Performing on a national stage is a lot of pressure for anyone of any age.
It’s easy to dream a huge dream and not have the courage to actually follow through with it. For those of us who are blessed with some unusual talent, nobody gets to see all the setbacks and extra little moments it takes to hone that talent into something special. Even people who are wildly talented sometimes don’t apply themselves enough to get the recognition they might deserve. Still, others of us know early on what it is we’re meant to do and start pursuing it right away.
Even those people sometimes face huge difficulties.
The story we have today is an example of just one of those situations.
It all began when Kyle Tomlinson decided to audition for Britain’s Got Talent. For those who don’t know, Got Talent is a talent show format television show owned by Simon Cowell’s company with spin-offs in more than 58 countries! In any event, Tomlinson originally wanted to audition for the show when he was only 12 years old. No matter how talented a person is, we all have a lot of growing to do at that age.
Needless to say, the audition didn’t go as expected.
According to Tomlinson, one of the judges told him that he ought to get a singing coach!
As it turns out though, the only reason anybody knows this is because Tomlinson actually did get a singing coach—and he auditioned for the show again to prove all the judges wrong! The comment actually didn’t come from Simon, originally. With a point of his finger, Tomlinson said that it came from David Walliams! The entire audience boos at that moment as the audition continues.
After a few moments, the other judges ask if he’s feeling more confident now… and he smiles and nods.
When it’s all said and done, Tomlinson gets his chance to prove everyone wrong.
Though he’s nervous, 15-year-old Kyle Tomlinson sets into his rendition of “Hallelujah,” a song originally written and performed by Leonard Cohen. The whole crowd is nervous before Tomlinson starts singing… but his voice is so deep and powerful. Although things start off slowly, he gradually picks up steam and belts the chorus! Backstage, his parents watch proudly at their son’s progress.
By the end of the verse, the entire crowd is on their feet—but he’s still not done singing.
With the support of the audience behind him, Tomlinson takes the mic out of the stand.
He paces around the stage, moving smoothly into a new key change. As he gets more and more confident, he adds his own character to it and his voice goes even higher! It isn’t long before the whole crowd is cheering wildly and the judges are exchanging bemused glances at one another. Finally, the song ends and all the judges get on their feet as well!
Seeing the entire crowd’s reaction, Tomlinson can’t help but to shed a few tears.
After all the emotion dies down, the judges finally get their chance to say a few words.
To start, Alesha Dixon says what everyone is thinking. “You stood up there, you put your heart and soul on the line and we all felt it,” she says. “That was brilliant!” Even Simon has only kind words to say as well. “This just shows you, Kyle,” he says, “when someone grinds you down and says you’re not good enough, you come back and look them in the eye and go, ‘I am good enough!’” Finally, the time comes from David to give his input. After a moment’s pause, he reaches over and slams the button.
Tomlinson is on the show!
Needless to say, the moment was very emotional for Kyle and his entire family.
Although these reality and talent shows always have dramatic moments built into them, few of them have stories as compelling as this one. At the end of it all, judge David even gets on stage and gives Kyle a huge hug. If there’s anything to learn from this story, it’s that you shouldn’t let negative feedback or criticism stand in the way of pursuing your dreams. If you have a goal and you’re willing to work hard for it, there’s nothing that can stand in your way.
Congratulations on all your success Kyle!
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