Britain’s Got Talent kicked off the latest series in style on Saturday night as the vocalist who sang The Greatest Showman hit, Never Enough, bagged the first golden buzzer of the series.
Loren Allred, 32, is credited on the blockbuster’s soundtrack – which reached number one in the UK and international charts – has garnered 62 million views on YouTube with the song and has even collaborated with Michael Bublé and Andrea Bocelli.
And Loren looked set for even greater success after Amanda Holden excitedly pressed her buzzer for the singer – who was previously embroiled in a fix row amid her worldwide success.
Yay! Britain’s Got Talent kicked off the latest series in style on Saturday night as the vocalist who sang The Greatest Showman hit, Never Enough, bagged the first golden buzzer of the series
Following an awful rendition of the popular song from a previous contestant, the judges were soon floored when Loren then walked on the stage and announced she was the original singer of the song from the 2017 film.
Expressing his shock at Loren audition, Simon – who’s favourite film is The Greatest Showman – exclaimed: ‘Oh my god! So you sang one of the biggest songs of all time. You’ve revealed it wasn’t the actress who sang the song in the movie — it was you singing the song.’
She then went on to belt out the track, which was mimed to by actress Rebecca Ferguson in the movie, leaving the audience and judges in awe of her voice.
Impressed: Loren looked set for even greater success after Amanda Holden excitedly pressed her buzzer for the singer – who was previously embroiled in a fix row amid her worldwide success
After receiving a standing ovation, Simon asked: ‘Why didn’t you get that big deal after the song?’
She replied: ‘I was more comfortable singing behind the scenes, but I kinda feel like the song was meant for me and now I’m ready to put a face to the song.’
And as the judges then gave their verdicts, Amanda reached over and pressed her golden buzzer, much to the shock and joy of Loren.
Speaking after pressing her buzzer, Amanda, 51, remarked that she was ‘absolutely shaking’, telling Loren that she ‘cant believe we had this opportunity to give you your moment to shine.’
Shocking: Lauren claimed that she is, in fact, the voice behind Never Enough but actress Rebecca Ferguson (who plays Jenny Lind in the movie) had lip-synced to her vocals on-screen
Ant throws cup of tea at Dec for Britain’s Got Talent scene
It’s me! Following an awful rendition of the popular song from a previous contestant, the judges were soon floored when Loren then walked on the stage and announced she was the original singer of the song from the 2017 film
Moment in the spotlight: ‘I was more comfortable singing behind the scenes, but I kinda feel like the song was meant for me and now I’m ready to put a face to the song’
Alesha said that a ‘superstar had arrived’ before describing the performance as ‘otherworldly’.
While big fan Simon gushed: ‘It was one of the most incredible audition moments I’ve ever experienced, I’m speechless!’
He added: ‘Timing in life is everything, maybe this is your moment now.’
Congratulations! And as the judges then gave their verdicts, Amanda reached over and pressed her golden buzzer, much to the shock and joy of Loren
Wowed: Speaking after pressing her buzzer, Amanda, 51, remarked that she was ‘absolutely shaking’, telling Loren that she ‘cant believe we had this opportunity to give you your moment to shine’
In shock after coming off the stage, Lauren told hosts Ant and Dec: ‘I cant believe that just happened, I wasn’t expecting that!’
Watching the action unfold, viewers at home were quick to take to Twitter to give their verdict on Loren’s performance.
‘Wow wow wow one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite films! A truly incredible version of The Greatest Showman song Never Be Enough. What a voice jeeez I have goosebumps. You belong on that stage with your name in big lights! Superstar’ shared one.
So moved: Amanda greeted a stunned Loren with a hug on stage
What just happened? In shock after coming off the stage, Lauren told hosts Ant and Dec: ‘I cant believe that just happened, I wasn’t expecting that!’
What a voice: Lauren sang her heart out on stage
While another remarked: ‘Lauren deserves her moment I don’t see any problem in this fair play girl! You have a beautiful voice and this is your time!’
‘WOW JUST WOW’ tweeted a third impressed viewer.
A fourth watcher simply put: ‘What a voice.’
With another impressed fan adding: ‘I’ve got goosebumps. what a way to return.’
Creator Simon Cowell proudly said during a recent press conference for the ITV talent show that America’s Got Talent bosses were ‘furious’ when they discovered their UK counterparts had bagged the New Yorker.
Having already released an EP after signing with Island Def Jam Music at 19-years-old, she tried her luck on The Voice in the US back in 2012, where her mentor was Maroon 5’s Adam Levine until she was sent home in the live shows.
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Reaction: Watching the action unfold, viewers at home were quick to take to Twitter to give their verdict on Loren’s performance
The Syco founder has previously gushed about his love of the film, claiming he is ‘obsessed’ and even organised a meeting with its leading man Hugh Jackman.
The thrilling episode saw several acts impress the judges and make it through to the next stage of the competition.
Among the successful acts were Matricks Illusion double act Alexander and Emily Jesson, who wowed the audience with their quick-change performance.
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Successful: Loren Allred, 32, is credited on the blockbuster’s soundtrack which reached number one in UK and international charts (pictured with Hugh Jackman)
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Wow! She has garnered 62 million views on YouTube with the song and has even collaborated with Michael Bublé (pictured) and Andrea Bocelli
While Scooter Boys left everyone on the edge of their seats thanks to their daredevil stunts.
However, the performance got off to a scary start when they fell from the ramp, causing medics to rush on stage for assistance.
Luckily, the lad recovered well to perform with his pals, with the quartet earning four yeses from the judges.
Other successful performers on the night included ventriloquist Jamie Leahey, Martial arts act Temple London and Dance troupe Les Sancho.
Elsewhere, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when unsuspecting contestant Nick was surprised on stage my his mum and young daughters, who thought the surprise would be the only way to get him to audition.
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Awesome: Among the successful acts were Matricks Illusion double act Alexander and Emily Jesson, who wowed the audience with their quick-change performance
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Go for it lads: While Scooter Boys left everyone on the edge of their seats thanks to their daredevil stunts
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Fun: Young ventriloquist Jamie Leahey, 13, will take to the stage
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Dancing: Dance troupe Les Sancho showed off their moves
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Wow: Martial arts act Temple London show off their jawdropping skills
After being given time to prepare, the dad performed a moving song dedicated to his daughters, with the performance leaving everyone – including Dec and Amanda – in tears.
The hit ITV talent show was previously postponed due to safety concerns and the restrictions brought about by tier systems and lockdowns.
Bosses of the show said that despite the efforts of the teams at ITV, Thames and head judge Simon’s Syco, they were forced to call plans off.
At the time they said: ‘With our absolute priority of safeguarding the well-being and health of every person involved in the programme from judges, hosts and contestants to all of the crew and audience, the decision has been made to – unfortunately – move the record and broadcast of the 15th series of Britain’s Got Talent to 2022.
