Episode 11 The Big Performance

Ten kids who were bullied into silence...

-All these boys laughed at me.

-(I can't do it.)

Face the toughest performance challenge of all.

This is Children In Need.

I gave you instructions, nothing happened.

After weeks of training, it's time to sing to the nation.

We'll be on that stage in a few hours.

I am so nervous.

Everything they've learnt culminates in one song for Children In Need.

There is nothing more I can do.

Can they find the courage to give the show of their lives?

Let's make tonight count.

I can't believe we're here!

Are you guys excited?

It will finally come down to this.

Hey, guys.

Good luck to all of you.

It's time for their Big Performance.

It's the day before Children In Need,

and the Big Performance tour bus is back in London.

I'm feeling pressure to get it right. It must be perfect.

I want them to feel that they did their best,

because they are capable of it.

The shy singers have come full circle, returning to BBC TV Centre,

where they first started their musical tour ten weeks ago.

Back then, nerves meant they could barely utter a sound.

And...go!

THEY MUMBLE

After weeks of hard work,

they're now poised to perform on the same stage as JLS and One Direction.

Everything that I've taught them

has been about building up to this moment.

We need to inspire people to give money,

this has never been so important.

I feel nervous but excited, too. I just want to do it.

Ten weeks' work, I'm hoping I don't muck it up.

The group in front of me are like different people,

you've got more confidence, you're standing taller

and you're singing better.

There will be a lot of pressure, and we've got a lot of work to do,

but before that, I will throw you in at the deep end.

You are going to be performing in about 20 minutes,

live, on BBC Breakfast.

-Oh!

-Yay!

It's not as many as will be watching on Children In Need,

but it is our biggest audience so far.

Follow me.

I can't believe we're back at the BBC, it is where we started.

BBC Breakfast, my mum watches that!

I have to sing in front of her again.

We haven't practised.

We are on the news to promote Children In Need,

we haven't got time to worry, we just have to do a great job.

BBC Breakfast attracts around two million viewers every morning

and entertainment's biggest names regularly appear on the sofa.

They'll perform their rendition of Avril Lavigne's Keep Holding On

-in just a couple of minutes.

-Oh! OK.

Backstage, there's just time for a vocal warm-up.

# Nothing you can do. #

You have to get ready for that bit.

It's early morning, we're tired but you need to...

# Nothing you can say. # Try that. And...

-# Nothing you can say #

-Good.

-# Nothing you can do #

-Great.

Try that one more time. Three, and... Do you need us?

Ok, we're ready.

James, you, me and Sasha are doing the interview first,

-they're going to talk to us, OK? Going to be all right?

-Yes.

Sasha and James have been chosen to represent the group

and publicise their Big Performance.

-Hello, welcome to the programme. How are you feeling?

-Good.

-Are you? Good. Not too nervous?

-Um, No.

You've been given a hard time at school, what was your problem?

Just bullies, people who don't like the fact that you have

the confidence to sing, they just knock it out of you.

What tactics do you employ to get the confidence

to stand before an audience?

Gareth!

I believe in them and they're starting to believe in themselves.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast was a total surprise to the singers.

Can their performance now convince viewers to tune in tomorrow night?

Here's Gareth Malone and his choir from The Big Performance 2,

singing their own rendition of Avril Lavigne's Keep Holding On

# You're not alone together we stand

# I'll be by your side

# You know, I'll take your hand

# Keep holding on

# Cos you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

# Just stay strong

# Cos you know I'm here for you I'm here for you

# There's nothing you can say Nothing you can do

# There's no other way When it comes to the truth

# So keep holding on

# Cos you know we'll make it through, make it through. #

APPLAUSE

-Hooray!

-Well done, guys.

No dry eyes in this house, and tomorrow will be even worse!

I thought singing live was amazing, and I thought we did a good job.

I found that a bit scary,

so Children In Need is going to be really, really hard.

Performing on BBC Breakfast, I had butterflies.

For Children In Need,

I'll have butterflies, moths, mosquitoes, every single insect!

What will be hard is drawing out that real magic

that we put on at the last minute.

This has to be spine-tingling.

As the group head off to their first Children In Need rehearsal,

they get a taste of what it's going to be like backstage.

We just met One Direction!

I love their new single, it's like, wow!

Tomorrow, there'll be lots of famous faces around.

They mustn't get too starstruck and lose focus on the job in hand.

We need to go the extra mile, it needs to be more.

More passion, more sincerity, more in their eyes, more, more, more.

This is the Children In Need studio, where tomorrow

the once-bullied singers will be leading a nationwide choir.

The biggest entertainment shows are made here,

including Strictly Come Dancing.

We are going into a big live studio. What I need is concentration.

Don't be distracted by the lights,

don't be distracted by famous people.

If we can get this right now, we can get it right on the night.

We're all really excited,

we've got mics on, it's really professional.

They have to stay cool, calm and focused.

If they get distracted or upset

by the people rushing around they'll lose it.

I feel like a proper celebrity! Look at it! It is beautiful!

This rehearsal is to make sure the group know their stage positions.

Back a bit, Charlize, that way. Across a little bit.

I've just given you three instructions

and none of them happened.

Mohammed, are you listening to me? What did I just say?

Listen.

Tia, hands. Good.

Sasha, hands.

# You're not alone Together we stand

# I'll be by your side You know I'll take your hand. #

These kids need to up their game a little bit,

they need to look more engaged in it,

all their movements need to be solid.

# So far away, I wish you were here

# Before it's too late This could all disappear. #

It's good for a rehearsal, but they need to do more.

# ..comes to an end With you by my side... #

I think they did well, but they need to go up a gear.

Their faces need to look involved.

They need to smile, they need to get the actions really crisp,

and they must not fidget.

I need to concentrate more,

because I missed a couple of moves and a couple of my lines.

But I know what I need to improve on.

I feel like there's an extra gear.

The reality has hit me, and I am so nervous right now.

This is Children In Need,

so I want to make them feel that we're singing the song to them.

We have to sort their faces out,

they have to look like it's the best thing they've ever done.

They just look over-awed.

In this extraordinary challenge,

Gareth will be bringing the nation together like never before.

-Hello, Devon!

-Hello!

Up and down the country, choirs will be singing in unison,

fronted by our once desperately-nervous singers.

After the lacklustre rehearsal,

Gareth is taking them to meet the London choir

who will be joining them on stage tomorrow night.

ALL: # Hello, Big Performance Ten.

-# Nice to see you!

-ALL: Nice to see you! #

To see you nice!

It's vital this goes smoothly, because they're running out of time.

Cue the music.

# You're not alone together we stand

# I'll be by your side You know I'll take your hand

# A-a-ah, a-a-ah

# I won't give in... #

The London choir are amazing.

First years and it was like... Is that coming from them?

I'm so glad we have got them to back us up, because they are amazing.

# Keep holding on

# Keep holding on. #

APPLAUSE

This is a song for Children In Need about holding on through tough times,

and they have to show that in their face and in their singing.

Every so often I see someone and think,

"Brilliant face,"

and I look down to the next person, and they're going...

Yeah? Just not quite in the song. Try that one more time, keep...

# Keep holding on

# Cos you know we'll make it through We'll make it through

# Keep holding on. #

Smashed it, well done!

I think it's starting to dawn on them just how big this is.

It is epic, it's massive, it's the entire nation coming together.

It's very exciting. Up until now, they haven't really got that.

This is definitely what you'd call a challenge.

What the performance is lacking is crispness in the movement,

they're not doing those moves strongly enough.

I've brought Briony back in to give it that extra bit of sparkle.

-It's Briony, everyone.

-Hi! You all right?

Choreographer to the stars, Briony has worked with everyone

from Take That to Cheryl Cole.

We need to clarify the moves. The first one is lifting your arms up.

A few of you are cutting that move short.

When you change the words,

that's the next bit, the next bit, and then finish it here.

I will come up to you individually, and I want to see your faces.

And I want to see you perform it.

# Keep holding on

# Cos you know we'll make it through, We'll make it through. #

During the performance, the cameras could be on any of them at any time.

But not all the singers are performance ready.

I looked at Taylor and he was just like... and I thought, "oh, no!"

This is not going to work.

It is real hard to do everything at once,

because I' no good at multi-tasking,

and you have to smile, dance, sing,

remember the words, everything gets on top of you, and sometimes...

"Oh, that's nice, yeah." You get lost in your own world.

By the end of the rehearsal, he was getting better and better.

All I want him to do is focus for four minutes,

and hopefully he will be able to do that tomorrow.

The day has come to an end,

and Gareth can only hope the group are ready for what tomorrow brings.

There is nothing more I can do, that's it, the last proper rehearsal.

It's up to them.

It's the big, big, big day. Today is a big day.

There's not very much else to do, now.

I can't do any more, they just have to do it.

Children In Need night is one of the biggest events of the year.

11 million people will be watching,

and millions of pounds could be raised.

The day's finally come. I'm so amazed, because we made it this far.

We are going to be on that stage in a few hours. It is phenomenal.

Here it is, and we have got to do it, it's so cool. I cannot wait.

Excitement levels are high,

and the group are raring to get on stage,

but there's still a few hours till show time,

and a technical rehearsal to get through first.

I need them to be quite professional, to keep calm,

even when they are stood next to JLS or The Saturdays,

because they can't waste their energy,

they have to put it into the performance.

OK, tuck in, everyone.

Can I just say, very well done for getting to this point.

It was a long, hard ten weeks.

And I think you've come out the other side,

and done incredibly well. I'm really proud.

Can I just say, thanks so much for everything you've done,

you've changed our lives, pretty much.

I remember that first day when I thought I could never do it.

-I'm Gareth.

-Hi.

-How you doing?

-I'm OK, thanks.

-Not too nervous?

-I'm a little bit...

Wow, you're going backwards. Come closer, come closer...

Thank you for showing that it's not just girls that sing,

you don't need to care what anyone thinks, just believe in yourself.

Thanks for bringing out the performance side in me.

They're not afraid any more.

They're nervous, of course, but not afraid. It makes me really proud.

I can perform without giggling or shaking.

That is a relief, I have to say.

-Do you want to have a go?

-Not really.

One, two, three and...

They've put themselves on the line and challenged themselves,

they've done so well.

It's really lovely to see that it matters to them.

This is the point where I, really, stop saying,

"Do it like this, like that," and I just let you do it.

You all know how to make this performance great.

It's something you'll be proud of, and your parents, and the nation.

I really do think you have it within you.

We need to be calm.

There's no point jumping around, or doing more rehearsals. We're ready.

Just get those children all to sing together.

You know the routine.

I will be forever in your debt.

I'll do my best. See you later.

Actually quite exciting.

With three hours to go before broadcasting live to the nation,

stars are starting to arrive.

Like any act performing at Children In Need,

the group get the superstar treatment.

You're dressing room awaits, gentlemen.

This place is awesome.

Woo-hoo!

I feel like an emperor.

Except the only problem is there's nobody to drop them in your mouth.

It's awesome to have my own dressing room,

I feel like I'm famous.

Fridge!

The atmosphere is frantic, you can feel the electricity in the air.

You have to ignore it and get on with the job.

Their first ever rehearsal with the 3,000-strong nationwide choir

should help refocus them on the task ahead.

Today is where they feel the scale of it.

It's technically and musically a big challenge,

and the significance is huge. For me, for them, for the nation.

They're finally confident performing as a group,

but will they be strong enough to lead the nation?

Performing alongside such experienced singers

means the standard is high. The group need to give everything

if their performance is to raise as much money as possible.

# There's no other way When it comes to the truth

# So keep holding on. #

Technically, the rehearsal has gone well, but Gareth is concerned

the same old problems remain.

-Taylor, you have got to smile.

-I know.

-Practise smiling.

-Yeah.

Mohammed, look at me, don't look at the audience. Look at me.

Time has run out.

There is nothing else I can do.

I just pray that it all comes together.

As Children In Need and the Big Performance edges ever closer,

the group head off to get ready.

It makes you feel like you're a star.

I want this every day.

Looking amazing.

Do what you can.

Even a reluctant Gareth gets his turn in the chair.

-This is entirely necessary, isn't it?

-Yes.

-So Terry Wogan's having it done?

-I imagine he's getting airbrushed.

If it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me.

What about JLS? Are they getting it done?

-Of course.

-One Direction?

-Most certainly.

-They need it a lot.

'Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to Television Centre.

'We are live, and the time has come for Children In Need, 2011.

'Here is your host, Sir Terry Wogan.'

After an agonising wait, it's finally here. Show time!

As Children In Need broadcasts live from the BBC,

the group wait backstage for their cue.

All performers get nervous. I'm nervous. But I'm also excited,

and I will use the nerves to turn in the biggest performance so far.

That's what you need to do. Let's make it the one that counts.

As a special treat, Gareth has arranged a personal message

from tonight's superstar songwriter, Avril Lavigne.

Hey, guys. I hear you're doing my song, and I think that's awesome.

For any of you guys who find performing difficult,

or you're nervous, my advice to you is just to practise,

because the more you practise the more confident you will be.

James, I hope your solo goes really well and good luck to all of you.

-She said your name!

-She said my name!

Yes, she did.

She's so famous, and just to hear her say my name

and for her to know me, such a good feeling.

I just feel so happy.

ALL: O-o-o-oh, Big Performance!

The group are called to the studio

and bump into some familiar faces along the way.

-Good luck hug.

-Can I have some good luck?

Smash it. Show them what you're about.

Are you guys excited? We're not at the beach no more, are we?

All these weeks we've been working so hard,

and it's all going to finally come down to this.

I think we are all buzzing inside.

Really excited and nervous, mixed emotions.

I just can't believe that we're here!

I just can't wait, I'm buzzing!

The difference between doing it perfectly

and messing it up is that small.

I really hope it goes the right way.

As the nervous group wait in the wings,

old emotions threaten to creep in.

Really nervous for them, and I hope they're all right there, waiting.

-I can't wait. It will be really enjoyable.

-Very, very proud.

This year, Gareth Malone has stepped up for his toughest challenge yet...

With 11 million people watching and a packed studio, it's now or never.

Ten weeks of hard work all comes down

to the next four minutes. Can they do it?

Good luck, I know you'll all be amazing, be yourself.

You're going to go out, smash it, and sing your hearts out.

Don't be nervous, the excited.

We are all here, watching with everything crossed for you.

We love you all, good luck.

Please welcome, Gareth Malone and the Children In Need choir.

# You're not alone Together we stand

# I'll be by your side You know I'll take your hand

# When it gets cold And it feels like the end

# There's no place to go You know I won't give in

# No, I won't give in

# Keep holding on

# Cos you know we'll make it through We'll make it through

# Just stay strong

# Cos you know I'm here for you I'm here for you

# There's nothing you could say

# There's nothing you could do

# There's no other way When it comes to the truth

# So keep holding on

# Cos you know we'll make it through We'll make it through

# So far away, I wish you were here

# Before it's too late This could all disappear

# Before the door's closed And it comes to an end

# With you by my side I will fight and defend

# Fight

# I'll fight and defend, yeah, yeah

# Keep holding on

# Cos you know we'll make it through We'll make it through

# Just stay strong

# Cos you know we'll make it through We'll make it through

# There's nothing you could say

# There's nothing you could do

# There's no other way When it comes to the truth

# So keep holding on

# Cos you know we'll make it through We'll make it through... #

You can do it, you can do it. This is really important.

-Give her a hug, give her a hug.

-Oh, I keep forgetting the words.

-I can't do this.

-Yeah, you can.

People might laugh at me.

# Keep holding on

# Cos you know we'll make it through We'll make it through

# Just stay strong

# Cos you know I'm here for you I'm here for you

# There's nothing you could say Nothing you could do

# There's no other way When it comes to the truth

# So keep holding on

# Cos you know we'll make it through We'll make it through

# Keep holding on

# Keep holding on

# Keep holding on. #

APPLAUSE

This once nervous group had been bullied into silence.

Tonight they found their voices.

I'm so proud of her. Excited and proud.

I can't believe she's come from not being able to

sing in front of us, only her sister, to in front of millions.

It's just amazing.

Seeing Michael sing was absolutely wonderful. Great.

THEY CHEER

Well done, I am so proud of you. It was amazing. James, put it there.

-Thank you.

-You're welcome.

I can't believe I did that.

It's just touched me that everybody got through it.

I'm proud of everyone.

But thing is, we pulled together as a team. We brought it.

My mum and my dad have come up to say how proud they are,

it's making me cry.

I can't explain how good I feel right now.

I'm excited, hyperactive, cos that's the best thing I've ever done.

I've really enjoyed myself.

It's been a really good lifetime experience.

I made some amazing best friends.

I hope we all stay in touch forever. Hopefully one day we'll meet again.

What the future holds for me, I don't know. I don't care.

As long as I can be this confident, I'll be so happy.

THEY SCREAM

Because they have been bullied and had so much to overcome,

just to open their mouths and sing, that is an unbelievable achievement.

This whole experience has been about finding confidence through singing.

I don't think they'll be afraid in the same way again.

Tonight, the group's performance

helped to raise a record breaking £26 million.

Next time, the full story from the beginning.

-Are you all right?

-I can't do it.

And, how it's changed their lives forever.

I'll never forget this.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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