She didn’t look like a star when she stepped onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage. At just 25, Kathleen Jenkins was a part-time cleaner from Newport, visibly nervous and clearly overwhelmed by the spotlight. Her hands trembled, her voice wavered as she spoke — and few could have predicted what was about to happen next.
Then the music started. Kathleen launched into a raw, emotional version of “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones, and the theatre instantly changed. Her voice carried heartbreak, strength, and unexpected power, cutting through the room and silencing every doubt. By the final note, the audience exploded — and all four judges rose to their feet in a full standing ovation.
Simon Cowell didn’t hide his reaction. He told her he had been “waiting all day” for an act like hers and called her “really special,” a rare seal of approval that instantly pushed her audition into BGT history. What began as a shaky entrance turned into one of the day’s most unforgettable moments.
Kathleen went on to the semi-finals, where she delivered “One Day I’ll Fly Away” by Randy Crawford. The performance was polished, emotional, and warmly received — but the public vote placed her third, knocking her out just short of the final. Or so it seemed.
In a dramatic twist, Kathleen was later brought back as a wildcard for the final — and reports even claimed Simon had secretly predicted her as a potential winner in a sealed envelope. Since BGT, she’s continued performing across the UK, received support from Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins, and proved that this “nervous cleaner” was always a seasoned performer — just waiting for the right moment to be seen.
