way to the finals, only to be bested by the dog act Ashleigh and Pudsey. Despite his extraordinary ability and receiving accolades from Cowell, Jonathan Antoine did not clinch the Britain's Got Talent crown. Antoine told the Mirror US about the sting of not winning: "I remember the feeling of the organs sinking. I didn't cry on stage." Jonathan Antoine and Charlotte Jaconelli on the BGT stage (Image: PA ) Jonathan's heartfelt reaction to the loss highlights just how much he had invested emotionally in the contest. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Article continues below He said: "You have to then think, with Ashleigh and Pudsey, their mission with animals, they'll probably do more responsible things with that than I ever would. "Wonderful people as well. Just remembering everyone that comes above or below you is made of the same stuff. We're all flesh and blood and electricity coursing through them. That's how you stay not depressed." Although he didn't clinch the top spot, coming second was a pivotal moment for Jonathan and Charlotte, who secured a £1m record deal with Syco. Their album Together hit the shelves in September 2012, followed by Perhaps Love in August 2013; the pair parted ways in February 2014, with Sony Classical extending solo deals to both. Simon Cowell had envisioned a solo path for Jonathan during his time on BGT, which resonated with Jonathan's own ambitions. Jonathan reflected: "Charlotte raised up my confidence to the level I could go on BGT and we made something beautiful. Neither of us had been ensemble artists, we loved solo performances, so it was the natural evolution of the thing. "There's only so much a crossover classical duo can actually do without starting to reinvent the whole thing. At the point I had the necessary confidence and understood myself a bit more I felt it was time to make the leap." Jonathan's solo musical pursuits have been a resounding success, reaching new heights with his debut album 'Tenore' topping the Classical Artist Album chart and embarking on sought-after tours across the UK and the US. He keeps his followers in the loop via Instagram and last year used his platform to share his 2022 autism diagnosis in observance of Autism Awareness Day. Content cannot be displayed without consent Jonathan shared: "I got my diagnosis in 2022, not long after my 27th birthday, and for a short while fell into it like a daydream. The recontextualisation of a life already lived is a scary thing to reckon with, but those things done are already set - there is no going back from here! "I still don't know what exactly I have to contribute to the broader discussion, I'm in the process of finding out what it all means to me in the first place, but perhaps the naiveties of that process are novel enough to write down, so I try regardless." "Much as in our ideological tendencies I would wager that the vast majority of people lie somewhere away from the most extreme ends of a given spectrum, and indeed that those 'ends' really blur together in strange and interesting ways and loop back around through hidden channels -though I only have anecdotal evidence backing my opinion. "I have met many people who are 'normal', but I don't know that I've ever met someone totally 'neurotypical'." He added: "Our inner and outer worlds are so vastly different, and by 'our' here I mean people in general. We cultivate inner spaces that twist our outer material world and then expect that outer world to conform to our personal interpretations of it. The filter of our perception generates necessary atypicalities, divergences from 'base reality'. "We all get our own little 'Matrix' hidden just behind our eyes, and we each see a different tint over the real world. It's good practice to try and imagine just what kind of lens someone else is viewing the world through. Something to bring yourself closer to others, a little way to love yourself." He continued: "So be kind, look a while through someone else's glasses, and revel in how beautifully different we each are to one another. All my love, as sincerely as it could be given." On a more individual level, Jonathan opened up about his health and weight loss journey, confessing: "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." Jonathan shared his health struggles, particularly during his time in America, where he found it tough to resist the widespread availability of fast food. He confessed: "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. "I'm a very big fella so heavy exercise would just tear me up. I'm working my way up, thinking about what I eat because that is important." Article continues below Jonathan has since adopted a new lifestyle, making a conscious effort to walk 10,000 steps every day, even if it means pacing back and forth in one room. This transformation has given him a newfound appreciation for life, as he explained: "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, seizing your world with your hands, is very gratifying."
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘We really care. It's not just for TV': Josh Groban on being an ‘American Idol' mentor
Just a few months before 'American Idol' premiered in the summer of 2002 and introduced the world to a 20-year-old singer named Kelly Clarkson, a singer named Josh Groban was also trying to make a name for himself. Groban had released his debut album in late 2001, but he was still struggling with being a relative unknown. Then, he performed at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, three days shy of his 21st birthday. 'It actually wasn't until after the Winter Olympics that my album started to blow up,' Groban previously told the Deseret News. 'I was still relatively unknown. In fact, I remember when NBC announced Charlotte Church and I, they said, 'And now, for the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, we're going to see a beautiful duet called 'The Prayer" — one half of which is sung by the superstar Charlotte Church.' And I'm thinking, 'Noooo! They didn't even mention the other half! They didn't even mention the guy that was standing next to her.'' But after that performance, Groban saw his profile rise. And he kept an eye on the new show 'American Idol,' which was showcasing other up-and-coming artists who were seeking their big break. 'I've been watching since the first season. ... There was an enormous amount of talent and it was really fun to see so many dreams on stage. So many young singers who at that point were my age that were giving it their all and leaving it up to America,' Groban recently told Billboard. 'I have followed it off and on throughout the entire time.' Now, in somewhat of a full-circle moment, Groban is appearing on the 23rd season of 'Idol' to mentor some of the top 24 contestants who have their eye on winning the show. On Monday night, he'll offer some feedback and guidance to a group of singers performing for a spot in the competition's top 20. More than 20 years later, Groban still remembers the excitement he felt watching 'Idol' for the first time. That inaugural season would go on to help launch the career of Clarkson, who Groban later collaborated with for his 2015 album, 'Stages.' 'It was such a novel thing for TV,' Groban told Billboard. 'I came up in such an old school way, being discovered by a big-time producer who discovered a tape of mine through a friend while I was in high school — pre-Internet, pre-competition television. When 'American Idol' started, we couldn't keep our eyes off of it because it was new and because of that newness, there was a lot of excitement and a lot of skepticism." Although Groban has previously appeared on 'Idol' — he performed duets with two contestants in 2021, as the Deseret News reported — this season is the first time he's serving in the official role of an 'American Idol' mentor. It's something he doesn't take lightly. 'Even though here we're making TV and there's a lot of production, a lot of cameras and a huge performance element about it, the stories are genuine. The talent is genuine and the notes we give are genuine. I wish that audiences could see us when the cameras aren't rolling,' he told Billboard. 'We're invested. We really care. It's not just for TV,' he continued. 'Because we've been there and we know how special this is for them and we also know that these are notes that will travel with them beyond the competition. ... They may decide to not continue with music, but we can also note that having this experience will be a foundation of confidence for them for the rest of their lives and we want to make sure that the things we instill in them allow them to have that for whatever they do.' Groban's appearance on 'Idol' comes as he is preparing to release his latest album, 'Gems,' which also coincides with an upcoming Las Vegas residency, as the Deseret News previously reported. The new album — which comes out May 2 — features highlights from his career and two new songs, per his website. The singer's five-show stint at The Colosseum runs from May 9-17, and will showcase the 'gems' throughout his career.
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Scottish bingo caller Vinnie McKee wins tonight's BGT
The singer previously opened up about a tragic event Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS bingo caller Vinnie McKee has won tonight's Britain's Got Talent semi-final. The 29-year-old, from Glasgow, wowed the judges with a version of Snow Patrol hit Chasing Cars. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Vinnie McKee bagged Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer Credit: ITV The singer-songwriter was sent straight to this year's semi-finals after bagging Simon Cowell's golden buzzer. Commenting on his performance, Simon said: "I absolutely love that version. You've got this beautiful semi-classical voice. "This is the sort of moment I love, when somebody has waited for something all their lives to be given an opportunity." Amanda Holden added: "You did Scotland proud." Vinnie has now secured his place in the finals. It comes after Vinnie was left devastated after his brother Frankie suddenly passed away last May from a suspected irregular heartbeat. But following the tragedy, the singer is convinced that his brother is "watching over him" as his bid for stardom becomes a reality. The musician, from Glasgow's tough Ruchazie scheme, said: "My brother was like a dad to me. He loved my singing and always encouraged it. "It's been a really difficult year for us all and when Britain's Got Talent came around I thought 'Oh my God' everything seems to be looking up a bit. "My brother is an inspiration. When I was a kid, he taught me how to swim and took me to the cinema. 'How is this allowed' rage BGT fans as they threaten to call Ofcom over 'disgusting' naked act "Everybody used to say 'Oh, is that your boy?' and he'd laugh and say 'No, it's my wee brother'. "His funeral was a tough day and I sang one of my favourite songs The Prayer by Andrea Bocelli." Fans couldn't get enough of his performance tonight and rushed online to comment. One said: "So pleased Vinnie McKee is in the final. Doing it for himself and Scotland."
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."
