Good as GOLD

Singer SYDNIE CHRISTMAS on how she hopes getting a golden ticket to the BGT semi-finals paves the way to the West End...

BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT
SAT-FRI, TIMES VARY, ITV1 ENTERTAINMENT

Sydnie Christmas certainly has cause for celebration. Clinching judge Amanda Holden's first Golden Buzzer in this year's Britain's Got Talent for her powerhouse rendition of Tomorrow from the musical Annie, the Kent singer sailed through to the ITV1 entertainment extravaganza's live semi-finals, which kick off this week.

'It doesn't seem real because it all happened so quickly!' smiles Sydnie, 28, as she joins TV Times for an exclusive chat. 'I'm still expecting someone to wake me up. I feel very lucky.' Following the last two audition rounds on Saturday and Sunday, the stage will be set for five live showdowns, running across consecutive evenings over the week from Holiday Monday.

Hosted by Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, the semi-finals will see the best 40 acts from Series 17 -including Sydnie and the other Golden Buzzer choices (see box, right) - get the chance to perform for viewers' votes in a quest to bag a place in the grand final on Sunday 2 June.

Here, Sydnie tells us why she hopes her performance hits all the right notes...

What made you audition for BGT, Sydnie?

I’ve been trying to get into the entertainment industry for a very long time, and I’m at an age now where I’m seeing lots of people I know, who are a lot younger than me, getting leads in the West End. I think, ‘Am I good enough?’ So, I went on BGT trying my luck, really, and I couldn’t believe I got a yes. I never get a yes!

You got more than just a yes, though – you were also Amanda’s Golden Buzzer choice!