When Kyle Tomlinson, a 15-year-old from Sheffield, walked onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage, he carried more than just nerves — he carried a memory that had stayed with him for years.
Three years earlier, Kyle had auditioned for BGT and was told by judge David Walliams that he wasn’t good enough. He was advised to get singing lessons before trying again.
Rather than letting that rejection crush him, Kyle took the advice to heart. He spent the next three years training with a vocal coach, working hard to improve not just his voice but also his confidence.
And in 2017, he came back — ready to prove David (and the world) wrong.
Kyle chose to sing “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, a risky and emotional song that many avoid because of its difficulty. But from the very first note, the audience and judges were stunned. His performance was raw, powerful, and full of soul.
By the end, the entire theatre was on its feet — including David Walliams.
Then came the surprise: David hit the Golden Buzzer, sending Kyle straight through to the live semi-finals.
With tears in his eyes, David said:
“I’m really glad you came back and proved me wrong.”
Why It Stood Out:
- Redemption arc: From rejection to a Golden Buzzer.
- Hard work pays off: Kyle’s transformation was the result of dedication.
- Emotional moment: David’s reaction added a full-circle emotional payoff.