Gravesham singer Sydnie Christmas through to Britain’s Got Talent final after standing ovation
Published: 14:18, 30 May 2024
Updated: 18:03, 02 June 2024
A singer who hasn’t yet had her “big break” is preparing for tonight’s live final of Britain’s Got Talent.
Sydnie Christmas, from Gravesham, received a standing ovation from all four judges after her performance earlier this week.
The 28-year-old appeared in the live semi-finals of the ITV show on Wednesday and received the most votes from the public.
Simon Cowell described her powerhouse rendition of Frank Sinatra’s My Way as an “11 out of 10”.
“I was honestly thinking as you were performing, if it wasn’t for people like you, I wouldn’t bother making this show, seriously,” he said.
Sydnie has received overwhelming support from friends, family and local residents throughout her journey.
A banner has been put up along Whitepost Lane in Culverstone Green which says: “Vote local – Vote Sydnie #BritainsGotTalent.”
The Railway Inn in Sole Street posted a picture on their Facebook page of the singer with pub landlord Dave Littley.
It said: “Please everyone vote for our wonderful Sydnie! We’re all behind you Syd, you can do it!”
Sasha Pitman commented: “Incredible talent...literally gave me goosebumps. Amazing, well done.”
“She is awesome, she made me cry when she sang,” Susan Treleaven added.
In 2014, Sydnie graduated from the D&B Academy of Performing Arts in London and made her debut as one of the lead voices in Lazarus at the King's Cross Theatre.
She then worked on cruise ships, including the Royal Caribbean International, where she starred as Rizzo in the musical Grease.
The singer appeared in the first episode of the new series, which aired on Saturday, April 20.
Her rendition of Tomorrow from the musical Annie wowed both the judges and the audience.
Amanda Holden said it was the “best version I have ever heard in my life” and pressed the Golden Buzzer.
Sydnie, who has dreams of being in the West End, broke down in tears after finding out she had bagged a place in the semi-final.
In a video shown before her performance, she said: “I’ve done so many auditions, a lot of nos, oh my god a lot of nos.
“Thank god Amanda sees something in me.”
Simon added: “You have to wonder, who were these idiots you auditioned for before that didn’t give you the break you deserved, honestly they must be deaf. That was a masterclass.”
The semi-final saw singing teacher Mike Woodhams from Milton Keynes voted through after his performance included singing impressions of Cher, Rick Astley, Shakira and Dame Shirley Bassey.
Both acts join Japanese skipping group Haribow, magician Jack Rhodes, South African opera singer Innocent Masuku and South Korean taekwondo group Ssaulabi Performance Troupe.
Harrison Pettman – also a singer from Gravesend - also made it to the semi-finals and performed She Used to Be Mine from West End show Waitress on Thursday night but didn’t make it to the final.
The youth worker surprised his family with an emotional first audition after claiming he was just “nipping to the loo”.
The Britain's Got Talent final airs tonight on ITV1 at 7.30pm.
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Cara Simmonds