A youth worker from Kent surprised his family with an emotional audition for Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) after “nipping to the loo”.
Harrison Pettman, from Gravesend, stunned his parents, nan and brother when he suddenly appeared on stage, having been sat in the audience with them just moments earlier.
Making its debut on our screens last night (April 27), his audition began by showing him sitting in the crowd with his family.
Thinking they were just enjoying the ITV show from the audience, when Harrison told them he was going to “nip to the toilet” they were none the wiser.
Before long he was speaking to Ant and Dec backstage about the grand reveal and as he stepped onto the stage, his family’s jaws dropped.
“It’s Harrison,” his dad said to his mum as their son walked on the BGT stage.
The 23-year-old, who was 22 at the time his audition was filmed, introduced himself to judge Alesha Dixon explaining he is a full-time security guard and youth worker.
As he began his solo, a rendition of ‘With You’ from Ghost the Musical, it was not long before his family were crying.
As he finishes, he sends scores of members of the audience to their feet for a standing ovation, as well as judge Bruno Tonioli.
“You’re the best mate,” his dad says from the crowd as he applauds his son.
Describing the audition as “just lovely”, judge Amanda Holden said it is one of hers and Simon’s favourite songs.
Simon Cowell went on to say although Harrison is “very likeable”, he needs a lot of practice if it is his dream to be on the West End.
Despite this critique, the 23-year-old walked away with four yeses from the judges.
Harrison, who is a former Bird College student, has received praise online including from Grand Gravesend – a community centre that he works for.
After sharing a post about his performance on their Facebook page, received a platitude of applause.
“Amazing performance, a very talented young man,” Fiona Blew commented.
Sarah Howden added: “Amazing voice.”
Harrison will next be on our screens of the hit ITV show for deliberation day.
In this next stage, the judges go through all the acts who made it through and cut the numbers down for the next part of the process.
And he’s not the only singer with links to Gravesham to win acclaim on the show this season.
Sydnie Christmas was given the Golden Buzzer by judge Amanda Holden in last week’s show and marched straight through to the semi-final.
Her rendition of Tomorrow from the musical Annie wowed both the judges and the audience.
After her performance, Amanda said: “That was the best version I have ever heard in my life, so that’s why I’m going to do this!”
Episodes of Britain’s Got Talent will air on ITV every week on both Saturdays at 7.30pm and Sundays at 7.40pm during the first-round auditions.
