When 15-year-old James Smith from Upminster walked onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage, he immediately charmed the audience with his soft-spoken, humble personality. He talked about celebrating his birthday with “a bit of cake with my nan,” joked about the free soap his dad sells at the market, and confessed that his all-time favorite meal is classic pie and mash.
Nothing about him suggested he was about to deliver one of the most memorable auditions of the season.
Then came his song choice: “Feeling Good.”
A bold classic. A massive vocal challenge. A risky move for a teenager.
The judges visibly tensed.
But the second James opened his mouth, the entire room froze. His boyish demeanor disappeared, replaced by a rich, soulful, and effortlessly controlled voice that sounded far beyond his years. He didn’t just sing the song — he owned it, adding smooth dynamics, stunning phrasing, and a charisma that lit up the stage.
The crowd erupted into cheers, rising to their feet long before the final note.
The judges were stunned:
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David Walliams called him a “pop star in the making.”
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Alesha Dixon praised his “incredible charisma” and rare ability to “hold an audience in your hand.”
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Simon Cowell admitted he was nervous about the song choice but said James gave it a “completely new twist,” calling it one of his favorite auditions of the series.
With four enthusiastic “yeses,” James Smith proved that sometimes the most unassuming performers are the ones destined for stardom.
