Britain’s Got Talent at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena
Monday 27th June 2011, 11:30AM BST.
Britain’s Got Talent organist Jean Martyn paid tribute to her local fans at the BGT live show at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena, after revealing that her mother had died days before.
After delivering a typically energetic performance on Saturday night, Jean, from Brewood, admitted it had been an emotional few days.
Not only had she turned 60 but her mother had passed away in the same week, she told the audience.
But the bubbly star, who took to the stage in a red sparkly top, did not let it show as she performed hits such as Fame and Greased Lightning.
This was of course accompanied by trademark air punches and foot tapping.
“This is a very special night for me because I am only 40 minutes from home,” said Jean, who used to be head of music at Penkridge Middle School.
“I want to thank you for putting me where I am today because I’m having a ball.”
The performer, who was born in Lichfield and came 10th in the television contest, said she felt her mother was “with me now” and had kept her going. Meanwhile, relatives of the star held up a banner saying Go Aunty Jean.
Thousands of adoring fans – including many from the Black Country – descended on the NIA to see the stars of this year’s series perform once again.
Boyband New Bounce – featuring MJ Mytton-Sanneh from Wolverhampton – kicked off the show in dramatic fashion just after 7.30pm.
The energetic singers, who praised Michael Jackson as their inspiration, performed a medley that included JLS’s Eyes Wide Shut and Everybody in Love as well Justin Bieber’s Baby.
There were impressive performances from pianist Paul Gbegbaje, winner Jai McDowall and singer Ronan Park, who earned a standing ovation.
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