The Philippine Star

Magicians make BGT judges, audiences cry

- By Leah c. saLTerio

Magicians who audition for reality talent shows normally amaze their audience. They are often rewarded with screams and loud applause from the crowd. However, in the latest edition of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), magician Marc Spellmann reduced the judges and many in the audience to tears.

All four judges — Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon — gave Marc a standing ovation. The 46-year-old magician did not just get into the show. He also ended up getting the much-coveted first Golden Buzzer from hosts Ant and Dec (Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly). That meant Marc automatica­lly moves to the live shows.

Marc’s audition was undoubtedl­y tear-jerking, if not hard to believe. The judges were stunned after he displayed his magic and shared a heart-rending story. Ant cried upon hearing Marc’s wife battle with breast cancer and how their daughter was miraculous­ly born two years ago after nearly 10 years of IVF attempts.

Meanwhile, illusionis­t and escapologi­st Matt Johnson locked up himself in a water tank with a chain around his neck. To free himself, he needed to find the right key in a bowl with many other similar keys. It took him nearly two minutes to get out of that life-threatenin­g situation.

Japanese talent Kazuhisa Uekusa displayed his mettle

in being an internatio­nal variety performer, which David described as “highly erotic.” But Alesha commended him. “We’re always looking for something different on the show and we’ve never seen an act quite like you before. So arigato gozaimasu,” the singer declared, following four affirmativ­e nods from the judges.

B Positive Choir delighted the judges and the audience with their singing prowess. “That was one of the most soulful, honest, authentic performanc­es that we’ve had on the show,” Alesha said. “You’re amazing.”

Simon remarked, “It’s amazing the message you’ve come here to spread today. It’s very inspiring. I didn’t think it was great. It was amazing.” The four judges unanimousl­y agreed to welcome B Positive to the competitio­n.

After only the first episode, Britain’s Got Talent immediatel­y thrilled the audience, who are expecting for more exciting and awesome acts in the coming weeks.

Resident judges Simon and Amanda have been with the show from the start in 2007. Singer Alesha and comedian David both joined in 2012 and have not left the judging panel since. In the 10th of Britain’s Got

Talent, a magician from London, Richard Jones, became the champion and bagged 250,000 pounds. He was the first magician to bag the top prize in the reality competitio­n. Last season, pianist Tokio Myers (a.k.a. Torville Jones) was declared winner.

 ??  ?? B Positive Choir
B Positive Choir
 ??  ?? Matt Johnson
Matt Johnson
 ??  ?? Kazuhisa Uekusa
Kazuhisa Uekusa
 ??  ?? Marc Spellman
Marc Spellman

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