Magicians make BGT judges, audiences cry

MANILA, Philippines — Magicians who audition for reality talent shows normally amaze their audience. They are often rewarded with screams and loud applause from the crowd. However, in the latest edition of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), magician Marc Spellmann reduced the judges and many in the audience to tears.

All four judges — Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon — gave Marc a standing ovation. The 46-year-old magician did not just get into the show. He also ended up getting the much-coveted first Golden Buzzer from hosts Ant and Dec (Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly). That meant Marc automatically moves to the live shows.

Marc’s audition was undoubtedly tear-jerking, if not hard to believe. The judges were stunned after he displayed his magic and shared a heart-rending story. Ant cried upon hearing Marc’s wife battle with breast cancer and how their daughter was miraculously born two years ago after nearly 10 years of IVF attempts.

Meanwhile, illusionist and escapologist Matt Johnson locked up himself in a water tank with a chain around his neck. To free himself, he needed to find the right key in a bowl with many other similar keys. It took him nearly two minutes to get out of that life-threatening situation.

From left: Marc Spellman, Kazuhisa Uekusa and Matt Johnson

Japanese talent Kazuhisa Uekusa displayed his mettle in being an international variety performer, which David described as “highly erotic.” But Alesha commended him. “We’re always looking for something different on the show and we’ve never seen an act quite like you before. So arigato gozaimasu,” the singer declared, following four affirmative nods from the judges.

B Positive Choir delighted the judges and the audience with their singing prowess. “That was one of the most soulful, honest, authentic performances that we’ve had on the show,” Alesha said. “You’re amazing.”

Simon remarked, “It’s amazing the message you’ve come here to spread today. It’s very inspiring. I didn’t think it was great. It was amazing.” The four judges unanimously agreed to welcome B Positive to the competition.

After only the first episode, Britain’s Got Talent immediately thrilled the audience, who are expecting for more exciting and awesome acts in the coming weeks.

Resident judges Simon and Amanda have been with the show from the start in 2007. Singer Alesha and comedian David both joined in 2012 and have not left the judging panel since.

In the 10th of Britain’s Got Talent, a magician from London, Richard Jones, became the champion and bagged 250,000 pounds. He was the first magician to bag the top prize in the reality competition. Last season, pianist Tokio Myers (a.k.a. Torville Jones) was declared winner.