Chiswick and Burnley Unite in Support of Andrew Derbyshire

Local singer makes brave attempt to reach Britain's Got Talent Final

It just wasn't to be for Andrew Derbyshire who gave it his all in the semi-final of Britain's Got Talent this Saturday Night.

His rendition of Beyonce's 'Listen' got a mixed reaction from the judges with David Walliams loving it but Amanda Holden saying he sounded a bit like Tarzan. They voted through novelty dance act Paddy and Nico with the public vote going to Jack Pack, a Rat Pack tribute band.

Andrew who lives on Chiswick High Road has been in the area for over 10 years and was counting on local support in the public vote both from his adopted home town and his native Burnley.

He was up against eight other acts in the live semi-final show with the Britain’s Got Talent crown, the chance to appear at the Royal Variety Performance and £250,000 at stake.

It was the second time that Andrew had faced Simon Cowell on a judging panel. He was previously a contestant on Pop Idol in 2001. Andrew bowed out in the heats with the contest that year being won by ArtsEd graduate Will Young.

He feels that his choice of song didn't help him last time out and said, ""It was the first ever reality show, so it didn't get the hype of what these shows now get. It was still a massive deal for me, but it came and it went. I've worked hard to try and stay in the entertainment industry since It's been a really, really long journey, but I'm proud of myself."

The 31-year-old had no trouble getting through in the earlier round on BGT with a powerful rendition of the Jocelyn Brown hit Somebody Else’s Guy.

Since his first adventure on TV Andrew has been appearing regularly in the West End include playing the role of Galileo in We Will Rock you for which he was hand-picked by Queen guitarist Brian May.

The live final takes place on Saturday 7th June.

June 1, 2014