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Live Blog - Semi Final 5

Fri, 30 May 2008 20:00:25 GMT

How do you fancy one more semi final?

Tonights's acts are:

Caberlesque
Anya Sparks
Craig Harper
Diva Las Vegas
Per Diem
Escala

Madonna

and Nemesis!

Caburlesque are up first and during their first audition they promised something sexier and much cheekier... Let's see what they have to offer eh?

All of the girls step out in huge ballgowns and as Get The Party Started plays out, they rip them off to reveal tiny pants and black stockings! It's a true homage to old fashioned burlesque as the dance routine is risque but classy - well done girls! Piers and Amanda loved it, they both agree that it was just the right amount of sauce. Sadly, Simon wasn't impressed and literally wanted to see more. "I don't think you will get through to the final with that performance. I didn't see personality and I expected more". Easy Tiger!

I tell you what, you can always count on a reality TV show to contradict a point can't you. Madonna is up next and during her VT she tells the audience that she doesn't want people to think she's begging for sympathy (as she's performing for her children and to support her family in the Philipines). Then... as she belts out Greatest Love Of All by Whitney Houston the producers flash up a photo of her children on the big screens! Talk about gooey! - It's annoying because it's not Madonna making a mountain out of a molehill, did anyone from the show listen to her VT? Piers commends her on her vocal and thinks her transformation is amazing and Amanda tells her not to worry about crying, "you make me week buckets every week". With great comments it's easy to think she may have a place in the final, but Simon doesn't want to patronise her... "I'm sorry but this is not Britain's saddest story, it's Britain's Got Talent and I don't think that your vocal or your performance was enough to win". Ouch!

Poor Madonna, she didn't blow me away but I think that's a bit harsh!

I have to ask... Dec's just said that Anya Sparks is a part time dancer. Where on earth is she a part time dancer? I thought she danced in her living room when she was cleaning? Her VT runs and Simon is the first to say that this could be the worst performance ever... Anya hits the stage with four half naked escorts and she rocks away to Crazy In Love in blue sequins - She can't be that bad, the judges don't buzz her at all! Piers says, "for the sheer entertainment factor that was fantastic". Amanda wishes her luck and thinks she's scrubbed up well and Simon, well he thinks the other two are on anothr planet! "The winner of this show will perform infront of Prince Charles, do you really think he wants to see that!" The audience boo Simon and chant for Anya to make the final, they've obviously fallen for her personality. I don't think she'll make the final but she's great fun.

I liked Craig Harper's first audition, but this time around I was a little dissapointed. I thought the Boyzone send up was so original and I was expecting more than a Shirley Bassey impersonation tonight. DOn't get me wrong it was still fun and I know he's worked so hard over the years, but the tears and speech at the end sent me over the edge. It was too much! I'm sure he was sincere, but it just didn't feel right to me and it was all a bit desperate. I agree with Simon that Craig has the likeability factor and he's a wonderful guy, but his speech was so OTT. I wish he'd just said nothing and let his act do the talking.

Mmmm... Like Craig before them, Diva Las Vegas were a bit of a let down too. During their first audition all of the girls were changing clothes, dancing and singing. This time it's more of a single quick change for the lead vocal. It's like they've taken it too seriously and lost that fun, camp element. Piers buzzes them and is not impressed with the lead singers performance, "you're not very good. We've had another act on tonight that danced in a similar way but were much more sexy". Amanda enjoyed it and Simon is the first to commend them for their efforts. "Tonight you really tried to put on a show. This really is as good as it gets though, I don't think you'll get to perform infront of Prince Charles". I agree Simon, but it's up to the public!

Okay. I have a problem and it's big! If you ask me, there aren't too many big hitters in this semi-final (compared to other nights) and I find myself wondering if Flava would have made it through had they been competing tonight? Nemesis have just performed and they were great, but I feel like they've been short changed as they're bound to be compared to Flava by the public. Amanda tries to squash any comparisons, "we had an act like this in the week, but you're better!" Whereas Simon gushes, "finally we come back to earth. We've had the past and that was a glimpse at the future. It was fantastic!" - Fair enough they were good, but I prefer Flava. They have more personality in their routines.

GOD I'M SO ANNOYED! Simon and Amanda have just buzzed Per Diem and they didn't deserve it at all! Fair enough they were nervous and there were a couple of bum notes, but they're far better than some of the acts we've seen.

It's no wonder the boys are annoyed (and obviously upset) when they get two buzzes. Especially when you consider that Anya Sparks didn't get one. These scouse lads have talent and Amanda and Simon just put them off even more with their stupid buzzers! The best line of the night came from a member of the audience... When Amanda said Per Diem were off key and their voices grated on her, a member of the audience shouted to Per Diem "YOU SHOULD HAVE TOOK YOUR TOPS OFF!" Well said I say, Amanda didn't reply (wonder why?) - If you ask me, you judges need to draw a line as to when you buzz and when you don't. You can't buzz talent and then twiddle your thumbs watching twoddle! - Sadly, Per Diem may not have done themselves any favours. I know they were upset by being buzzed, but they came across as rather sulky during the interview and that's not the way to win votes.

I love this tune! Escala are performing Live And Let Die and it's a great choice of song to showcase their talent. The melody is slow to start, so they have a chance to show off the breadth of tone their instruments have and then the beat speeds up and they can demonstrate their skillful bow work - Ladies, you could be the dark horse here. The judges stand and are applauding as they finish... Piers is convinced that they are a hot tip for the final. "You're beautiful and talented. The bookies will be ripping up the odds as you three could win this!"

RESULTS TIME...

THROUGH TO THE FINAL IS:

ESCALA!

THROUGH TO THE JOICES CHOICE ARE:

CRAIG HARPER AND NEMESIS!

Piers finds it difficult to choose... Nemesis are an act of the future and Craig has worked for this all his life - He goes with Nemesis.

Amanda admits to being more traditional and opts for Craig.

I can't believe how long Simon drags it out but after letting both acts think he's going to vote for them, he goes with his head and chooses Nemesis! He might as well have just tortured Craig - It was so unfair!

Do you think the right acts went through to the final?

Leave your comments...

Hope you've enjoyed tonight's blog x

Join me tomorrow at 18.50 for the final!

Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
MSN Reality TV Blogger

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Live Blog - Semi Final 4

Thu, 29 May 2008 19:23:44 GMT

Are you ready?

Who will make it through tonight?

The eight semi-finalists are:

James Stone

Charlie Wernham

The Harlequin Dancers

Andrew Muir

Visage

Jeremy Lynch

Boogie Babes

and Faryl Smith

My money is on Faryl tonight, but I think it's anyones game for the second spot.

James Stone has always been a cabaret singer and he's paid his dues in working mens clubs and bingo halls all his life. Tonight he's singing You Can Leave Your Hat On and I'm impressed. He works the crowd like a pro and I'm thankful that he's floored the song, because it's one of my personal favourites. I still can't believe how old he is, he doesn't look it!

Piers snipes that James is cheesy, but adds that he likes cheesy. Amanda says she relaxes everytime he's on stage and thinks he's gorgeous (she's a fan of his snake hips). Finally Simon surprises us all... "I thought we had made a mistake putting you through to the semi-final, but I changed my mind tonight. We did the right thing. You have agreat voice and a great talent, I think you have ended up in the bingo halls because of bad luck and bad decisions - maybe THAT performance can change your life! James is touched and begins to fill up...

Charlie Wernham is up next and much as he's a great kid, I'm not a fan of 'child stand up'. Nevertheless, he's full of confidence and at just thirteen he's a star! He really has great timing and funny bones, bless him. The judges all agree that the jokes are terrible, Simon thinks they're like Christmas cracker quips and Amanda says they're awful - They all love Charlie though! Ant and Dec pipe up, "so they like you Charlie, but they're not keen on your material!" As always Charlie shoots from the hip, "well as long as it's enough to get me through to the final". Mmmm... I'm not sure.

Time for the Harlequins! - These girls are all fantastic dancers and they give it their all, but it's all too Michael Flatley for me! The routine was polished and foot perfect, it made the judges sit up and take notice. Piers thinks he's just seen the best dance group and Simon agrees that hey didn't put a foot wrong. Could they make it through to the final?

Oh no! I was really looking forward to Andrew Muir's performance, but I don't like his song choice. You can't say this guy can't sing though - he's fantastic and his tone is unique. I'm a big fan! Andrew is obviously loving it and hopes that the audience enjoyed it too, "that was amazing and like nothing I've done before". Simon agrees with me about the song choice, but is bowled over by the vocals. Piers compares Andrew to last years winner, "you're a plumber from Scotland and you walk on the stage and sing like that, I felt a Paul Potts moment". Amanda thinks his voice is super-sexy and although she wants to sack the stylist, they can always work on the clothes! Andrew could be heading for the final...

Take 16 girls aged between 8 and 12 who are more than over excited about tonight's performance and you have The Boogie Babes! I really like these girls. The difference between this dance group and the others is that they have the fun factor. The outfits are genius and the music is spot on (well you can't beat a bit of queen can you!) - Simon and I are two peas tonight, he agrees that their personality matched their performance and thought it was great!

Naughty Visage! Forwarned is forarmed and the judges told them not to sing. The VT shows them debating if they should or shouldn't and they decide to sing and be true to the act and their audience. Wrong choice guys! They're buzzed by all three judges before the end of their act and Piers just can't hold his tongue... He's livid! "I think it was arrogant of you to come out and sing when we advised you not to. It was professional suicide! We said at the first audition that we loved the quick change, but you haven't listened". Amanda is fuming, as she didn't press her buzzer Simon did. She's more forgiving than Piers though, "it was a gamble that didn't pay off and that's all there is to it". Simon has no sympathy at all, "I thought the singing was worse!"

Cool! Jeremy Lynch is up next and I loved his act during tha auditions. The one fear here is dropping the ball and as he's added so many new tricks to his routine, he slips up twice. Piers and Simon both buzz on the second drop, but Amanda thinks it's unecessary... "It's easy to buzz when you drop the ball, but they should concentrate on the entertainment factor and I was entertained by that". Simon hasn't written him off completely though, "the thing about you is that you're a showman and that's where the appeal is. Unfortunately dropping the ball twice is like forgeting your words". Simon said earlier that the skill level of this guy is through the roof, perhaps he should remember that!

Finally we have Faryl Smith. This 12 year old girl blows me away with her vocals, but I know you're all going to hate me when I say it's a boring song choice. I agree with Simon that there's much more to come. She has such a mature tone to her voice and the judges just can't stop gushing. Simon says she's one in a million and is super-super-special. Amanda agrees and states that she'll kiss Piers on the mouth if Faryl doesn't make the final (she's tha convinced she will!)

Personally, I hope that Faryl makes the final, but I'm not sure if I'd like her to win. I'm AM sure there will be plenty of comments to tell me I'm talking out my hat, but I've had enough of the opera lark. I can't help it, I just find myself rolling my eyes! Paul Potts touched my heart last year and that was a real TV moment. But we've had an opera singer now, I'd like to see an original or physical 'talent' take the crown this year.

When asked about tonight's talent, Piers doesn't think they reached the same level as yesterday. "George's performance was so emotional yesterday, I don't think we got there... But the talent was fantastic tonight".

THE RESULTS ARE IN...

THROUGH TO THE FINAL IS:

FARYL SMITH!!!

AND THROUGH TO THE JUDGES CHOICE IS:

ANDREW MUIR AND JEREMY LYNCH

Simon doesn't need to vote as both Piers and Amanda vote for Andrew Muir. They both agree that dropping the ball has to be compared to losing your words and that can't be forgiven - sorry Jeremy. When Ant and Dec push, Simon reveals that he was going to vote for Andrew too, "with the right song!" Andrew is overjoyed and Faryl can't stop smiling!

Do you think the right acts made the final?
Leave your comments...

Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
MSN Reality TV Blogger

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Live Blog - Semi Final 3

Wed, 28 May 2008 18:57:37 GMT

Here we go... I wonder if there will be any mention of Flava? - In a word NO! Not a word...

I can't believe who they're pitting against each other tonight. It's gonna be so tough to just pick two acts out of this lot. I just hope breakdancer George Sampson pulls the hat out of the bag! My money's on him and Charlie Green, but it could be anyones game after last night's fiasco!

Here's who's up for the chop:

Irresistable
Strike!
Mary Halford March
The Deans Of Magic
Charlie Green
Hoop La La
Charlie Green
George Sampson

First up are Irresistable and although it's a good song choice, it's a little predictable. They perform Christina Aguilera's Candyman and the vocals are fantastic, but the problem is that it's just like any other female harmony group. The highlight of the performance was when part of their uniforms came off and Simon's eyes nearly popped out. The judges enjoyed it none the less, "I though that was brilliant!" - Piers believes these girls can aid troop morale abroad and I agree! Amanda tells the girls that Simon will be removing the Do Not Disturb sign from his door tonight. Simon replies, "well you told me to put it up!" The girls are blushing and so is Amanda...

Now that the men have been satisfied, it's our turn! Here's Strike! The boys punch and kick their way through a two minute routine and it's obvious that they've been working out and have really thought about how to make their act more entertaining. Every move coincides with a sound effect or beat and as the boys rip off their tops, I'm sold! Amanda is hypnotised by the pecks and pouncing ...and I was too for a sec!

I'm surprised by the judges comments. I was expecting them to be harsh and I didn't think they'd get it, but Simon says it's one of his favourite acts so far. Piers and Amanda tip the pair for the final - Great job lads! - Simon commends them both, "I know you have thought about how to make this act better!" Amanda can't help herself! "Yeah, you can take your bottoms off next time!" Love it!

Next up is the Mary Halford March and as much as I thought their first audition was sweet, this is a little bit sickly. They perform to Reet Petite in pink sequins with their best smiles, but both Piers and Simon buzz them. The girls (and one boy) look stunned by the buzzing and it seems to put them off, I feel for these little ones - I really do! As they complete their routine, Piers is considerate of their feelings. He explains that he buzzed them because they weren't as good as some of the other dance acts, but it's obvious that they have talent and have worked SO hard. Simon nods and blames Mary Halford's choreography... "I really liked you lot, maybe we'll have to call you something else next year". Ouch! I don't think Mary will be happy with that!

Oh my God! We have just had our first 'three buzzer' moment! The Deans Of Magic received three buzzes from the judges before their act had climaxed. Obviously unimpressed, they advise the judges that the best was still to come. "Magic needs a build up to create atmosphere and the spectacular part was in the final part". Piers questions the fact that they refer to their act as a 'spectacular', can you say ego? Amanda's not having it at all, "last time Simon refered to this as 'readers wives'... I think it's more keys in the fruitbowl!" Piers agrees, "it was the most boring thing I've seen". Mmmm... I guess that's bye bye then!

Poor Charlie Green! My heart goes out to him. He's such a sweetheart, that he sings a song written by a friend of his dad. Unfortunately the judges hate it and Charlie looks devastated! What a risk to take eh? Surely someone should have warned him! Both Piers and Amanda didn't get the song at all, but agree that Charlie was fabulous in his first audition. Simon is annoyed and admits that he was worried about this in rehearsals... "I think you are fantastic and you're a ten, but that song was a two! Last time you sang one of my favourite songs, Summer Wind and I want to hear you singing songs like that". Simon rallies the voters, "I loved you though, I want to see you in the final!"

Woohoo! Go on ladies! The Urban Gypsies are on and boy are they shaking everything they've got to Shakira's Hips Don't Lie. I'm clapping away, but Piers buzzes the bellydancers almost immediately. "Come on ladies, I can understand why those of Simon's generation would find that entertaining, but it just didn't do it for me". The girls are not taking this lying down... "Piers, I'm only thirty five, half of us are younger than you!" Amanda giggles, "I disagree completely, it was really fun and energetic. I'm glad the girls are abundantly free!" Simon sides with Amanda, "we asked you to put on a better performance and you did. I think what Piers said is condescending. He's insulted half the country. If you ask me, I'd like to see those pups in the final!" The crowd erupt - Well said Simon!

I don't want to admit it, but I think I'm as enthusiastic about Hoop La La as Amanda is! I love these guys, they're camp as Christmas and so much fun. It's obvious they love what they do! They've obviously worked on their act to try and impress Simon (who hated them last time) - It worked as Simon admits, "you've won me round! It was all wrong, but it's right. I don't know what it is. It was fantastic!" Piers seems fuddled by Simon's change of heart, but Amanda isn't... "I love you three. This is my favourite act of all!" Could Hoop La La snatch it from Charlie Green?

Here's my boy!

GO ON GEORGE SAMPSON!

George starts to dance and unlike his normal urban groove, it's an homage to Singing In The Rain. He combines a classic movie tune with hip-hop steps and when he throws his hat across the stage like Gene Kelly, I'm hooked! The crowd are on their feet as he spins on his head, then they explode when he pops an umbrella and rain falls onto the stage. George is dancing in the rain and you can tell he's dancing for his life out there - He's shattered by the end, talk about giving your all. Love him, just love him! I want to watch it again...

As George dries his head with a towel, Piers says he wasn't just dancing... he was winning the competition! Amanda is in floods and admits she never thought she could cry at an act like this. "You could tell you were dancing for your life George. It was bloody brilliant!" Simon literally gushes, "when I watch the video and see how much this means to you and how hard you're willing to work... You can see how much it means to you and your mum. What can I say, you get my vote - it was fantastic!"

Ant and Dec ask George about his long wait to get here... "It was worth every second. It doesn't get any better than that. That was my best performance ever and I'll be thinking about it for years!" He's so humble, bless him!

IT'S RESULTS TIME!

THE ACT WITH THE HIGHEST VOTE IS:

GEORGE SAMPSON!!!! YES! YES! YES!

(There's my favourite through to the final!)

THROUGH TO THE JUDGES CHOICE ARE:

CHARLIE GREEN AND STRIKE!

(Strike are a surprise aren't they?)

Simon believes that Charlie was hindered by his song tonight, but he loves Strike's individuality - He opts for Charlie. In a shocking twist, both Piers and Amanda vote for Strike! Charlie Green is out, I didn't see that coming did you? I thought it would be Hoop La La.

Well I'm happy guys...

What a great show!

Has your favourite made it through yet?
Leave your comments...

Selena x

Selena Ledgerton Cooper
MSN Reality TV Blogger

Visit the home of Britain's Got Talent

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