In a heart-wrenching Britain’s Got Talent Season 17 moment, 22-year-old Harrison Pettman from Gravesend, Kent, pulled off a stunning surprise, leaving his family in tears and the audience in awe. His soulful cover of “With You” from Ghost: The Musical was a showstopper that proved talent can shine in the most unexpected ways. 🎤✨
A Surprise from the Audience
Harrison, a security guard and youth worker, sat among the London Palladium audience with his parents, Michelle and Ian, his brother, and grandmother, pretending to enjoy the show. Telling his family he was “nipping to the toilet,” he was secretly escorted backstage by the BGT crew. When he stepped onto the stage on April 27, 2024, his family’s jaws dropped. “I’ve been trying to get here for years,” Harrison told hosts Ant and Dec, dedicating his performance to his family’s unwavering support.
A Performance That Touched Hearts
Harrison’s rendition of “With You” by Cassie Levy and Richard Fleeshman was raw and heartfelt, his rich, emotive voice capturing the song’s themes of love and loss. His father, Ian, broke down in tears, a reaction that mirrored the audience’s emotion. The performance, which honored his late wife, resonated deeply, earning a standing ovation and over 560,000 YouTube views in days.
Judges’ Reactions: Pure Praise
The judges—Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli—were captivated:
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Amanda Holden: “You acted it so beautifully, straight from the heart.”
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Bruno Tonioli: “Your voice has a rare, rich quality. Stunning.”
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Alesha Dixon: “We were all rooting for you. That was magical.”
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Simon Cowell: “I was on the fence, but you proved yourself.”
The four YES votes sent Harrison to the semi-finals, though he was later eliminated after performing “She Used to Be Mine” from Waitress.
A Rising Star’s Journey
Harrison, who trained at Bird College and Centre Stage Theatre Academy, has faced challenges with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, finding solace in youth work and music through Gifted Young Generation youth club. His BGT moment, backed by his supportive family, sparked debates about his stage school experience, but fans called it “goosebump-worthy.”
Relive Harrison’s unforgettable audition and follow his journey with Talent Recap! ✨
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