BRADFORD singer Bradley Johnson wowed the judges on TV show Let It Shine, winning the highest score of the night.
Bradley, 19, was the last contestant to appear on the audition process of the BBC One show, seeking stars for Gary Barlow's new musical about a boy band. On last Saturday's show Bradley's moving performance of Bring Him Home from Les Miserables earned him a top score of 20 stars and a standing ovation from all four judges and the audience.
Head judge Gary Barlow said he hit every note "with absolute perfection" and Martin Kemp described him as "amazing". The talented teenager moved judge Dannii Minogue to tears, and she told him: "I'm happy for us that you came here." Glee star Amber Riley said: "You took me to heaven with that song. You're magnificent."
Bradley, of Low Moor, has been performing most of his life. A former pupil of Stage 84 in Idle, he starred in productions of Oliver! and Peter Pan, and as a child he was in Emmerdale and medical drama The Royal. In 2008 he was in the chorus of a touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Alhambra, beating hundreds of youngsters at auditions.
In 2007 Bradley starred alongside Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent in a film called And When Did You Last See Your Father, based on Yorkshire poet Blake Morrison's memoirs. Aged ten at the time, Bradley told the Telegraph & Argus he had his mum, Mandy, to thank for his budding acting career. "When he was five I sent him to a football academy but he wasn't interested, " she said. "Then one night we went to see a show at the Alhambra and he was mesmerised. He said, 'That's what I want to do'."
Bradley has also appeared in TV dramas The Syndicate and Five Days, and four years ago competed in Bradford Bulls' X Factor-style singing competition.
Bradley went to Dixons City Academy where he performed in shows and concerts. "I was heavily involved in the performing arts department, and did drumming lessons every week," he said. "You'd always find me in the one of the practice rooms, practicing piano, drums or singing.
"As soon as I saw the advertisement for Let It Shine, I knew it would be right up my street. I love musicals and the thought of being in a boy band sounds great, as you have someone to keep you company and have a laugh with along the journey.
"My music teacher Tamsin Rafnsson from Dixons said I should go for it - so I did. If it wasn't for the performing arts team at school, I don't think I would have had the confidence to perform in front of one of my biggest idols, Gary Barlow."
Bradley is now through to the next stage of Let It Shine, to be aired this Saturday. He will take part in a showcase of vocals, dance skills and harmonies, with the contestants put into groups, showing how they can collaborate with each other and with a famous artist.
Five groups of eight will be whittled down to five groups of five, then viewers will see who is through to the live shows.
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