Cultured Views

Last year in 2009 BGT had plenty to write about and an interesting selection of talent and scandal to consider; Susan Boyle without a doubt provided the rags-to-riches story of the decade which will take some beating for a long time to come. Then there was young tantrum-thrower Hollie Steel getting an unheard of second chance at performing her song in the final when she forgot her lines. We had the totally unique counter-tenor Greg Pritchard’s soaring voice being sabotaged by the producer’s appalling choice of song and presentation for his appearance in the final and the brilliant father and son act Stavros Flatley who are still cashing in – and rightly so – on their 2009 success. Take it while you can get it guys!

This year’s effort though was simply not up to scratch in my opinion which is why I have written so little about it here whereas last year there was plenty of fodder for thought. Even the glaringly untalented auditionees were not as morbidly entertaining as previous years. I am beginning to wonder if Simon Cowell would consider having a category specifically for those copy-cat dance troupes who seem to dominate the auditions; sorry but to me they are all the same, you see one you’ve seen them all – they all do pretty much the same body twisting contortions to jumpy-rappy music. Is this the only type of dancing being done these days…? Diversity did it once and best, those following in their wake might insist they are unique and different…but not in any way obvious to me.

For the past three years dancers in some form have won the final – George Sampson, Diversity and last night Spelbound took out the top prize. Good for them I say, congratulations certainly as they are a talented bunch of young people despite their dreadful faux tans…I however would have preferred to see young drummer Kieran Gaffney (above) be declared the winner as he is a very talented musician and it has been a long time since the world had a Buddy Rich or Gene Krupa to astound music fans. I really hope that the ‘Jade Goody syndrome‘ applies in Kieran’s case here whereby we see the runner-up enjoying far more success than the actual winner – remember Kate Lawler anyone…?

Christopher Stone too sang beautifully and is no doubt ‘the’ find of this years series deserves any success which comes his way. I know we have not seen the last of young Kieran or Christopher, so well done guys.

Related posts:

1. BGT’s Christopher Stone: the talented singer who will see success as the best revenge.
2. Britain’s Got Talent 2010: drummer Kieran Gaffney returns but should have left mum and dad at home.
3. Jade Goody and Jackiey Budden – two mothers saying goodbye
4. The Diary of Anne Frank – the BBC series does not measure up
5. Goodbye summer