8 hours Ago By [email protected] (Tianna Corbin)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The wait is almost over, as the 18th series of Britain's Got Talent is set to air this weekend.
ITV viewers have seen a plethora of talented acts take to the stage since the show began in 2007. Over the years, the programme has seen a springboard for many well-known names such as Diversity, Susan Boyle and George Sampson. However, the first-ever winner of the talent competition has been one of the show's biggest success stories.
Paul Potts left judges Simon Cowell , Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan speechless during his first audition. The mobile phone salesman blew them all away with his rendition of Nessun Dorma. Amanda was overcome with emotion as everyone gave Paul a standing ovation.
At the time, Simon said: "So you work at Carphone Warehouse and you did that, I was not expecting that. This was a complete breath of fresh air, I thought you were absolutely fantastic." Paul went on to win the entire series, with six-year-old singer Connie Talbot finishing as the runner-up.
Since then, Paul has had an incredible career, including a BBC sensation playing him in a film. Here's what Paul Potts has been up to since being crowned the first winner of Britain's Got Talent over a decade ago. Paul is no stranger to the world of TV after his Britain’s Got Talent win.
In 2019, the singer participated in America's Got Talent: The Champions. The reality show saw well-known acts from across the world compete against one another. Although Paul didn’t win the champion title, he finished the show in 12th place out of 50 acts who entered the competition.
Another talent show he competed in was Germany’s version of The Masked Singer, where he was seen hiding behind the costume of Koala in 2022. Taking to Instagram at the time he was unmasked, he revealed he was almost ill on stage Paul wrote: “I had a huge amount of fun as Koala on @masked.singer.
germany some commented that I looked like I was going to be sick. I almost was before and during performance. I had a sick bucket backstage.
“Sure the song didn’t really suit my voice, but that’s the whole point of the show, to challenge yourself outside of your genre. I’m proud that I managed to still have fun and be a playful koala. The mask helps to get rid of some shyness.
” Although he didn’t win the show, he went on to wish the remaining six contestants luck. He added: “Challenge yourselves. Sure you might sing a little worse, but keep it fun in these somewhat dark times.
” In 2018, Paul was also victorious when he won the TV show Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend in South Korea. A few years after winning the show, Paul Potts’ life was played out on the big screen in his own biopic. The film, titled One Chance, saw Gavin and Stacey star James Corden portray Paul.
Showcasing Pauls’ life from his early childhood to his launch to fame on Britain's Got Talent. Commenting on watching James play him, Paul commented: “It was quite interesting to see James Corden try to take on Nessun Dorma and pick up some of my mannerisms. The strangest thing for me was seeing his mouth moving, but my voice coming out of it.
" However, James wasn’t the only well-known name in the film as Grammy winner Taylor Swift was also involved. The American singer-songwriter wrote and produced the song Sweeter than Fiction, which was created for the film. Detailing her involvement, she said: “Getting to see the struggles and triumphs of someone who never stopped chasing what he was after really inspired me.
It's a beautiful movie and I just wanted to share it with everybody." After winning the ITV show, Paul sold his £60,000 terraced home in return for a plush mansion, according to Daily Mail. However, he opted not to stray too far and still lives in his hometown of Port Talbot in Wales.
It’s reported his luxury home has multiple bedrooms, a jacuzzi bath, large garden and a wood-panelled hallway. Speaking to Western Mail at the time, he said: “We have some work to do to get it to its former glory, but it’s ours and will be home for us. We can truly see ourselves living the remainder of our days here.
From the roof garden, towards the end of the day, I watched the sun set over Mumbles and Swansea Bay. It truly was a sight to behold, and most of all, after a very full 15 months, it was ours.” Paul lives in the plush home with his wife Julie-Ann, who he met on the internet.
In 2023, the BGT winner paid tribute to Julie as they celebrated 20 years of marriage. Sharing an image of their wedding day, Paul joked: “Twenty years ago today. Julz has my every sympathy.
”.
