No wonder Simon said he’s ‘knackered’. After a long week of Gold Teeth, Tap-Dancing Dogs and Flashing Boobies there are just 10 contestants left for the big final showdown of Britain’s Got Talent. And boy am I looking forward to it!
Last night little Hollie Street cried and pleaded her way to the final, alongside the imperious Aidan Davis to join Susan Boyle, Diversity, Flawless, Shaun Smith, Shaheen Jafargholi, Stavros Flately, Julian Smith and Two Grand on tonight’s showdown.
But who will win this year’s Britain’s Got Talent? Here’s a run down of the contenders and the latest betting odds;
Susan Boyle 6/5 (Skybet)
The ‘Hairy Angel’ may have wobbled in her semi-final but she recovered brilliantly to deliver another cracking performance. However, it appears that the predicted backlash has already begun. Her likeability factor is falling everytime I see her.
Verdict: At odds of 6/5 I’ll be looking elsewhere for some value
Aidan Smith 9/2 (William Hill)
I just love this little guy. For me his performance last night was the most polished of the week. He has a great little attitude and a cheeky smile. I can see him following George Sampson’s footsteps and walking (or dancing) away with the top prize.
Verdict: A definite contender tonight.
Shaheen Jafargholi 10/1 (Boylesports)
I have to admit that he delivered big time in his semi-final but it still all feels a bit ’stage-school’ to me. He’s an undoubted talent and if he produces another big performance he could find himslef in the final reckoning.
Verdict: Close but no cigar
Stavros Flately 10/1 (Boylesports)
The nation have taken this father-and-son team to their heart. A win for this act would be victory for Dads up and down the country. Their semi-final was nowhere near as good as their audition but they sailed through to the final. The pubic are on their side and a good performance could push them right up there.
Verdict: I’d love to see them win but they’ll probably fall at the final hurdle.
Flawless 11/1 (Bet365, Boyelsports)
There’s no denying these gus are quality but for me they lack the character and creativty of their main rivals, Diversity. There’s not much between the two acts and unfortunately for each of them they’re likely to split each other’s vote. Only a truly jaw-dropping performance can take them anywhere near winning tonight.
Verdict: Not even close
Diversity 16/1 (Boylesports)
For me, the best of the two street dance acts in the final. But like Flawless they won’t get near winning I don’t think, which is a real shame because unlike the singers, who just sing other people’s songs, these guys have shown great creativity in their routines as wel as the ability to execute the on-stage.
Verdict: Sorry guys, it’s back to your day jobs
Julian Smith 16/1 (Betfred, Boylesports)
He seems to be a very likeable guy but I’ve no idea how good he actually is? I’m no saxaphone expert but he sounds and looks the real deal. Unfortunately for him there’s no history of any musicians getting close to winning BGT so don’t expect him to feature in the final 3.
Verdict: Well done for making the final
Hollie Steel 28/1 (Bet365)
Oh dear, oh dear. Last night’s tear-fest left me cringing. Fair play to the little 10-year-old for getting back on stage after she crumbled under the pressure but I really don’t think she should have been put through to the final. This is Britain’s Got Talent, not Britains Got Sympathy.
Verdict: If the British public see through the tears she won’t be winning, but then again…
Shaun Smith 50/1 (Boylesports)
You know, I can’t even remember what he sang? He might have made the final but he didn’t make much of an impression with me. Still his good looks will account for a few girly votes. A good singer but would barely make the TV stages of the X Factor.
Verdict: Too run-of-the-mill to make an impact tonight
Two Grand 80/1 (Boylesports)
Sweet, maybe. But the best that Britain’s got to offer? Nowehere near it. It’s a nice story - Granda sings with his Grand Daughter, yada, yada, yada, but that’s as far as it goes. There were better acts that haven’t made the final. “When I say Britain, you say…”
Verdict: Stick to the Horlicks and bedtime stories
Ok, so now it’s time for me stick my neck on the block. Su-Bo mania has peaked and soon she’ll be about as popular as your local MP. There’s are a few outsiders that are worth watching and who knows how the public will react to Hollie’s plucky performance last night. Stavros Flately will be getting my vote but the outstanding act has to be 12 year old Aidan Smith. I know it’s another dance act but this kid is incredible and my tenner will be on him at odds of 9/2 with William Hill. Good luck Aidan!