A third of 100 Voices choir are pro singers
MORE than a third of the singers in Britain’s Got Talent sensation 100 Voices of Gospel are professional singers.
After 12 million fans tuned in for last night’s final, won by military magician Richard Jones, 25, the People can also reveal several members of the act already have their own recording contracts in place.
Some of the original members of the group were so tied up with their own solo commitments they were unable to take part in the ITV show.
Our revelations will fuel criticism of Simon Cowell’s contest, which is supposed to unearth unknown talent.
This series has already been rocked by a string of stories unmasking contestants as experienced pros.
Earlier in the series, Ant and Dec’s golden buzzer act Jasmine Elcock, who is 14, was attacked on social media after it emerged she had already performed in a West End production of Annie. Melanie Bell, 45, a double-act with son Jamie Gilpin, is also a full-time singer.
And s how boss Cowell’s Shadowtroopers, from dance troupe Boogie Storm, work as performers for a Liverpool events company.
In Voices of Gospel, triplets the Clement Brothers had a music career in Indonesia and were believed to have been signed to Sony. They now produce and sing professionally as a trio.
Contracts
Group spokeswoman and former Wall Street lawyer Margeaux Lampley was previously signed to Warner and released a single. She said: “We’ve had a number of people who’ve done musical comedies in France and worked with famous French singers.
“The group also regularly accompanies artists on The Voice show in France. There are some people who have recording contracts. I have one. As a result some of them will not be coming to the show because there’s a bit of conflict with their other singing, which is unfortunate. They all have their own solo projects.”
Margeaux insisted more of the group were amateurs than pros, while insiders say it’s not flouting show rules unless the whole act has a recording deal.
Her comments came as the 10th series of BGT wrapped up.
Moldovan sword- swallower Alex Magala wowed the panel by performing the show’s most dangerous
act yet. He put a sword down his throat and got a horrified Amanda Holden to remove it – then slid down a pole in handcuffs as a chainsaw buzzed below him. Afterwards, Amanda said as she reached for her glass of water: “I wish this was gin.”
Simon said: “You pulled off the biggest trick or scariest thing for the finals, congratulations”
David added: “Incredible, deathdefying act.” And Alesha told him: “One of the best acts I’ve ever seen.”
And singing sensation Beau Dermott – Amanda’s golden buzzer act – was tipped to be signed by Cowell’s Syco label whether she won or not.
Mel and Jamie and dancer Balance Unity also performed, and Trip Hazard and Shannon & Peter made the final after being voted in as wild cards. Cowell previously defended BGT acts with performing experience.
He tweeted after a show in 2013: “We try and have a no rules policy. Everyone who auditions is looking for a break or a second chance.”