No doubt we’ve seen our fair share of talent on this show – from singers who make us swoon, to dancers who can pop and lock like their life depends on it. There’s nothing we haven’t seen on Britain’s Got Talent. Here’s what your favourite Britain’s Got Talent contestants look like now!
Aidan Davis – THEN
You can’t forget this cutie’s face, especially with a smile which wowed millions! Aidan was 11 years old when he auditioned in 2009, and in the pre-audition interview with Ant and Dec, revealed that he was self-taught in dance! Impressive or what?
Simon didn’t look convinced when Aidan’s answers to why he was on the show was as simple as “because I like dancing” but all that changed when Flo Rida’s ‘Low’ came on. Aidan’s moves were as smooth as butter, that much we can all agree on!
Aidan came 5th and went on the official Britain’s Got Talent tour. In 2012, he released his first single called ‘Let’s Dance’ (fitting, we know). Since then, he’s released an EP, become an uncle and done some hardcore training in the gym.
Aidan Davis – NOW
Twist and Pulse – THEN
We never knew we needed a dance for EastEnders theme tune until this dance duo from London came on the show and showed us a whole new world.
Twist and Pulse is made up of two lads, Ashley and Glen. They became best mates after meeting at the BRIT School of Performing Arts and auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent in 2010. The boys blended street dance and comedy to make ‘streetcomedy’ and their dance routine got them three yeses. Things were smooth-sailing from there as Twist and Pulse reached the semi-finals and finished as runners-up!
Since then, the duo have performed in festivals, celebrity weddings, private parties and even the Olympics! After being cast in a few pantomimes, Ashley and Glen choreographed their first full show of Peter Pan which ran for ten weeks! We’d call that a success, wouldn’t you?
Twist and Pulse – NOW
Escala – THEN
The members of this girl group already had a taste of fame before their audition on Britain’s Got Talent. Two of the members were in a band who were signed to EMI and they all met while performing as part of the string section in a McFly arena tour. But what exactly set them apart from other musical act? Their techno rendition of Karl Jenkin’s ‘Palladio’.
There was quite a bit of controversy surrounding Escala’s presence on the show; they were allegedly invited onto the show after playing an X Factor wrap party in 2007. ITV have denied these allegations and said:
“Escala went through the same application and audition process as everyone else.”
After reaching the finals, Escala signed a £1.5m record deal with Sony BMG and went onto release an album.
Escala – NOW
George Sampson – THEN
And the winner is…the kid who didn’t even know he was auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent in 2007 until he got to the studio!
Bet George was glad he took his dance teacher’s advice when he did because Simon was a big fan from day one. Unfortunately, Amanda and Piers weren’t convinced and George didn’t go through to the semi-finals.
That didn’t deter him though and he auditioned the year after, only to win the show!
After winning Britain’s Got Talent, George made his West End debut in a hip-hop musical. He’s promoted phones, guest-starred on the very show that shot him to fame, starred in 3D musical films and even bagged a recurring role on Emmerdale. Suffice to say, he’s doing well!
George Sampson – NOW
Shaheen Jafargholi – THEN
This is another case that caused a bit of controversy. Shaheen’s professional career prior to Britain’s Got Talent is nothing short of impressive. He starred in Grandpa In My Pocket, Torchwood, Casualty and several touring productions of Shakespeare’s plays! A spokesman for BGT said it didn’t matter who auditioned for the show, whether they were professionals or amateurs.
Shaheen’s audition was a bit of a funny one. He sang Amy Winehouse’s version of ‘Valerie’ which, if you keep up with these talent shows, you’ll know has fast become one of Simon’s most hated audition songs. Simon made him sing a second song and that earned Shaheen a standing ovation!
After finishing in 7th place, Shaheen starred in EastEnders and is now a series regular on Casualty!
Shaheen Jafargholi – NOW
Ronan Parke – THEN
When Michael McIntyre said Ronan shouldn’t bother going back to school after taking a day off for his audition, it didn’t surprise us. With a voice like an absolute angel, he should’ve been heading straight for a record studio!
Ronan sang Nina Simone’s classic ‘Feeling Good’ and got everyone on their feet by the end of his performance. Despite being the bookies’ favourite to win that year, he got runner-up instead but that wasn’t the end of his singing career!
He signed a record deal with Sony Music and released his debut album in 2011. Since then, Ronan’s made a collaborative EP with another BGT musician, Luciel Johns, played the title role of Aladdin in a pantomime and even been signed to a new management company.
We might even say he’s feeling good these days…
Ronan Parke – NOW
Megan McKenna – THEN
You’ll probably recognise this lady from Ex On The Beach but prior to her appearance on that show, she reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent!
At the age of 16, Megan was baby-faced as she auditioned as part of a pop group called Harmony. But harmony wasn’t exactly what the judges were feeling…
Simon said he hated the song and wasn’t crazy about the outfits and we don’t blame him. Something about tu-tus, leg warmers and pink bows while belting to Frozen just rubs us the wrong way!
Still, Harmony reached the semi-finals and Megan’s career definitely kicked off after she left the show. She appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and a West End production, but her biggest success to date is soaring to the top of the charts with a country hit. Well done, Megan!
Megan McKenna – NOW
Paul Potts – THEN
This tenor became a household name after being crowned the first ever Britain’s Got Talent winner in 2007.
Did you know he was working in Carphone Warehouse at the time of his audition? With a voice as big as Paul’s, it’s no wonder he decided to try out for the show – keeping him locked in a sales job would’ve been a travesty.
Paul’s audition got him a standing ovation (no surprise there) and his debut album shot straight to number one in the charts! And on top of that, he was presented his platinum disc by none other than the Prime Minister!
Since then, Paul has released a few more albums and even had his life adapted into a film called Once Chance, starring James Corden!
Paul Potts – NOW
Rosie O’Sullivan – THEN
This chick blew us away with a voice that matched Paul’s. Singing ‘Man’s World’, Rosie got positive comments from all the judges including an “absolutely bloody fantastic” from Simon. She reached the semi-finals but unfortunately, her performance wasn’t enough to crown her a winner.
Since appearing on the show, Rosie has been seen on social media, showcasing her weight loss journey and transformation. Speaking to several news outlets, Rosie explained how her weight at the time of the show made her hit a real low:
“I was hot, sweaty and struggled to walk up straights, and the costume department had to make dresses for me.”
Whether she’s a size 28 or a size 8, Rosie has beautiful voice and released an album to show for it!
Rosie O’Sullivan – NOW
Connie Talbot – THEN
She’s arguably one of the most loved and recognised contestants to come out of Britain’s Got Talent. 6 year-old Connie Talbot melted our hearts with her gap-toothed grin and her amazing voice. Her audition was so good, it prompted Simon to ask if it was really her singing and reduced Amanda Holden to tears! Don’t worry, Amanda, all of us watching on our tellies at home were crying too!
Over 10 years later, Connie is now 18 years old. She went onto release not just one, or two, or three, but four solo albums! Her first album Over The Rainbow went number one in three countries.
How many kids can say they’ve achieved something like that at the tender of age of 6?!
Connie Talbot – NOW
