‘WINNER TO US’
Gruff shines again in BGT final near-miss
GRUFFYDD Wyn Roberts is a winner in his family’s eyes after missing out on the Britain’s Got Talent title, as it was revealed the 22 year-old came joint third in the public vote.
The Amwlch singing sensation was given rapturous applause with a stunning rendition of Perfect, which Andrei Boccelli had recorded with Ed Sheeran, when he took centre stage in front of millions of captivated viewers.
In the end Amanda’s golden buzzer act Gruff did not make the final three after a public vote.
Official voting stats from ITV have shown that there was less than 6% between Anglesey singer Gruffydd Wyn Roberts and second place runner-up – comedian Robert White.
The figures revealed that the Amlwch lad came joint third with Donchez Dacres – both securing just over 11% of the final votes.
The winner was comedian Lost Voice Guy.
But family, friends and fans, who watched his performance on a screen set up in his hometown, were 100% behind Gruff’s amazing effort which has seen him enchant people across the country with his mesmerising voice.
His aunty Medi Greenhelgh said: “I’m gutted he didn’t win but in my eyes, he is the winner. I think he’ll be feeling very disappointed but he’s done us all so proud. The world is his oyster now. Things can only get better for him”
At least 1,000 were estimated to have gathered at Amlwch Port to watch Gruff’s bid on a big screen in a carnival atmosphere.
Workmates from Pontio, in Bangor, had also made the trip there to watch the final, taking their own banners and posters of support alongside a set of friends from Rygbi Clwb Benllech. Before Gruff sang, his family said they had been overwhelmed by support for him as the expectation built.
Gruff’s aunty Gwenno Davies said the whole family are all so proud and that he was already a winner in their eyes. “It would be brilliant if he won, but he’s already a winner in our eyes. We’re all so proud of him”.
The rugby player had made it through to the finals after finishing second in the public vote in the semi-finals with his stunning rendition of Andrea Bocellis’ Nelle Tue Mani from the film Gladiator. He was up against nine other winning semi-finalists plus the judge’s wildcard B Positive and was fourth favourite going into the final with the bookies having Lost Voice Guy, DVJ and Robert White ahead.
The judges were Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden - she had picked him as her golden buzzer act in the first auditions where he sang Nessun Dorma, sending him straight through to the live semi-finals held on Wednesday.
After his performance Amanda: “I am so proud of you – what an amazing controlled sexy version of that song.”
Simon added: “I think Gruff did amazing – that was a really smart choice of song.
“I’ve seen your confidence grow.”
David said: “You are the heart and soul of this show.”
And Alesha said: “This is the start of something amazing for you. You’re fantastic.”