Britain’s Got Talent Week 4
May 4, 2009
Admit it, you either shed a tear over Jamie Pugh, or nearly shed a tear?
I’ve never had so many texts about one contestant on Britain’s Got Talent, not even after Susan Boyle.
And the reason is that we could all tell just what it meant to him to be fulfilling his dream on a huge stage.
‘It completed me,’ the pizza delivery man wept afterwards. And I believed him. He may or may not progress to the final stages of the competition (as I’ve said before, prepare to be shocked by the Top 40 selections..). But he got a standing ovation from 2000 people, and nobody can ever take that away from him.
The phrase ‘you’re what this show is all about’ has been massively over-used on every talent show in history. But it is the perfect phrase for Jamie, a man who I only learned from the papers today lost his wife to a brain tumour a few years ago.
He’s a humble, sensitive, thoroughly decent man going about his life in a completely unremarkable way; yet who possesses a quite remarkable talent.
My other favourite moment of last night’s show came with father-and-daughter act Gemma and Michael.
Their act was, to put it mildly, awkward to watch - her prancing around like a chicken, him wailing like a banshee.
But right at the end, when we judges had delivered our withering verdicts, Michael suddenly burst into fits of giggles, and so did everyone else.
It was a wonderful reminder to all the mean-spirited critics of this show that at its heart, it’s just a bit of fun. A warm, joyous, celebration of great British eccentricity. Michael and Gemma had a go, did their best, saw the funny side, and went home chuckling.
Unlike Janine and Sue, the keyboard and violin duo. It was quite a moment when Sue decided to ditch her best mate and go for glory herself, wasn’t it? And you’ll be unsurprised to hear that they are no longer friends.
It raised an interesting dilemma that I suspect got played out in millions of homes last night: would you dump a pal for fame, money and the chance to play at the Royal Variety Show?
I fear that the answer for many, in this celebrity-obsessed era, would be an unequivocal ‘yes’.
For more on Britain’s Got Talent check in with the hosts Ant & Dec’s only official blog by clicking here.
May 4, 2009 at 12:39 pm
mary says
Jamie is good, but Susan Boyle is way better. I don’t think any of those contestants over the last few weeks can surpass Susan. Susan is the Best.
May 4, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Ammie says
Hey Piers,
Watched Audition 4 on the BGT website. Sue Son was very good. I agreed with the advice you gave her. You did that girl a tremendous favor. Thanks to you, she can improve upon her stage presence before her next performance. I don’t know why Simon had to chime in to give you a hard time. Also, Callum was adorable. Could easily see this cutie play the lead role in a musical, but I don’t think he is a contender for the top prize. Jamie seems “troubled”. I always watch the show without sound the first time I view it. Did not feel good about his performance. Once, the sound was on, his voice was disappointing. I thought that he would at least sound great considering all of the pain he was going through and the fact that people had given him a standing ovation. (I had wondered if the audience had been cued.) I did not shed a tear, neither did I come close. At this point, his entry into the next round seems like a “pity play.” Yes, his wife died, but that was a good 10 years ago. He’s been with Donna for a good 7 years and they have a 3 year old child. He’s moved on. The audience doesn’t need to “pay him back” for the rough life he had in his twenties.
May 4, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Kris Drum says
Yeah Piers must say Jamie P. has a beautiful voice and I hope he has a brilliant future ahead of him, if he can get over his nerves, lets hope he won’t be the delivery pizza man for much longer.
The violinist was incredible too, suprisingly her friend was not supportive at all, bad loser ehh.
Well looking forward to the next installment of BGT.
May 4, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Del & Leslie McMillan says
Ummmm…..everything about the responses to anyone on Britain’s Got Talent 2009 is primarily related to the greater interest generated by Susan Boyle. Her rising tide has lifted all ships. We’re happy for the others (and for you, too, by the way), but Susan is still the winner!
Blessings and prayers,
Del & Leslie
Brooklyn, New York
May 4, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Tenchy says
Hes alright Piers but hes not as good as susan imo.
May 4, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Cathy says
Oh Piers, come on. More text messages after his performance than Susans…LOL
May 4, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Friederike says
Hallo Piers!
Hallo to you all out there!
I agree with you and your opinion about Jamie Pugh, Piers. He’s realy and already just a very special personality and I wish for him that this last Saturdayevening marks the change of life from the shadow through the sunny side of life.
Not sure I’m about the desicion from Sue Son. It’s difficult but this bookmarks in life shows one which friend is a real friend and which one is a fake. When you’ve got deep doubts and trouble ore you have a very hard desicion to take, then the trueth shows its face. A real friend may stay a friend when one talk the doubts and troubles off til to the end and stay beside you with support.
Someone who only promises friendship but in reality uses you for personal success and protection without any give back will be jealous and hardminded. If you in in very hard difficults they don’t know. They only know you when you’re well.
Why I’m talking about that so much is, I stood in that shoes every often in my pastime. This bookmarks devorced the friends from the fakes. Therefore this way crosses are realy good for.
After such a desicion when the storm is over, and you have the results then you also feel complete, as Jamie Pugh said. Because then you know by trueth what you have to know.
With best regards to you and Britain
Friederike
May 4, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Tracey says
I agree Jamie is a great bloke with a great voice, if you like that sort of thing. Personally, I think good though they are, we’ve been swamped by singers lately. I’d like to see a great comedian on Britain’s Got Talent. The show reminds me a little of New Faces back in the seventies when Mickie Most and Nina Myskow were the judges who reigned supreme. It is a great show with great entertainment to offer but there must be a few decent comics out there, surely, unless they’re too bashful.
May 4, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Rina says
I know I’m being judgemental here, but I was wondering why Janine was not generously encouraging Sue to go and audition again instead of looking so sorry for herself (at least she would have come away looking like a winner in one sense if she had). I know that this meant the end of Janine’s personal dream of the two of them together, but it’s not like Sue begged the judges to audition her separately.
May 4, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Hazel says
Thank you Piers for your writing. I was really touched by Jamie - he gave such a fragile yet powerful performance and it’s so lovely to hear a different kind of voice like his for once. He is not trying to be Il Divo or Pavarotti, just himself. However, I do have a very strong feeling he will not get through the next round. You say there will be surprises. I think his nerves may get the better of him, or the judges may decide it’s safer not to let him go further. He needs practice in front of small audiences, then he will be ready for Royal Variety…but that’s just my take. It sounds corny but I would like him to duet with Susan Boyle, just because I think she would be a rock and give him more confidence on stage. But, like Jamie said, he has proved what he set out to prove - he is complete. How absolutely wonderful.
By the way, I think Simon still owes you that £1000 for getting on the wheel! He said to get on it, not to do a trick on it!
I am confused as to why Sue and Janine had to end their friendship - friends and career are separate things, no?
Well, very much looking forward to next week! x
May 4, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Missteek says
As I said before, I don’t particularly like talent shows !! But I did catch Jamie’s act on U Tube or somewhere online.
Both Jamie and Sue, IMHO have fulfilled a ‘dream’ already, anything else is a bonus.
I could never go on stage and do what they both have done, I remember the sleepless nights just thinking of having to read a morning assembly in the day dot.
But I think its unfair to have an outright winner and there needs to be categories, but they all joined the race and the same starting point with the same rules.
Good luck to them all.
Mind I think I stood a pretty good chance a winning in the bed pan race
!
May 4, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Paulette Reed says
Mr. Piers ,
I still think Susan Boyle is the Winner and I watch BGT with great happynest and Joy it was a fun showbut,;) Susan still is #1 in my book and I still will buy her CD s she put out .:) BGT has United states going to the You Tub just to watch you and it is Susan that got us all there.
May 4, 2009 at 10:21 pm
bobi says
Hi Piers,
You are a man after my own heart. You are, in my opinion, 100% correct as usual on this blog.
There are several talented children on this season that perhaps will make it however, the Paul’s Susan’s and Jaime’s are “the beautiful people” who deserve the fame and fortune. Common every day folk who have a gift that they unselfishly share with the world. This is what it’s all about, unassuming and pure beauty…
Love you more than the sea has salt,
Bobi
May 4, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Sandy says
wish we had this show in Canada! Sue said to Simon that they were still best friends. If that has changed then Jamie was never a true friend as she should be totally happy and supportive.
Why should someone loose a huge opportunity from jealousy? Wouldnt Jamie have done the same thing, with Sue’s total support. I dont know the facts, but if not friends anymore then it’s a real shame.
btw, your comment Piers saying “your my kind of woman” for the burlesque act was one of my most favorite tv moments!
May 4, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Roger E. says
Piers,
Just as must be true for many, I have become fascinated by the emotion and drama of BGT from the clips on the net. This surprises me, in part because I don’t watch TV at all (don’t even own one), but I am riveted by the web clips so much that I have gone back to watching those from previous years.
The show is very well assembled (in particular, the sound mixing that blends the singers with the musical reprises is brilliantly done, e.g., Eva Cassidy’s “Over the Rainbow” after Connie Talbot’s audition). That being said, I also get the sense that the editing is not so much aimed at manipulating our emotions, but more to direct our attention — these true human-interest stories played out on your stage could be missed in the rush of other, seemingly more important, stories of the day.
I also get the feeling that your comments are very warm and well intentioned. I wanted to express my thanks for that and also to offer my thanks and congratulations for your perspective in this (very) cynical time.
I’ll keep watching from across the pond (and not just to see Amanda!)
Best regards,
May 4, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Debra says
Yes, I sat there crying for Jamie as well. You could see the agony on his face up there on stage and I really thought the comments that you and Simon Cowell made to him were really sensitive and touching. I truly wish Jamie all the best. I am also a believer in following one’s dreams…
Piers- pls read the email I wrote in the CONTACT section of this website. I’ve asked for it to be passed on to you. I have written a song especially for Susan Boyle, for her to make a “statement” to the world, to remind society that “true beauty always comes from deep within”.
I prayed that God would inspire me to write a beautiful and moving song and believe I have written such a song.
Please do me the honour of contacting me asap so I can get this song to her. Many thanks.
May 5, 2009 at 2:05 am
Cathy says
I have thought about my earlier comment on this thread and I feel I need to tell you I am sorry. I don’t have any way of knowing how many text messages you get or who they are about. I was basing that comment solely on my reaction to the videos of the show.
I am in the middle of the United States so I have to wait until they are available on U-tube to watch. My reaction to Jamie was one of depression. It was painful watching him. It seemed like his time singing was to short as to be able to really know how he sings. granted, maybe when he comes back for the Semi-finals he will have lost all that shyness and nervousness. but, if right now, today, he were to try and carry an entire packed audience on his own, it couldn’t happen. They would all need anti-depressants following it.
May 5, 2009 at 2:54 am
Dot says
Jamie has a nice voice, unfortunately I couldn’t understand a word he sang. Maybe it’s the Welsh accent that I’m not used to.
May 5, 2009 at 3:46 am
Tameas says
Jamie Pugh is awesome and can express emotions through his voice which is truly rare.
Susan Boyle is a great imitator, she sings the same as the song was recorded. She is good, and a roll model for many to strive and succeed no matter what the world says. What will her second song be? Will it be as good as the first or be a disaster of a choice?
Janine and Sue’s friendship would not have survived for long the pressure of ‘I gave it all up for you’. A true friend would have supported her choice not clung to her in the hope she could use her friend as a crutch to get stardom.
May 5, 2009 at 3:51 am
Centaux says
I am quite surprised that you say “I fear that the answer for many, in this celebrity-obsessed era, would be an unequivocal ‘yes’.” Your words about Sue is not fair enough and I do not think the two girls are really best mates. BGT is just a competition. Its entertaining part is much more than its talent part and going for the so-called “glory” does not conflict with continuing to be best friends. Do you really think that kind of “glory” means much to one’s life after all ? I really want to know your real thoughts. Thank you :).
May 5, 2009 at 6:14 am
Marianne says
Dear Piers,
I think both Susan and Jamie are very good but my vote would be for Susan. I did like Jamie’s performance but if it took him 3 days with no sleep to perform how could he ever perform like Susan or sing before the Queen.? Donnie Osmond had stage fright also but he conquered his fears.
The disappointment with Jamie’s audition was the way BGT staged the entrance of Jamie coming onto the stage with the looks on the judges faces. You would have thought God himself had walked into the room. I am very disappointed in the judges performance.
BGT needs to stop insulting the public. Simon had to know and set it up. Very disappointing. Susan got the opposite treatment from Simon. I hope BGT does better in the coming days. Please tell Simon to stop insulting the public. Susan deserves better from Simon.
United States
May 5, 2009 at 6:59 am
Viv says
I was happy for James… but hey… no one is comparable to Susan! She’s a sassy mama! Love her! Can’t wait til May 23! Any updates on that date?
May 5, 2009 at 11:04 am
Anna says
I am such a big fan of Susan Boyle! I watch her youtube video everyday. I’m sure that she will win Britain’s Got Talent. Piers, we like you as a judge. We love Susan and we love you too.
Sydney, Australia
May 5, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Kris Drum says
I agree although jamie had a lovely voice nothing can compare to Susan Boyle she was outstanding… I would say the outright winner of BGT and I really don’t think there will be any contenders.
May 5, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Adriana S. Iordanova says
Piers Morgan,
I give as a present to you these my verses:
“Say nothing, nothing and love me!
And pray the stillness never to come!
If it takes its place between us I know,
it will be the bitterest one.â€
©Adriana Spasova Iordanova
I wish you the Susan Boyle’s voice to feed your heart as long as possible. And if the stillness between you and her comes, let’s it be light.
I wish to have your frienship.
May 5, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Firefly555 says
The friends I have would be supportive enough to let me go on without them, and I, as well, would not let something as petty as jealousy ruin a friendship. I would be proud if my friend went on with or without me and she would know that no matter what happens on the road of life, she will always have a friend waiting for her.
That is the way it was for my best friend and I right up until she past away March 23,2009. A true friend remains in the heart forever.
Firefly
May 5, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Karen says
I don’t think Sue dumped a pal for fame, money and the chance to play at the Royal Variety Show. As a friend she should have been supportive. She should have told her to go for it. I would have.
The human saxophone sounded more like a human kazoo or Michael Jackson on Helium.
On a separate issue do you know what the music was that the hula hoop woman had on? It was really good.
May 5, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Mary Jo says
Mr. Morgan,
I could echo Roger E.’s comments above almost word for word. As far as Mr. Pugh goes, he has a nice voice, at least what we heard of it. I wondered why there was so much back story on him, until I realized it was needed to fill up the time for a very abbreviated performance of the original song.
Ms. Boyle can sing intimately (”Cry Me a River”, which you as a judge did not hear) but she can really belt out an inspirational song, which I fear Mr. Pugh could not. She sang to make people happy, and he sang to prove his courage, and both succeeded very well.
May 5, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Canadagirl says
Piers,
I’ve watched Jamie’s performance, as well as all the other supposedly “great” BGT acts, on YouTube and have to say that nothing touches Susan Boyle’s performance. She is amazing and the winner in my opinion! Her voice is “angelic” to use one of your descriptors. Looking forward to May 23 and wish we could see the entire show here in Canada.
By the way, any update on the date with Susan?
Wishing both you and Susan’s God’s guidance.
With the kindest regards from Canada,
Canadagirl
May 6, 2009 at 3:08 am
Marianne says
Piers,
Have you read in the Sun that Jamie has sang in public on the west End? Quite a story. If true he has lied to everyone including BGT.
May 6, 2009 at 3:21 am
Cathy says
Piers. I just watched a video of Jamie Pugh performing on a west end stage in 2006 singing “What A Wonderful World”…There was no shyness, no nervousness and he looks great in a tuxedo.
May 6, 2009 at 3:59 am
Marianne says
Dear Piers,
I just saw the video by the Sun of Jamie Pugh singing in the West End with a group and he was in a tuxedo and singing “What a Wonderful World.” This was in 2006.
This man has lied to everyone and in the video he was not scared. This man is a con artist and a liar and pretended to be scared to sing in front of an audience on BGT.
Others have seen the same video and are commenting on it on Jamie and Susan Boyle at YouTube. Jamie Pugh doesn’t deserve to win anything. He lied to the world. !!
May 6, 2009 at 4:32 am
julie Potter says
Hi Piers,
I have been a fan of yours for sometime..well, a fan of your writing to be honest. And i agree with most thing you write/say too. ( Except perhaps about Harry potter, but i won’t talk about it here!). But i think you got it wrong this time with this Sue and Janine issue. It was a tricky situation and there,perhaps, was no right or wrong choice. Its not like Sue went back and begged the judges to hear her again.. she was given an offer.. and very little time to make a decision..so she did what she felt was right. Of course both the girls wanted fame and recognition and what not.. else they won’t go on the show. And one just heppened to be better than the other! And she played very well too. And its obvious that to acheive that amount of perfection, she might have put in a lot of time and effort and dedication.She is a young woman who has used her time constructively. (as opposed to binge drinking and chasing footballers etc). And the results showed!
Now, if Janine is really a best friend, she should support Sue and encourage her. And i am sure Sue is having a bad time too, having made a difficult decision, now the whole world labelling her ”the girl who ditched her best mate for fame”. Many a times in life, we get blamed for not using the opportunities given to us. Now here is someone, who has worked very hard to get where she is now, but being made to feel bad about a decision bec it conflicted with her personal life. I live in New Zealand and have no access to UK papers, but i am sure the media will give her a bad time too.. all for believing in herself!
anyway, the show is great.. on you tube i mean! and keep up the good work! Thank you for such great entertainment!
Julie.
May 6, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Terri says
I cried!
May 6, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Carol says
One thing I love about these types of shows is that the incredible voices the world needs to hear are being found. Voices once hidden away in obscurity due to fear or simply the circumstances of life are being released to enrich the human spirit and fulfil the destinies for which they were created.
Humanity needs to hear the pure, flawless and expressive tones of Susan Boyle, the rich timbre of Paul Potts and the profound mix of strength and vulnerablity of Jamie Pugh.
Now that the chorus of public opinion has shouted the voice is more important than the ‘look’ perhaps more possessors of such extraordinary talent will hide their lights no longer.
May 6, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Julia says
Hi Piers,
Yes, Sue played very well, but you should ask her if she can play any of the Paganini Caprices. The piece she played was really enjoyable, but it didn’t look all that difficult for the violin…(i.e.) a lot of open G string stuff. Any serious violin student could play it.
I can’t wait to see Susan’s next performance, and I hope she is coping with the media hype surrounding her! That must be so distracting and overwhelming for her- I wish they would give her some peace.
May 6, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Catrina says
I wholeheartedly agree with Julie on the Sue situation…if she hadn’t taken the opportunity she would’ve gone on to wonder ‘what if’. If her friend is ditching her because she feels Sue doesn’t deserve it on her own, then she would ditch her for something else on down the road, because it proves it the friend is “all about her”. These are the kind of experiences in life that build character and friendships.
May 6, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Julia says
One more thing- being Canadian, I have no idea who Russell Brand is, but I wish the media would STOP reporting his reprehensible remarks about Susan.
May 6, 2009 at 8:21 pm
JUne says
Hey Piers you above all people should know what newsparers are like shame on the sun just trying to spoil things for jamie, he made me cry what a modest man lovely singer shame him and susan cannot win good luck to him I say especially after losing his wife my type of singer hope he does well in whatever the future holds for him
May 7, 2009 at 12:05 am
carmen says
Susan should be a sure winner!!! Forget the underdog, ugly duckling story…My aunt is completely blind and Susan’s singing gave her goosebumps!! We love her in Canada!!
May 7, 2009 at 1:00 am
Mary Jo says
I’m not as concerned about Mr. Pugh’s denial of his previous appearance, as I am about his singing at that time, which sounds off-key in several spots. I’m wondering if both his stage fright, and the short length of his selection, were due to fear that he wouldn’t be able to stay on pitch. All of Ms. Boyle’s resurrected performances and a cappela songs on TV interviews indicate that her notes remain true, even under the harassment of that vermin Savage.
May 7, 2009 at 2:38 am
Joan Perdue says
Yes, Jamie Pugh’s audition was touching to watch, and I enjoyed his performance. With some voice lessons, he could probably go far. But I still think Susan Boyle is the best act you’d had so far. Its a shame only one person can win. I think the saxaphone player, the young boy who sang Michael Jackson’s song, and the little boy who sang “Consider Yourself” from Oliver Twist were good enough to entertain the Queen too. But if only one can win, I hope it’s Susan. She’s waited a long time for her day in the sun, and she does have the voice of an angel.
May 7, 2009 at 5:39 am
euniceeleanor says
i cried so hard….
i love Jamie’s attitude, and him being so humbled and grateful with the standing ovation. That’s the best thing about British got talent. not only you will see those how dreams are made, but you can see the determination and great attitude of some of the winners. My fav past winner : George Sampson 
May 7, 2009 at 6:01 pm
GCA says
Hello Mr. Morgan,
I find the comments for your blog at times more entertaining than the post itself. I specially like the one about not being able to understand Mr. Pugh. English is my third language and I had no problem.
May 8, 2009 at 1:01 am
Ammie says
I think Susan is beautiful. I can’t understand why people say otherwise. I already have my TV set to tape Oprah on Monday. She is truly genuine.
May 8, 2009 at 1:01 am
Bernie says
Dear Piers,
I do appreciate your candid delivery of a point of view that is very fair indeed.
RE: Sue and Janine…..unfortunate that Janine and Sue are no longer friends. Sue’s error was teaming up with her best friend. Sue has talent and should have recognized her friends lack of talent…. call it inexperience and youth… I suspect as time goes by, and experience abounds, they will become friends again… at least it would be in Janine’s best interest… given her talent, she needs assistance and her friend Sue just might be the one to assist in the future.
kind regards
Bernie
May 8, 2009 at 1:58 am
Paulette Reed says
Mr. Piers ,
On Jamie his wife was there that night with him He must be on wife #2. He ok But our Susan is World Greatest we had since old blue eyes in USA.
If you dont pick her We in America will be glad to Claim her.
May 8, 2009 at 3:24 am
Anne says
Re Jamie Pugh. The Sun is a rag. Find a way to get rid of the negative spin around JP’s so-called “performance in the West End.” Looks to me like a bunch of guys in hired tuxes got chance to stand on a stage together. No biggie. These “reports” are gutter-press crapola. An old bully trick: to build up one, trash the other.
PM, AH, and SC can see through it–I hope!
Going solo on BGT is an entirely different arena/challenge. JP did not lie–he’s never gone solo in an audition in front of a huge audience. So I don’t hold any prior “performances” against JP any more than I hold the tapes/videos that have emerged around SB against her, or Julian Smith’s gigs against him. These singers/musicians have moved audiences to tears. They are the real thing–quite different, each beautiful.
You guys at BGT should issue some kind of statement that you sand behind JP–and any other contestants who have previously performed–regardless of the venue.
May 8, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Ammie says
OMG! I read one of the comments above that mentioned a video of Jamie Pugh on the Sun website. So, I quickly found it. That’s a solo if I ever saw one. And, not a good one for that matter. My partner is a therapist and before Jamie’s lie had been exposed, she said, “That man is over acting his stage fright. That is not how someone with anxiety acts. Someone with anxiety tries to hide it, not display it.” She was absolutely right. Well, I for one am very glad that I did not shed a tear for this man.
May 8, 2009 at 2:30 pm
mary says
I agree with Ammie’s comment above. Jamie Pugh was over acting his stage fright to get sympathy vote. This is a talent contest, not a sympathy contest. I really don’t like this kind of act.
May 8, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Digital Mischief says
I was happy for Jamie, it must have been so difficult to get up in front of a large audience. While Jamie has a lovely voice, he wasn’t comfortable. Susan, on the other hand, connected with the audience and had a good time. I don’t feel just having talent is enough, you have to connect with your audience. Susan gets my vote every time. So I’m rooting for her.
I had no desire to re-watched Jamie’s video, but re-watch Susan’s every few days. It’s uplifting.
Patrish (Florida)
May 8, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Cathy says
I get really upset over those who compare Jamie and Susan. There is no comparison whatsoever. Susan didn’t stand up there and lie to anyone. Nor did she act all shy and nervous. She was just a woman with a great personality who opened her mouth and gave us the gift of hearing what came out. Anyone who thinks that performance Jamie did on stage at the west end wasn’t a solo then you haven’t really watched it. It was a solo except for the last few seconds where he was joined by the other 6 guys. It was also a bad solo. From the first note he was off key many times. But one thing he wasn’t was nervous, shy or suffering horrible stage freight.
But as for who wins BGT. It doesn’t even matter. Susan Boyle has been made with one 7 min performance. Win, lose or draw she still walks away the big star.
May 8, 2009 at 4:24 pm
mary says
well writen, Cathy. There is no comaprison between Jamie and Susan. Don’t compare. Susan Boyle is the best. I can’t wait to hear her next performance and buy her CD.
May 8, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Anne says
See this from woodselpen on YouTube:
Quote:
“He’s not fake. He’s got the lowest self-esteem I’ve seen in a long time. And I’m a doctor. His affect and body language speak volumes. No-one could fake that.
As for his voice - it’s quite good. I’ve heard better voices, technically speaking, but the raw emotion he manages to infuse, even though he’s terribly nervous, … that’s talent.”
Watch the whole thing: the pre-performance interview, his shambolic exit from the stage, his post-performance talk. Pay particular attention to the way he cradles his his head from back to front and cries. NO ONE can fake that. I’m not a doc, but I was an actress and director. He’s not over-acting–if anything, he’s UNABLE to “act.” One of the hallmarks of a stage rookie is not knowing what to do with your hands–jamming them in your pockets is a hallmark of inexperience, a classic sign of total insecurity, stage fright, and self-protection. Lifting his hands out of his pockets–which Jamie does very slowly: first one, then the other, then the tiny clasping, slight cupping–is a huge, and courageous, step for him.
So here’s my message to Jamie Pugh:
From a Mum with one on earth and two in heaven: those of us out here who have had crippling sorrow in our lives send you blessings from our hearts–you sing the song we wish we could sing, in the voice we wish we could have, for the ones we cannot have back.
Godspeed, and sing forever, both Jamie Pugh and Susan Boyle. Britain indeed has got talent.
May 8, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Paulette Reed says
Mr.Piers,
I look here on your page and found nothing about a dinner you said u were taking Susan out to Dinner 
Well did you?? 
Greetings from USA, we hear that our Susan going to be on Oprah on Monday I pray that Mr. Simon with her
and watch out for her.
We here in USA, we;ll,hit the uTube to hear BGT,:)
Its a great show. God Bless Susan and wish her luck with Oprah. she was on american tV again today her tape from the you tube.
She great.
May 9, 2009 at 2:36 am
Marianne says
Yes Cathy,
You are definitely right. Susan does connect with the audience and can belt out a song. I have worked for over 31 years in the mental health field and Jamie is not as petrified as he has pretended on BGT. I also saw the video on Sun that showed Jamie in the 2006 performnance. He sang solo until the last few minutes when the other men joined him. Most of the video was Jamie singing off key and rather pathetic. And he wasn’t nervous as he pretended on BGT. Anyone can play the sympathy card.
In the semi-finals it will show up who can sing for more than 3 minutes and connect to the audience and belt out a song. I think Susan is a natural becomes it comes so easy for her and she doesn’t have stage fight. If Britain doesn’t want Susan the United States will gladly take Susan in a New York minute.
United States
May 9, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Carol says
When I watched that clip of Jamie in a previous performance it confirmed to me that his stage fright is genuine. He’s an absolute mess in the solo - you can see his nerves and hear how that affects his singing. It must have been extremely hard for him to even contemplate going on stage again at all after that - let alone solo and in front of such a huge audience both live and TV.
Full credit to him. His BGT performance was heartfelt, genuine and his voice, exquisite. At the very least I hope he is recorded so that his voice can be shared with the world for many years to come.
May 10, 2009 at 3:28 am
Lucky8 says
Susan Boyle has an even amazing, great voice like an angel. I, from the very 1st day seen her U tube until today played her 1st audition “I Dreamed A Dream” all over and over again. And I still had goosebumps and tears to hear her sang confidently and beautifully. And at the same time had a good laugh too when she’s so humorous doing her hip dancing and raising her arms in triumph after the 3 judges gave the 3 yeses!!!. What an angelic voice! She had guts and poised too. I had seen her video clip 1999 which she sang, “Cry Me A River”. It was so touching and again I cried. I also heard her other songs in the video clips taken in 1984 “I dont know how to love him”, “Killing me softly” and “Just the way we were”. She sang acapella without music accompanying in Larry King “live”, “My heart must go on”. It was amazing! She had an angelic voice. She really loved singing. All the songs she sang was so genuine and soothing to our ears and enlighten our hearts too. It’s clear that she is to be declared the winner of BGT 2009 soon and sing infront of the Queen and cut albums after albums where we fans just cant wait to buy them. Jamie in his own words, “3 days before the audition he was wrecked nervous, he cant sleep, he cant sing, he’s not a star” - I agreed how can he perform infront of the Queen when the “Big” show comes. I dont shed a tear in his audition and I only listened once. To ALL SCOTTISH YE NICE PEOPLE OF SCOTLAND: Susan Boyle needs your vote. COME OUT in FULL FORCE to VOTE for HER in the SEMI-FINAL AUDITIONS right up to the FINAL AUDITIONS. Pass words around and tell all your friends to vote for her. Don’t just pay lip service and take for granted that she will win. It’s a very dangerous game if you do take for granted. You’ll regret later if she doesn’t win. But it will be too late as the saying goes “Dont Cry Over Spilt Milk”. It’s a pride of your country, her pride and your pride too if she wins. Good Luck Susan in your semi-final on 23.5.2009 We know you can make it even better and are prepared. You gutsy lady. We love you. God bless.
May 10, 2009 at 11:32 pm
cimberly says
HELLO. WHAT FUN THIS SHOW IS.I HAD NO IDEA IT WAS EXISTING.NOW THE GAL REALLY DID NOT DITCH HER “FRIEND” .SHE MERELY ,UPON A CHANCE AND A SUGGESTION TO FURTHER HER TALENT,PLAYED AGAIN SOLO.SHE REALLY DIDN’T PICK THE FRIENDSHIP TO END.MORE AS ONE COULD THINK THAT SHE WOULD STILL BE THE SAME FRIEND,SEPERATELY ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON”.MANY PEOPLE IN BUSINESS MAKE CHANGES.THIS DOESN’T STOP FRIENDSHIP.THE OTHER GIRL MAY BE HURT AND PROBABLY HAVE HER PANTIES IN A BUNCH AT THIS POINT.MAYBE NOT..THE GIRL THAT CARRIED ON,WOW,SHE FEELS HURT AND HAPPY. HOW ABOUT YOU GUYS SEND THE KEY BOARDER A BASKET OF SOMETHING.LIFE IS TO SHORT FOR THIS.YOU REALLY ARE GREAT JUDGES.SIMON,HE IS IN HIS ELIMENT.THE NASTY SIMON CRAP IS ONLY A FRONT.TRUTH BE TOLD,I’D NEVER GO ON ANY SHOW AND PUT MYSELF IN A POSITION TO GET BLATENLY LAUGHED AT FOR TALENTS I DON’T HAVE.ITS FUN TO SEE YOU TRY AT THINGS THOUGH AND YOU DO VERY WELL PIERS,FOR THE MOST PART.I AM NOT A JUDGE EITHER.SO ITS TIME FOR ME TO GO.HAVE A NICE DAY. BLESS YOU ALL. CIMBERLY OH JAMIE, WELL HECK I AM FULL OF NERVES.SOMETIMES IT SHOWS AND SOMETIMES NOT.EVEN DOING AND GOING TO THE SAME PLACES.STOP ALL THE WRITERS COMPLAINING OVER HERE OR THERE.UNLESS YOUR BUTTS UP ON THE STAGE.
May 11, 2009 at 4:20 am
Cathy says
You know, it’s a talent show, not a “who seemed the most genuine and who do I feel the most sorry for, contest.” I am in the states but I must say Britian certainly does have talent.
“There’s something about Susan” (Pity that movie title has already been taken. Well, close anyway). I don’t even know if it can be described. Something extremely unique that seems a step above anything I have ever heard before. I’m not saying others aren’t good, because this show is full of talent. It’s just that with her you are moved to listen over and over and over again. She literally (not just a figure of speech) sends chills down your spine and arms.
I just watched episode 5 on u-tube and a couple of them blew me away. That Greg guy is fantastic! I would pay to go see him in a minute. And honestly I thought that kid, Shaun Smith, was also really good. I have a feeling these 2 guys will conquer the young votes of Britian. It does tighten things up for Susan. Partly because so many of us who love her cannot vote. We are just waiting for this competition to end so she can make CDs or do live performances or whatever it is she will do.
As far as this competition I think Jamie is a non issue. I really don’t understand why his song was so abbreviated? Long before the SUN video surfaced I thought he was as fake as a 3 dollar bill. He was crying way to hard when there were no tears.I also understand that is only my opinion and everyone else has theirs. The best I have seen thus far is Susan, Flawless, Greg, Shaun. If voting was right now and I could vote, Susan would have me. If we had never heard her, my vote would go to Greg. Wait, no it wouldn’t, because if not for her, I would know nothing of these other acts.
Can’t wait to see who turns up during the next two shows.
Oh and Piers you are my favorite judge. I don’t understand why Amanda said the things she did to that Shaun kid. He was pretty darn good. He will have those teenage girls drooling all over themselves.
May 12, 2009 at 2:05 am
Steve says
Jamie, was one of those rare moments on the small screen one gets to witness, but it seems Britain’s Got Talent is able to capture such events more than any other reality or entertainment media I’ve seen in a a good while. Now since becoming hooked on this show, or rather what segments are available off of Youtube, I’ve sampled the various flavors (America, Europe, Australia), but I’m keep being drawn back the BGT. For two simple reasons (a) Regular decent folk, some with hidden talents, others as wacky as that uncle or aunt you have to deal with at family gatherings, just regular nice people. (b) The judges and hosts, honestly on a higher caliber than on the other versions. Combine all this and it just works. You can’t replicate it to the same degree in my opinion.
May 13, 2009 at 3:48 am
Sara Nealy says
I love your show-BGT! It’s the best show I’ve watched in at least 20 years. And most of all, I love SUSAN! I can.t adequately put it into words. There is this hauntingly addictive quality to her voice, and the sincerity of emotions!- it’s awesome! Every time I get close to my computer, I have to stop to listen to SUSAN. She is surely the winner. If not, I will be too disappointed to watch BGT again, I will fear. I will surely buy her cd’s and video’s. Just can’t wait. Love you too, Piers. Am now an zanxious watcher of BGT.
May 13, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Bob Richards says
Wow ! US sports writers are getting into the act comparing a certain Pro Team to Susan Boyle ! I guess they mean the team is exceeding expectatons.
USA Today: Detroit Lions may be Susan Boyle of NFL
Consder…with this type of icon status being created do you British people comprehend how many gazillion CD’s she’s going to sell ? Word of advice, im not advocating a vote for her if she truly flops out but if indeed she holds her own with the best of the other talent you might want to consider giving her the nod and voting for her to win….im sure you don’t want to stand in the way of what should have been her destiny.
May 13, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Stan says
To be fair, on the Sue’s dilemma, I believe it would be rather unfair of the friend to not give her friend the chance for success. What kind of friend doesn’t want his or her friend to gain success? It’s not like she lost anything..
May 29, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Joe T says
I don’t think you can compare Jamie with Susan. Yes, they both come from ordinary backgrounds and both seem to be unassuming but the similarity stops there.
Susan WOWS you into listening. Her soaring voice and the pathos it contains brings a shiver to my spine.
What you see is what you get and how wonderfully refreshing that is.
Jamie Pugh on the other hand, DEMANDS that you listen to him. The emotion which pours from that soulful voice makes you listen. It’s as though you can SEE the sadness that is beyond his face. You can read the pain behind his eyes.
May 30, 2009 at 7:30 am
Jill says
I think the question “would you dump your friend for fame and fortune?” is a little unfair. It kinda makes Sue out to be a fame seeking b***h who would step on anyone to get some limelight, which i don’t agree with. As Amanda said on the night - What kind of friend was she that she doesn’t support Sue? I know if my best friend was offered a place and i wasn’t I would still be there in the front row cheering her on. Thats what friendship is about not envying your best friends success but rejoicing it.
June 8, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Raluca Victoria says
“would you dump a pal for fame, money and the chance to play at the Royal Variety Show?
I fear that the answer for many, in this celebrity-obsessed era, would be an unequivocal ‘yes’.”
A pal for me it’s just a person who I know, who I talk to from time to time, play with and so on. A best friend is someone who helps me when I don’t ask, yet I need help, someone who cries with me, laughs with me and tells me that there’s no star out of reach, someone who FEELS when I’m not ok etc.
Basically my answer is obvious: YES. I can give up on a pal anytime, anyplace. But in what concerns a best friend : I would die for them anytime, anyplace. If they weren’t around me, I wouldn’t be here today..
In Sue’s case: her best friend was no friend at all, just an envious selfish person who she had around. A real friend would support you in such situations and just say “forget about me.. I’ll be cheering for you from the 1st ROW!!!”
Raluca, 20, Romania, Student
June 19, 2009 at 12:08 am
Ellen USA says
I have just read all of these Blogs.
I have listened to Susan and Jamie…I feel Jamie sang from his heart. and so many have given there opinions on him…
How many of you could get up in front of 3,000 people and sing. I know pain as I have lost a Husband and Daughter…. Its so easy to say things about someone when you haven’t gone through any of this. I hope Jamie will make a C.D in time. and someone out there will have faith in him and help him with his singing, as so many people care about him. Susan didn’t do as well the second time either..
She started out not so good. But I love her voice and talent, and smiles.
I think with Jamie , going through three nights of no sleep when he got done singing and everyone got to there feet and applauded him.. All the emotions all came out. Yes it is scaring looking out when your scared to death as it is.
I’m glad he has a Family that belives in him.
I have played his song over and over again.
He will sing again.. Please be kind to others and not so critical, until your standing in those shoes.
I felt the Judges were very kind the first time he sang… because it was from his heart. He does have a wonderful voice , and once he gets over being so afraid .. you’ll hear something wonderful , alot of singers don’t make it the first time. but they keep trying, Don’t give up Jamie , The Best is yet to come..
God Bless you and your Family
July 12, 2009 at 2:51 pm
bluewren says
I just finished looking at all the final contestants
for BGT for the first time I saw them all Jamie Pugh has a very nice voice.All the rest were good too.Then Susan, heck she was so much better than any of them the professional ease the powerful rounded beauty of her voice to my amazement I could feel the hairs on my neck start to stand up again and I almost wanted to cry ,again, and I still cannot explain exactly why it was so. It just was.She is a gift alright.
October 4, 2009 at 9:25 am
jade says
yo piers can i sign up for britans got talent?☆○☆◎