If you’ve spent much time watching reality television, you’re probably familiar by now with the Got Talent franchise.
While it goes without saying, there are plenty of reality singing and performing shows around the world pitting contestants against one another.
Though the craze may have begun with American Idol, it continues with shows like America’s Got Talent, where the competition is opened up to tall kinds of different acts. Because the franchise is international, it also means there are all kinds of other talents out there around the world.
The performance we’re talking about today comes from Britain’s Got Talent.
The audition took place on the show’s very first season, and the contestant was Paul Potts.
In his life before the show, Potts was just a phone salesman. Still, he had dreams of having a more creative life. When he announces to the judges that he’s an opera singer, nobody in the room knows what to expect.
As he tells the crew backstage, one of his issues has been having enough confidence that people are interested in his talents. Regardless, he walks out ready to perform his heart out.
Before long, the judges clear the way for him and the backing music starts playing.
The song he decides to sing is “Nessun Dorma,” an Italian aria made famous from Puccini’s opera Turandot.
Over the years, the song has been sung by singers as famous as Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli. Needless to say, Potts has some big shoes to fill! As the music swells, Potts opens his mouth to sing—and the voice that comes out is absolutely incredible!
While the judges weren’t sure what to expect, everyone is convinced as soon as he lets his voice soar. Though he’s only a few seconds into the song, the whole crowd is already giving him a big round of applause!
Before long, the judges are on the edges of their seats.
Towards the end, Potts takes his performance up a notch.
To send it home, there are a few huge notes that need to be hit at the end of the song. For his part, Potts reaches deep down and nails them all—and it has judge Amanda Holden in tears!
When it’s finally over, all the judges have big smiles on their faces. The crowd gives him a huge round of applause, and Potts stands there waiting for some feedback.
Needless to say, nobody expected what they heard that day!
Judge Simon Cowell begins by saying that he can’t believe that Potts works as a phone salesman!
Before long, the judges are giving their feedback. Each one says that his voice is incredible and that they were all moved by his singing. For Holden’s part, she calls him a “lump of coal that’s going to turn into a diamond.”
When they take the vote, all three of the judges give Potts a yes! As he walks off, he takes a big bow and the audience gives him another round of applause. Though there are tons of great performances over the years, there’s nothing quite like seeing someone under-appreciated finally get their day in the spotlight.
Congratulations to Paul Potts on a truly incredible performance! Watch the full thing in the link below:
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
