Episode 7 The Big Performance

Last year on The Big Performance, ten kids found the courage

to sing to 40,000 people at Proms In The Park.

# We can rule the world. #

The Big Performance - the biggest cheer of the night.

But for this year's kids, the challenge is MUCH bigger,

and MUCH scarier -

singing live on BBC One to 11 million people

on Children in Need.

This is the biggest thing I've done - I'm scared.

Today, the group hit the beach

in preparation for their biggest audience yet.

It's not just singing that'll improve confidence.

I've never had such a thrill!

-But are they up to it?

-Please, don't cry.

Can Rizzle Kicks save the day?

So, you've got at least 60% left in the tank.

Or will it all come crashing down?

This is their first performance on a massive scale. Look at the weather!

This is The Big Performance Two.

THEY HARMONISE

Ten children teased for their love of singing,

must perform to the nation in four weeks' time.

Will they be ready?

I definitely can do better. I know it.

It's down to one man to make sure they are -

choirmaster Gareth Malone.

I am sympathetic to them being shy.

I'm not sympathetic to a lack of effort.

Last time, they fluffed their lines at someone's wedding.

# I'm just taking over me. #

And with the final Big Performance in a month's time,

they need to up their game.

I'm going to keep pushing until it is right.

Summer is in the air

as The Big Performance Two tour bus heads south

to the holiday hot spot of Devon,

famed for its sun, sea, sand and surf.

Last week was high-pressured. This style of music is perfect.

Just relaxing, getting into the vibe and looking cool.

Looking cool isn't enough to help them work out this week's style.

-Gareth's wearing a mysterious outfit.

-Reggae?

-Er, not quite, James.

-Welcome to Devon. We're at the beach!

ALL: Yay!

This week, the style of music is surf rock!

ALL: Whoo!

Surf rock became popular the world over back in the 1960s

thanks to the Californian band The Beach Boys.

More recently, contemporary acts like Jack Johnson and The Drums

have brought it back into the charts.

# Oh, mama I want to go surfing. #

This is about creating an atmosphere and having a great time.

-Do we have to say "dude" all day?

-We do, and to you,

I'm now Mr Dude and you are the Dude and Dudettes.

Awesome!

Who wants to know who the soloist is?

ALL: Me, me, me!

Follow me!

That was a fantastic reaction.

They need to relax, enjoy themselves and not worry.

Will the chilled vibe continue when Gareth reveals this week's soloist?

Those people who have not yet done their solo,

step forward, please.

Tia, it's not you.

James, it could be you.

But it isn't, because it's Sasha.

Oh, my God!

AND Michael!

I love singing, but my giggles and shakiness get in the way.

I don't really like listening to the music my friends do,

but what I really like are boy bands.

I don't know where the giggles are going to go cos

I like them but I need to get over them. Honestly.

I'm looking forward to singing with her

because it means it'll be a two-part song

and it could be in harmony and I really like harmonies.

Follow me, guys!

They don't know it,

but the event they're performing at is huge.

It's a good job we've got two soloists - this is a big one.

To kick off the session,

Gareth has brought the group to the surf shack by Westward Ho! Beach.

I think you'll know this one.

It is a Beach Boys classic -

Surfin' USA.

Oh, my God!

The Beach Boys, famed for their harmonies,

are one of the America's most influential bands,

and Surfin' USA was one of their biggest hits.

Inspired by their passion for surfing,

this song was about hitting the beaches of California.

# Surfin' USA. #

-How well do you know it?

-We were singing it.

You were singing it? Perfect.

I'm amazed. It's from 1963, but it's timeless. It's a classic.

I think, Sasha, you are going to kick this song off

and you are going to have the first verse.

-Do you want to have a go?

-Not really.

One, two, three and go...

One, two, three and...

Sasha's fear of singing makes her shake and giggle uncontrollably.

I was singing and I felt good and then, suddenly,

it just got to me that I was singing and just, boom.

So far, this has prevented her from reaching her full potential.

You've got a great voice and you just don't believe in yourself.

-I feel my shakies coming back.

-Let's get rid of them.

Ready? One, two, three and go.

# If everybody had an ocean Across the USA... #

She seems to be getting over the nerves,

but they're still there. Miss Giggle is just round the corner.

Let's hope Miss Giggle doesn't show up

when Michael attempts his solo.

# You catch them surfing at Del Mar Ventura County line...

# Ventura County line. #

He's found the tune but the complex lyrics prove difficult.

# And down Doheny Way

# Everybody's gone surfin'

# Surfin' USA. #

I'm worried that he'll think about those words

and not actually perform.

# Everybody's gone surfin' Surfin' USA. #

Will the harmonies help boost Michael's performance?

Right, listen. You are The Beach Boys.

The Beach Boys are famous for harmonies and energy.

# Inside, outside, USA. #

Give it loads of energy. One, two, three, and...

# Inside, outside, USA. #

I've introduced harmony and they did pretty well,

but it is a challenge. More can go wrong.

We didn't put the Beach Boys to shame but we're getting there.

We've got lots to do

before we'll convince people we're surf rockers.

How will knowing where they're performing affect their efforts?

You have a big, big challenge this week,

because we are off to the Dawlish Air Show.

Dawlish Air show is a highlight in the Devon calendar

and attracts 80,000 visitors.

I don't think they realise how big the audience is

cos I've been there a few times.

-How many people will be there?

-Loads.

-How many do you mean?

Thousands. It's horrible. Loads.

This is their first performance on a massive scale.

They have to realise the audience is not an enemy.

They've just got to lighten up a bit.

In just four weeks,

our shy singers will not only be singing live to 11 million

on Children In Need night,

but, with Gareth's help, they'll lead a nationwide choir.

Today's performance is their biggest yet,

so they take every opportunity to learn the lyrics.

# Huarache sandals, too Huarache sandals, too. #

With such a difficult song to master,

Gareth has called Michael in for extra coaching.

The worry about my solo

is the complicated words.

Just hope that people in the crowd don't know the songs.

Michael has always been musical.

He once played the trombone in the school orchestra

and he loves singing, but it doesn't come naturally,

after boys teased him for being in the choir.

At his audition, Michael opened up about the bullying

that's been holding him back.

-So, what happened?

-Problems in primary school.

Some friends started to be a bit mean around me,

not being nice.

I'll work with Michael to a point

where he can relax and look like he's enjoying singing.

# Everybody's gone surfin' Surfin' USA. #

Can you do me excited eyes? Yeah! I want to see that!

Do it with excited eyes.

# Catch them surfin' at... # One, two, three.

# You'd catch them surfin' at Del Mar

-# Ventura County line... #

-Wicked!

I'm not worried about the singing,

but whether he looks like he's having fun.

That's totally rad, dude.

He works hard and he picks things up very, very quickly.

I think he's starting to get the vibe.

But will he sing it with sparkly eyes?

Let's try one more time. One, two, three, and...

# All over Manhattan

# Down Doheny Way

# Everybody's gone surfin'

# Surfin' USA. #

Good! Well done. That's fantastic!

It'll be hard, but I think I can do it,

because practice makes perfect. I'll practise, practise, practise.

Sharing the solo spotlight with Michael is Sasha.

People do say I have a great voice,

but I guess I don't believe I have yet. I need to believe in myself.

Sasha is a keen member of the school's rounders team.

She knows a thing or two about competition

but when it comes to singing, she's scared to stand out.

-You all right?

-Yeah. You look kind of nervous.

-Yeah, I am.

-You are.

At her audition,

Gareth discovered how much Sasha's nerves affect her physically.

# When the rain is blowing in

# Your face... #

-BREATHLESSLY:

-I can't do it.

# And the whole world is on your case. #

'I've never seen feel like that.'

Just palpitations and breath all fluttery. Really scared.

Sasha must now conquer her shaking and giggling

and focus on mastering her high-pitched solo.

# Wearing their baggies... # Try it. One, two, three, and go.

-# You see 'em wearing their... #

-Yeah, it's good. But what's this...?

Just relax, relax, relax a bit.

'Sasha's got a technical vocal difficulty -'

she's using too much weight,

it's too much "rrrgh" at the bottom of her voice.

'She needs to lighten up and be softer about it

'and she'll be able to get the high notes.'

Just do... # La, la, la, la, la. #

Sasha's nerves are so severe it's restricting her vocal range.

We'll go for a run round the beach.

Come on, let's have a race. Ready? Come on! One, two, three and go.

BOTH: # If everybody had an ocean across the USA... #

Me and Gareth were running around the beach, and he made me sing,

and it was hilarious cos as he was singing as well. I loved it.

Chuck some sand. Ready? Here we go.

# If everybody had an ocean... #

-Here's some sand. Here you are.

-Ew!

-There.

-Ew!

-Yeah?

-OK.

It doesn't matter if it goes wrong.

It doesn't matter if it is a big old sloppy mess.

It doesn't matter. Let's just have some fun. We're at the beach,

we're doing a song about surfing. Yeah?

'I'm hoping to banish those negative associations about singing for ever'

for Sasha, because I just think she should just enjoy it.

I honestly just do want to do it now just to make him proud.

The anxious singers will have to convince a carnival crowd

that they're a realistic surf rock band.

So what should they focus on to get through?

Performing is about self-expression, and bringing what is inside outside.

The moment you step on stage

and you step out in front of a live audience,

whatever mood you're in, whatever your day has been like,

something kicks in.

If it's a big venue with a massive crowd,

you try and get them to sing along,

but if it's more intimate, you have to draw them into the performance.

To put on an authentic surf rock show,

you need to know how to hit the notes and the waves.

We're in north Devon, at the beach, we're going to learn to surf!

ALL CHEER

I'm not expecting them to be brilliant,

but I am expecting them to throw themselves into it with a big splash.

With the help of top surf instructor Rob...

Hi, guys, how we doing?

..Gareth and the group get suited up...

..ready to grab a board and hit the beach.

I feel really excited

about going surfing,

although this is quite tight and I do feel like a penguin.

# We're going to go surfing Surfing USA. #

If they can throw themselves into this daring challenge,

it will give them the confidence to rock out at the carnival later on.

Before they can hit the water,

they need a lesson from the professionals.

That's once they've made it over the rocks.

Go, Michael, I'm here to push!

They've finally got to the beach, now the real fun can begin.

Come on, guys. Kneel at the back of your surfboards, let's do this.

Hands on the surfboard. Chest onto the board. Paddle into the wave.

Slide up to your knees. Bring your foot up.

Twist the back foot.

Slowly up into your surfing position. Thumbs up, be loving it.

It looks as if the group have grasped it on dry land

but can they cut it out on the great ocean waves?

It's not just through singing we'll improve confidence,

we need to do stuff like this.

The attitude that makes a great surfer is being happy,

enjoying it, just having fun with it.

This is fantastic. It's about just throwing yourself into it.

Embrace the challenge.

There must be something in the water!

The group have forgotten their previous hang-ups

and become fearless.

This is my first time at the beach - awesome.

I've never had such a thrill before.

I'm trying new things out.

And I think that's what I should think when I'm singing.

I could stand up within five minutes.

I was well proud of myself. I was like, "Yes, I'm doing it!"

I think for a first time they did great.

If you look at their faces now, I think that just says it all.

Surfing really helped us to loosen up

so we can go into that song and enjoy ourselves.

If they can do this having never surfed before,

they've proved they can do it when singing.

Later, Michael will be singing solo

in front of hundreds of people at the Dawlish Air Show.

It's a huge challenge.

Gareth is hoping the surfing has worked some magic

on Michael as he's about to face his biggest fear

of singing in front of older boys.

Over here are four guys from the North Devon Surf School.

They are chilled out, they are relaxed -

I want you to really learn from them.

I feel really, really nervous about my solo challenge.

I haven't a clue what I'm going to do. I hope I can sing properly.

-Do you think we can do this?

-Give it a try.

-Yeah? OK. Come on, let's go.

'This is really hard for Michael'

cos it's boys that have teased him about his singing,

and these are boys he'll have to perform to.

'They're not just boys, they're 16-year-old boys -

'that is much, much more difficult.'

Hi, guys.

Can Michael find his natural rhythm

and sing to a group of teenage surfers?

# You'd catch 'em surfin' at Del Mar

# Ventura County Line

# Santa Cruz and Trestles

# Australia's Narrabeen

# All over Manhattan

# And down Doheny Way

# Everybody's gone surfing

# Surfing USA. #

ALL CLAP

Well done, that was really good. What did you guys think?

-It was really good. He was really chillaxed.

-Really chillaxed.

-Praise indeed.

-'He did really well.'

None of us would have been able to do it.

He shouldn't be worried, he's good. He should have more confidence -

there's nothing wrong with his singing.

I knew Michael had a good voice.

I knew he could do this. The question is, will he be able to do it

'in front of thousands of people? And he has got to learn the words.'

No matter how difficult.

To hear them say I've got a really good voice

has really boosted my confidence.

It's all gone swimmingly for Michael,

but will it for today's second soloist Sasha?

She's a keen sportswoman

but can she channel this competitive spirit into her singing?

Sasha, I want you to perform for your entire rounders team.

What?

-OK.

-Yeah? SHE GIGGLES

There's the giggles.

I am worried about my giggling cos I do giggle and I know I do.

But I feel so much more confident now

and I can't wait to do it.

-You ready for this?

-Yeah.

-Let's do it, come on.

'I think this is a big deal for Sasha'

but her confidence is growing.

'I am not seeing her giggle nearly as much.

'I just hope she can do that in front of them.'

To make it through this task,

Sasha needs to keep the nervous laughing and shaking

at bay once and for all.

SHE GIGGLES Look straight ahead. Let's go for it.

# If everybody had an ocean

-# Across the... #

-SHE GROANS

ALL: Don't worry about it!

You can do it, you can do it.

The stress of singing to her team-mates has caused her

to completely forget the words.

# If everybody had an ocean

-# Across... #

-SHE GROANS

ALL: You can do it!

-I can't do any more.

-Sasha is paralysed with fear.

But with her best friend's support,

can she make it to the end of the song?

# If everybody had an ocean

# Across the USA

# Then everybody'd be surfing

# Like Californi-A

# You...you... You see them wearing their...bag...

# Baggies

-# Huarache san... #

-SHE GROANS

'It's really important that Sasha doesn't let fear stand in her way,'

and she chooses to overcome it.

This is Sasha's last opportunity to prove to Gareth

that she can do it on her own.

-Don't put too much pressure on yourself.

-OK.

-Yes?

-Yes.

-Here we go.

# If everybody had an ocean

# Across the USA

# Then everybody'd be surfing

# Like CaliforniA

# You'd see 'em wearing their baggies

# Huarache sandals too

# A bushy, bushy blonde hairdo

# Surfing USA. #

After a few attempts, she finally finishes the song.

ALL CHEER

You did well. This is a scary thing. Please don't cry.

I feel disappointed with myself, because I want to do this and I didn't.

I definitely can do better. I know I can.

It's hard. Once you mess up once, you think, "Oh, no!"

But cos she kept going it was really good, I'm really proud of her.

She's brilliant at singing and she just needs to find that.

'It wasn't ideal but Sasha did it.'

Sasha sang. She overcame something in there and I'm really pleased about that.

It could go either way. I just hope it goes the right way.

The weather has taken a serious turn for the worse.

Can the shy singers put on a dazzling performance to light up the carnival stage?

It may be raining but we are not going to have our spirits dampened.

What I want to establish is that we ALL know the words,

every single one of us.

To pull off today's performance and draw in a big crowd

the group need to know the song off by heart.

You've got to keep singing!

I'm frightened cos there could be thousands of people watching

and I don't think they've taken it on board.

This isn't the first time the lyrics have failed them under pressure.

THEY SING HESITANTLY, MISSING OUT WORDS

# And...they're...

# taking over...me. #

# Surfin' USA. #

So close to Children In Need night

they can't afford for this to happen again.

Oooh, no! Michael's forgot. Michael's lost it. Sit down.

They haven't learnt the words, not all of them. And that's a real, massive problem.

I don't believe that you all know those words well enough so we're going to do it one-by-one.

# We'll all be planning our route

# Waxin' down our surf boards

# We'll all be playing that...? #

OK, sit down.

# Tell the teacher we're surfin'

# Surfin' USA. #

-Who has to learn the song? Me or you?

-Us.

-Yeah.

I am sympathetic to them being shy, of course I am.

But I'm not sympathetic to a complete lack of effort.

This is a reality-check moment.

We perform for the ENTIRE nation in a matter of weeks.

And I'm afraid the responsibility is on your shoulders.

I know that's a lot of pressure. You've got to start feeling it.

-Could we lose the chairs?

-After some tough talking

the group start taking responsibility for their individual parts.

-And Sasha.

-# If everybody had an ocean... #

-Love it!

-# Across the USA

# Everybody keep surfing... #

And away.

The time for excuses is over. We've done so many performances now, we've got to start turning it on.

-# A bushy, bushy blonde hairdo

-Surfin' USA. #

With just moments to go before they step on stage,

Gareth's got one last trick up his sleeve to help boost their performance.

I've got some very special guests. It's the Rizzle Kicks!

THEY SCREAM Hi, guys.

Rizzle Kicks are the latest rap duo to hit the scene.

They had a number one hit with Olly Murs

and their single, Down With The Trumpets, has taken the charts by storm.

Singing a mix of hip hop and pop means Rizzle Kicks know exactly how to deliver on stage.

Can their experience rub off on these shy singers today?

It's all about confidence. You've got to show them that you know exactly what you're doing

and you're enjoying yourself and, believe me 100%, they'll love it.

The audience has to realise that you're having a great time.

If you do happen to forget any lines or anything, just keep going. Just keep, like...

-Just style it out.

-Exactly.

If you make it obvious that you've made a mistake

then that's the only reason that it is a problem.

Listen, you guys are not just performing to that audience

but you're going to perform to the Rizzle Kicks as well.

Rizzle Kicks - absolutely love them!

I'm so scared now. We all are. We're really excited

cos we want to show them all how good we actually are.

I am quite nervous but after the conversation with Rizzle Kicks,

I think it's calmed my nerves.

Let's go and do this!

This is it. Their debut carnival performance.

Dawlish Air Show typically pulls in thousands

but the dark skies have put a dampener on the turn out.

This is meant to be their first performance on a massive scale and look at the weather.

I just hope that they still put in 100%.

Whatever the crowd size, the singers need to pull off a surf-rocking performance.

GARETH PLAYS SURFIN' USA

# If everybody had an ocean

# Across the USA

# Then everybody be surfing

# Like Californ-I-A

-HER VOICE STRAINS:

-# See them wearing their baggies

# Huarache sandals, too

# A bushy, bushy blonde hairdo... #

A good effort from Sasha. Can Michael remember his words?

# You can catch 'em surfin' At Del Mar

# Ventura Country line

# Singing da, da, da, da

# De-de-de, la, la

# Runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin'

# Surfin', surfin', surfin', surfin'

# And we're goin' and doin'

# Surfin' USA... #

He's forgotten his lines.

# We'll be planning our route

# We're gonna take real soon... #

And he's not the only one.

THEY STUMBLE OVER THEIR WORDS

# We'll be gone for all summer

# ... stay

# Tell the teacher we're surfin' Surfin' USA. #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Despite the poor conditions, Sasha and Michael led a solid group performance,

-but, worryingly, the lyrics still weren't spot on.

-It could've gone better.

I had to improvise a bit but hopefully it's just going to be logged in the book of experiences.

I'm proud that I went out there and did it.

With Children In Need night only four weeks away are they anywhere near ready?

The little buzz you got then... The bigger the audience, the bigger that buzz.

I was a bit shaky and stuff but they got into it.

I suppose it's being at one with that buzz you get.

You guys have got another, maybe, 60%, 50% left in the tank.

That made me smile. It was good to see.

Let's get some high fives, come on. Yeah. Yeah.

Phew! The audience turned up, the weather stayed good.

They did it but I still don't think they're ready for Children In Need.

There's further to go

and I'm going to keep pushing and pushing until it is right.

Today saw Michael and Sasha try out for the solo on Children In Need night.

Are they in the running for the top spot?

I'm really pleased with Sasha, that she overcame her fear, didn't giggle.

But because she's still vocally slightly unsure,

I think she's a medium-to-low chance of being the big performance soloist.

I'm going to give Michael a medium chance

because he forgot some words and although he covered it up,

I'm not sure he's got that confidence we need.

Next time, things go from bad to worse.

I feel like everything is conspiring against me today.

The group are hitting the festival circuit.

So exciting! Ah!

Will they be ready to face thousands of revellers?

AUDIENCE CHEERS

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