MIKE Woodhams has been hotly tipped by Simon Cowell to win Britain’s Got Talent 2024.
Here we get to know the performer, who made it through to the semi-finals of the show with his versatile variety of vocals.
Who is BGT finalist Mike Woodhams?
Mike Woodhams, 38, grew up in Harpenden, St Albans, where he attended Sir John Lawes school — but now he lives in Milton Keynes.
After a slightly jittery introduction on BGT, he blew the judges away during the audition with his array of musical impressions including Ronan Keating, James Blunt, Gabrielle, Anastacia, Macy Gray and Heather Small.
You’re the kind of act that could win this whole show
Simon Cowell
Speaking about appearing on BGT, Mike told the St Albans Times: “It all feels very new. I’m looking forward to it and have overcome much of my nervousness.
“I’ve had a lot more time to prepare and get used to the idea.
“A bit of nerves are good though, they keep you buoyant.”
All four judges voted in favour of Mike going through to the semi-finals of the competition, giving him a well-deserved standing ovation for his performance.
Simon Cowell even told him: “You’re the kind of act that could win this whole show.”
And on the subject of winning the top prize and singing at the Royal Variety Performance, Mike said: “I’ve not thought that far ahead, I’ve been so focused on getting to that point, and life goes on all the time, I’ve got a Year six show to prepare for.
“Who knows? I guess I’ll ponder it over the summer and see if anybody wants me.”
What does Mike Woodhams do for a living?
Mike is an educator, working as a music teacher at Garden Fields school, and also teaches singing at Performing Arts, both of which are situated in St Albans.
Speaking about the reaction he’s received from his colleagues and pupils, Mike said: “The kids at school and Performing Arts have been amazing, they’re more excited than I am.
“They keep coming up to me and asking for me to say their name, but I have to explain I might not have time to read out 200 kids’ names on the show.
“Year six have been singing the biggest praises, although obviously they gave me some feedback.
“I think they were surprised and shocked by the whole thing though.
“The staff at school have also been really sweet, it’s so uplifting. “People have said they really enjoyed the act, even if they didn’t know the artists or the songs, my Dad included.”
How to watch the Britain’s Got Talent final
The semi-finals kicked off on Monday, May 27, 2024, and will run until Saturday June 1, 2024.
You can watch the action on these days from 8pm on ITV and ITVX.
Mike will perform on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
He will be competing against:
- Dancer Leightonjay Halliday
- Dancing Troupe the Troll Dancers
- Singer Sydnie Christmas
- Extreme pogo stick performer Duncan Murray
- Sword swallower Heather Holliday
- Magic act Magicians Assemble
- Singing group Rask AI
There also isn’t long to wait until the big BGT final.
On Sunday, June 2, 2024, the finalists get to perform one final time, with the live show starting at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX.
The winner of the series will take home the £250,000 cash prize and earn a spot on the bill of the Royal Variety Performance.
Britain's Got Talent winners
Britain's Got Talent has a gigantic hall of fame when it comes to its winners - from magicians, comedians to dance troops - the show has had it all. Here's a look back at each winner from each series...
2023 – Viggo Venn
2022 – Axel Blake
2021 – Cancelled by ITV due to the Coronavirus pandemic
2020 – Jon Courtenay
2019 – Colin Thackery
2018 – Lost Voice Guy
2017 – Tokio Myers
2016 – Richard Jones
2015 – Jules O’Dwyer & Matisse
2014 – Collabro
2013 – Attraction
2012 – Ashleigh and Pudsey
2011 – Jai McDowell
2010 – Spelbound
2009 – Diversity
2008 – George Sampson
2007 – Paul Potts