28 May 2024
A St Albans music teacher is preparing for his semi-final appearance on hit TV show Britain’s Got Talent tomorrow night.
Mike Woodhams, 38, is the music teacher at Garden Fields School as well as teaching singing at St Albans-based Performing Herts.
After a nervous introduction, he wowed BGT judges during the audition stage by performing a jukebox of musical impressions including James Blunt, Gabrielle, Ronan Keating, Anastasia, Macy Gray and Heather Small.
Simon Cowell told him: “You’re the kind of act that could win this whole show.”
All four judges voted “yes” for him to go forwards in the competition, giving Mike a standing ovation for his performance.
Now he’s returning to our screens to battle for a slot in the grand final.
Mike grew up locally and attended Sir John Lawes School but now lives in Milton Keynes. He 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.”
The reaction from his pupils and colleagues has been hugely positive, he 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 6 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!”
Has he thought about what he’ll do if he actually wins the entire contest, which involves a £250,000 cash prize and a spot on the bill of the Royal Variety Performance?
“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 6 show to prepare for.
“Who knows? I guess I’ll ponder it over the summer and see if anybody wants me!”
Mike has promised some new impressions in his next performance, and laughed: “It’s something else to be nervous about!”
Jenny Jones from Performing Arts talent school added: “Mike is such a wonderful person and we really want him to do well so we’re hoping St Albans might get behind him. The kids are all so excited for him to be on live TV and hoping we can get him into the finals!”
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