A singing priest, a daredevil acrobatic duo and a comedian that can’t speak were among the acts that triumphed in tonight’s second round of Britain’s Got Talent 2018 auditions.
The ITV variety show is back with judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams back to sort the wonderful from the woeful.
None of the judges pressed the Golden Buzzer this week, but there was still plenty of top talent to enjoy.
An impressionist made the crowd chuckle with his uncanny take on President Trump, while a 68-year-old retiree shocked the panel by revealing herself as a wannabe rocker.
There was also a moving moment when one of the survivors of last year’s tragic terror attack in Manchester took to the stage.
Here’s our rundown of all the results from episode two…
The Yesses
David and Javier (4 yesses) – Barcelona-based dancing duo David and Javier kicked off the show with a sizzling salsa routine that got them one step closer to a spot at the Royal Variety Performance. Alesha called them “dynamic”, exclaiming: “You’re like the Little and Large of the Latin world!” David, meanwhile, took the opportunity to shade rival show Strictly Come Dancing. “It just shows there’s nothing funny about two men dancing together,” he said. “I don’t know why the BBC show doesn’t have that, it’s fantastic!”
Andrew Lancaster (4 yesses) – Andrew absolutely nailed the mannerisms of Donald Trump as he delivered his comedy impressions in the form of a speech from the US President, lampooning Russell Brand, Professor Brian Cox and Nigel Farage (the latter of which earned him a few boos). Simon was impressed with how “topical and current” he was, while Alesha pondered: “What is there not to like? There’s endless possibilities.”
Jenny Darren (4 yesses) – Jenny was honoured to be at the London Palladium, which she described as “the biggest part of English entertainment history”. Nobody, however, was expecting her to change in to a leather skirt and sing AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’. “She’s rocked their socks off!” grinned Dec as the audience gave her a standing ovation. “You completely mugged all of us, you are bloody fantastic,” commented Simon. “We’ve heard of Jenny from the block, now we have Jenny who does rock!” joked David.
Father Ray Kelly (4 yesses) – Father Ray gave Britain’s Got Talent a go after a video of him singing at a wedding unexpectedly went viral. The Irishman sang REM’s ‘Everybody Hurts’, a song he said is “near and dear to my heart” due to his role as a priest. “You did it with such soul and passion, it was really brilliant,” David commented. Simon went further, praising: “I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but let me tell you, this is one of my favourite ever auditions. I think your voice is beautiful.”
Cali Swing (4 yesses) – There was more salsa moves from young London dancers Cali Swing, who want to win the £250,000 prize fund so they can move out of their training space at the back of a restaurant and in to their own studio. “Goodness, that was extraordinary!” said Alesha. “Each and every one of you committed to that choreography with such heart and passion.” Simon added: “You have unbelievable showmanship. It makes you feel good.”
Lost Voice Guy (4 yesses) – Newcastle comedian Lee Ridley is unable to speak due to cerebral palsy, but still leaves crowds in stitches with the help of a text-to-speech app on his iPad. Lee told several gags making light of his situation, such as how the audience might recognise him from saying “cashier number eight” at the Post Office. “That was hilarious from start to finish, every joke was an absolute zinger,” reviewed David. “Comedy is supposed to be edgy, it’s supposed to make us laugh and feel uncomfortable, and you did all of those things brilliantly,” added Amanda.
Giang Brothers (4 yesses) – Viatnamese brothers Quoc Co and Quoc Nghiep made jaws drop with their acrobatic display, which saw one perform a headstand on the other’s head, while they teetered on the edge of the stage. Alesha called it “one of the most exciting auditions I’ve ever watched”, while Amanda said: “My heart was in my mouth. I don’t know where you find the strength.” Simon also gave more high praise: “This for me was like watching the Olympics, not a talent show. I’m gonna remember this audition for the rest of my life.”
RISE (4 yesses) – This eleven-strong dance group’s appearance was a poignant moment for member Hollie Booth, who was involved in last year’s Manchester terror attack. She was left severely injured by the atrocity, and tragically lost her aunt. RISE demonstrated their support for Hollie by performing a routine involving wheelchairs.
Alesha called them “remarkable women”, while David said: “It was so beautiful and moving, it almost didn’t seem real. This whole performance is a testament to your talent, and your incredible friendship.” Amanda added: “It’s so important to be shaped by tragedy, but never defined by it. Congratulations.” The audition was so moving that the judges went backstage afterwards to personally greet RISE.
The Nos
Jim the Dancer (4 nos) – Jim came out in one of the most bizarre costumes in BGT history, with his head encased in a clock. Unfortunately for Jim, Simon, Amanda and Alesha didn’t have much time for his dancing and quickly hit their buzzers. David got up to dance along, but he was unable to block the other judges from hitting his own button, sending Jim home with four nos. “That was such a waste of time,” one audience member mused.
Kaptain Rock (4 nos) – Kaptain Rock was on a mission to teach everyone to play rock guitar, but took too long to release his instrument as it was lowered from the roof. That instrument turned out to be a one-stringed guitar shaped like a Star Wars light sabre, and needless to say it wasn’t long before the panel had buzzed him off. Ant had to lead a bewildered Kaptain Rock off stage, while Simon described him as “so slow and so annoying”.
Radu-Alexandru Patrunsu (4 nos) – Alex told the judges how he was developing a “holistic healing dance” which “makes people feel very happy”. The dance consisted of little more than Alex twirling around at rapid pace, and evidently the judges weren’t very happy with it as they soon reached for their buzzers. Alex claimed afterwards that he didn’t feel dizzy, with David responding: “That is the healing power of dance!”
Andras Lovas (4 nos) – Hungarian Andras also shared his own twist on a talent: heart singing, his own “special invention which is coming from my heart”. It sounded an awful lot like humming, and David, Alesha and Amanda quickly illuminated their crosses. Simon wanted to hear him out, but Amanda ended up hitting his buzzer too. “It sounded like when my Grandad had one of those electric shavers,” she recalled. “Good luck on Hungary’s Got Talent, but for today, it’s a no,” added David.
Which of tonight’s acts impressed you the most? Vote for your fave in the poll below!
There’s more Britain’s Got Talent 2018 auditions next Saturday at 8.00pm on ITV2.
Don’t forget you can also watch hilarious ITV2 spin-off Britain’s Got More Talent every week after the main show.
The Britain’s Got Talent live shows begin later on in the year.
