Alesha Dixon reckons “it’s time” for a singer to win Britain’s Got Talent after five years of variety champions.
There’s no shortage of singers on TV thanks to The X Factor and The Voice UK, while young acts can even enter The Voice Kids.
However, Alesha hopes a “traditional” vocalist will claim BGT glory in 2019 – one who may not fit on rival programmes.
“I think the brilliant thing about this show is any kind of act can win,” she commented.
“But I do believe that it’s time for a singer to win. I think it’s time to bring that back. We presume that the singers are for The X Factor but actually I think a traditional singer would be good.”
Failing that, Alesha would back an unexpected talent to triumph – assuming it stands out from the crowd.
“We got our wish last year with a comic winning the show,” she continued. “The only other thing to win would be something we have never seen before, but they are going to need to be outstanding.”
Three series of BGT have been won by singers, with tenor Paul Potts setting the bar as the very first champ in 2007.
He was followed by Jai MacDowall in 2011 and vocal group Collabro in 2013.
Meanwhile, Alesha claims that the standard of talent this year is higher than the judges expected.
The former Mis-Teeq star said the auditions tour had only reached its halfway stage when they felt there was enough contestants to fill the new series.
“When we finished the London auditions Amanda and I actually said to each other that we feel like we’ve got the show,” she recalled. “We’ve never felt like that before halfway through.
“I remember going to Manchester thinking anything we get there will be a bonus. I mean, we’ve made it harder for ourselves because we’ve said yes to a lot of people!”
Viewers can see the latest hopefuls for themselves when Britain’s Got Talent kicks off this Saturday at 7.15pm on ITV.
Stephen Mulhern is also back with spin-off show Britain’s Got More Talent on ITV2 at 8.35pm.
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