His Story Carlisle choirboy Andrew Johnston stunned judges on the first Britain’s Got Talent audition show when he performed the classical requiem Pie Jesu.
13 year-old hoodie-wearing Andrew, who is the head chorister at Carlisle Cathedral, was visibly shaking before he opened his mouth to sing. And just as Paul Potts had done the year before, he stunned the audience and judges alike with the powerful sound that came out.
After his rendition and a standing ovation, Amanda told the nervous lad she had been “mesmerised” by his performance. Piers agreed, adding he thought Andrew had “a very good chance” of winning the contest. And a near-tearful Simon advised, “Your confidence has been undermined. But I think you are better than you think you are”. Knowing the power of the Cowell opinion, he added for extra impact, “Hear it from me, you are good.”
The judges’ comments topped off a nerve-wracking day for the shy schoolboy who has had to stand up to local bullies since he first joined the choir at the age of six. He said, “Even my mates are always telling me to leave the singing. But I live on a council estate and I want to make something out of my life.”
Speaking after his successful audition at the Manchester Apollo, mum Morag told us, “This has been an expensive day for us, travelling down to the audition, but it’s so special for him - it’s something he will never forget.”
“Now we’ll go back on the train in luxury, and we’ll get him an Indian meal. It’s all he’s been talking about”.
“He does a paper round, but to say well done I’ll buy him the computer game he’s been saving up for. And he can put the money toward buying a cage for his hamster Chubby instead.”
“I’m so proud of him today. He has a brilliant voice. But no matter what he sounds like, he’s still just a young boy at heart.”
I keep watching this boy and hear his voice over and over and still he blows me away. And what a beautiful smile with wonderful manners as well. Truely in all ways an amazing boy with a great talent. I have not enjoyed a song so much for a long long time and feel humbled when I hear he has been bullied. Why?Because he wishes to do what others are not capable of or maybe because he has much more gumption than any of them put together. Simon is right, Andrew will go a long way, bringing a great deal of joy to many people who appreciate his voice and the fact, he got up and had a go. I wish you good luck Andrew with tonnes of love, good health and happiness for you and your family. With a great deal of money to get you where ever it is you wish to be. God speed, and thank you for such a beautiful moving experience.
Oh my God, an angels voice. They are few and far between. Those bullies are toast. You show em Andrew, you are brilliant. I will be watching for you, see you on Ellen De Generes show soon I hope
Absolutely incredible…It’s not only an amazing voice but an amazing story. In a way, Andrew reminds me of Charley’s character from the Roald Dahl classic–in the end, good things do happen to good people. I truly hope that he is able to sing and bring a better life to himself and his family. And, If for some reason he doesn’t win, let me know if there’s a scholarship fund and i will gladly send a check.
Andrew Johnston is extraordinary and super incredible. Love him, love his voice, love his singing. He is an angel and with a God-send of a voice. Do not take your gift for granted… You made my heart smile by letting God in… You are special. Use your gift to help others too.
He is amazing- he makes me sooooooooooo jealous of his talent- thoses school bullies are just idiots who have nothing better to do than to pick on someone who has more talent than the whole lot of them put togehter, and more guts than them put together. as far as im concerned, his already won.
