BGT became the music industry’s talent archaeologist—digging up diamonds from unexpected places and polishing them for mainstream consumption. While reality TV judges throw around “star quality” like confetti at a wedding, these performers actually delivered the goods. Ready to meet the voices that rewrote the discovery playbook?
18. Malakai Bayoh
The young soprano sensation from BGT 2023 captured hearts with his pure, angelic voice. Bayoh’s performances earned multiple standing ovations and secured his place among BGT’s most memorable recent discoveries. His technical skill at such a young age promises a brilliant future in an industry that’s learned to nurture BGT talent. For more on rising stars, check out the surprising backstories of other artists.
17. Jack Carroll
Carroll combines comedy with musical elements, using his disability as part of his artistic expression. His unique vocal delivery and stage presence demonstrate that physical challenges can’t limit artistic vision. He proves that talent transcends all boundaries—a message the industry desperately needed to hear.
16. Ronan Parke
The 2011 runner-up successfully evolved from child performer to confident adult artist. Parke transitioned from classic ballads to contemporary pop, earning monthly Spotify listeners. His discography proved that BGT success can translate to lasting careers when properly managed.
15. Susan Boyle
The Scottish sensation stunned the world in 2009 with “I Dreamed a Dream.” Boyle’s untrained soprano voice became an instant signature sound. Her BGT audition earned over 200 million YouTube views and launched a platinum-selling recording career that proved talent doesn’t come in expected packages.
14. Loren Allred
The powerhouse vocalist behind “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman made her BGT debut in 2022. Allred consistently ranks at the top of recent “best BGT singers” compilations. Her professional-level vocals and emotional delivery set the standard for contemporary BGT performances—basically what happens when Broadway meets primetime. Discover more powerhouse vocalists in 10 Underrated Musicals You’ve Probably Never Heard Of.
13. Connie Talbot
At just six years old, Talbot possessed perfect pitch and vocal innocence that captivated audiences. Her BGT journey began under bright stage lights and continues as a young adult performer. She proves that age is no barrier to extraordinary talent when properly nurtured through childhood.
12. Calum Scott
Scott’s piano-led cover of “Dancing on My Own” transformed an upbeat dance track into pure emotional gold. His 2015 audition proved that reinterpretation beats imitation every time. The song became a global chart-topper, launching his mainstream pop career and inspiring countless acoustic covers.
11. Bars and Melody
The rap-vocal duo tackled bullying head-on with their song “Hopeful.” Charlie Lenehan’s vocals blend perfectly with Leondre Devries’ rap verses. Their anti-bullying anthem reached #5 on the UK Singles Chart in 2014, showing record executives that conscious pop could move units.
10. Isaac Waddington
Waddington combines vocal talent with piano skills in a disciplined daily practice routine. The 2015 contestant dedicates four hours daily to perfecting his craft. His dedication to continuous improvement showcases the work ethic behind BGT success stories—something industry professionals now actively scout for.
9. Beau Dermott
Dermott’s 2016 rendition of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked showcased impressive vocal control at just 12 years old. Her emotional performances transformed songs into personal stories. She connects deeply with audiences through authentic vulnerability—a quality that streaming algorithms can’t replicate but human hearts recognize instantly.
8. Paul Potts
The mobile phone salesman turned opera sensation with his “Nessun Dorma” audition in 2007. Potts won BGT’s inaugural season and made operatic music accessible to millions. His story inspired the film One Chance starring James Corden—proof that record labels started paying attention to BGT winners.
7. Sarah Ikumu
Ikumu’s 2017 audition with “And I Am Telling You” became an instant BGT classic. Her powerful voice and technical precision earned her consistent top-10 rankings in BGT singer compilations. She demonstrates that raw talent plus professional control equals unforgettable television and industry attention.
6. Jonathan Antoine
This classical crossover tenor brought exceptional technical skill to BGT. Antoine performed with Charlotte Jaconelli, displaying precise vocal control across octaves. Their performances appear in Simon Cowell’s favorite BGT auditions, proving that classical training plus accessibility equals commercial success—a formula major labels now actively seek.
5. Jai McDowall
McDowall overcame severe stage fright to win Season 5 in 2011. His powerful vocals and emotional journey from uncertainty to triumph resonated deeply with audiences. The Scottish singer’s “To Where You Are” showcased his impressive upper vocal range and demonstrated that vulnerability sells records.
4. Richard and Adam
The Welsh brothers evolved from raw talent to polished classical crossover performers. Their “Impossible Dream” album reached #1 on the UK Albums Chart. Their harmonic capabilities and vocal discipline earned them extensive touring opportunities—classical crossover becoming a legitimate genre partly thanks to BGT exposure. Explore more about chart-topping albums in Better Than Best: Top 10 Perfect Albums.
3. Shaheen Jafargholi
Jafargholi’s technical mastery impressed judges and audiences alike. His near-perfect pitch and sophisticated vibrato technique demonstrate exceptional vocal control. The tenor’s ability to convey emotion through technical precision makes him a standout BGT performer who bridges classical training with popular appeal.
2. Janey Cutler
Cutler appeared on BGT in 2010, proving it’s never too late to pursue singing dreams. Her emotional performances drew from life experience and vocal maturity. She featured in comprehensive BGT singer retrospectives, inspiring older performers to embrace their talents in an industry obsessed with youth.
1. James Smith
The 2014 contestant represented the singer-songwriter style with contemporary pop and acoustic performances. Smith demonstrated both vocal talent and musicality, earning inclusion in major BGT retrospective compilations. His performances showcased the diverse range of vocal styles that make BGT compelling television and valuable industry scouting ground.
