0:00:02 > 0:00:05It's the final of Gareth Malone's contest
0:00:05 > 0:00:08to find Britain's most entertaining amateur choir.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12# La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la! #
0:00:12 > 0:00:14- I loved it! - HE LAUGHS
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Hundreds applied...
0:00:16 > 0:00:17# I want to be the only one... #
0:00:17 > 0:00:21..and Gareth scoured Britain hosting nationwide auditions...
0:00:21 > 0:00:25# We'll haul away we'll haul away, Joe! #
0:00:25 > 0:00:27..and fiercely contested sing offs...
0:00:27 > 0:00:29# Ooh, ooh, ooh, ah! #
0:00:29 > 0:00:32..before picking four regional champions.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34I would really like to take you through
0:00:34 > 0:00:36- to the next stage of the contest. - THEY SCREAM AND CHEER
0:00:42 > 0:00:44After a gruelling bootcamp...
0:00:44 > 0:00:45# Ahhh! #
0:00:45 > 0:00:48How are we going to get this to performance level?
0:00:48 > 0:00:51This is bloody rehearsing. This is what we're here to do.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55..the semifinal sing-off sent one group home.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59I'm sorry! Oh!
0:00:59 > 0:01:02This is probably one of our finest hours,
0:01:02 > 0:01:05it's been one of the best days we've ever had.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Now just three groups remain.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12From Exeter University, all male a capella group Semi-Toned.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Being in the final is huge for us.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17It's pretty much the biggest that's ever happened for us
0:01:17 > 0:01:20and we are so, so excited to be here.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23From Leicester, gospel singers EAGA.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27We are winners and we're going to win this competition.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31And Reading school choir, The Bulmershe Ensemble.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33We're schoolkids.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36To even be in the final just is insane.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41They'll compete one final time in front of their biggest audience yet.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Good evening, London!
0:01:46 > 0:01:47And the jury.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52It was brilliant, I had goose bumps all over.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56There are two of them that I'm like which way? Which way should I go?
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Tonight, their votes will decide which choir
0:01:58 > 0:02:01will be crowned the series champion.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03The winner is...
0:02:18 > 0:02:23What a perfect place! Fantastic. Hello!
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Nestled amongst some of London's most famous landmarks,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Gareth's chosen venue for the contest final
0:02:29 > 0:02:32is Central Hall Westminster.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35It's an epic venue. It's huge!
0:02:35 > 0:02:38There will be hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people
0:02:38 > 0:02:40in here staring at them, expecting the best.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43These are the finalists, they've got to produce something
0:02:43 > 0:02:45the like of which they have not produced before.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- Wow! And that'll be your stage. That'll be you down there.- Wow.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55I'm kind of still shocked that we've come this far
0:02:55 > 0:02:57so I'm kind of just like, what's going to happen next?
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Like, I have no idea.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- Wow, wow, wow. - That is some work of art.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04This is something big, man! It's big!
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- This is it, boys.- Yeah! - We did it, we made it.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13I'm feeling nervous about the prospect of what Gareth has in
0:03:13 > 0:03:17store for us but I'm looking forward to seeing what we can come up with.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23I've been in every nook and cranny of the country looking
0:03:23 > 0:03:27for interesting choirs and I've whittled them all down to three.
0:03:27 > 0:03:28It's very exciting.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30They're all extremely different and they've learnt so much.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33They're going to have to put all of that into their final
0:03:33 > 0:03:34performance if they want to win.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38I predict great things.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40THEY CHEER
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Hello!
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Huge congratulations!
0:03:47 > 0:03:52Hundreds applied for this contest and now it comes down to just
0:03:52 > 0:03:54you three groups, so very, very well done.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56There's now just one performance left.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01One final performance to determine which of you will emerge
0:04:01 > 0:04:04triumphant as my overall winner.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08In just ten days' time,
0:04:08 > 0:04:12you will be performing right here in this magnificent building,
0:04:12 > 0:04:17on this stage in front of a packed audience of 2,000 people.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19THEY LAUGH NERVOUSLY
0:04:19 > 0:04:25And you will be performing not just one song, but two songs.
0:04:27 > 0:04:28OK...
0:04:28 > 0:04:31The first song, I have chosen for you.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36The second song will be chosen by one of your competitors.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38THEY LAUGH
0:04:41 > 0:04:42Oh, no!
0:04:43 > 0:04:45Wow.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47When choosing a song for your competitor,
0:04:47 > 0:04:52don't be too mean but remember, you do want to challenge them.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53THEY LAUGH
0:04:53 > 0:04:57You have just 30 minutes to make your choices.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Off you go and good luck.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00GROUPS: Thank you.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Two in ten days.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- This is worse than boot camp! - I know.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10Generally in music competitions,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12you are asked to sing more than one song,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15and they have to be contrasting songs,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17songs that really show versatility and range,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19and they've got little time to do it,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21but I think it will really show who is the worthiest winner.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23THEY SING SOFTLY
0:05:23 > 0:05:25I don't know.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Give them German or something!
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Gospel group EAGA are choosing a song
0:05:30 > 0:05:33for university a cappella group Semi-Toned.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- Are we trying to choose a song that they'll have, like...- A struggle.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- A challenge.- A challenge.
0:05:38 > 0:05:39Give them gospel.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43# YMCA! #
0:05:43 > 0:05:46What do we think EAGA's problem areas would be?
0:05:46 > 0:05:48What are they going to find difficult?
0:05:48 > 0:05:50I think maybe something not gospel.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52So, something not gospel. That's important.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- Oops!... I Did It Again by Britney Spears?- Oh, my gosh!
0:05:55 > 0:05:58It's too nice, though. We need to be mean.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02Choosing a song for school choir Bulmershe Ensemble
0:06:02 > 0:06:04are all-male a cappella group Semi-Toned.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07I think we should choose something super cringeworthy.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11If we pick a soppy ballad that's so hard to do in that genuine way...
0:06:11 > 0:06:12So hard to do sincerely.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- ..then that's the test, and it's going to be so hard.- Yes!
0:06:15 > 0:06:16That's the one.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19So, what have you got?
0:06:19 > 0:06:21One of our ideas was I Believe In A Thing Called Love.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23# Touching me-ee-ee! #
0:06:23 > 0:06:26The other one we had was Ice Ice Baby.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27Oh, that's a good one!
0:06:27 > 0:06:30# Stop Collaborate and listen... #
0:06:30 > 0:06:32I'd say only sort of level five mean.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- They're not the meanest I've ever heard in my life.- Good.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- We didn't want to be mean mean. - I think you can challenge them.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41You know, you may well find yourselves getting challenged.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Now, I just cannot imagine that you're being horrible. Are you?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- ALL:- No.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49We want to stick in the drama of gospel.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52OK, that's good.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54With gospel, it's always about who you're singing to,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56so I think although it's a challenge,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59it will still help them in terms of emotional connection.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Is it a gift in sheep's clothing?
0:07:01 > 0:07:03LAUGHTER
0:07:03 > 0:07:06An iron fist wrapped in velvet!
0:07:08 > 0:07:11I think they're going to hate us.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15It will take them out of their comfort zone,
0:07:15 > 0:07:16dive them in the deep end.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Come on, talk to the people. Draw them in.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20We've given them a challenge,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23and I guess it's on them to make it work, really.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26While the choirs might be thrown a curveball
0:07:26 > 0:07:28by their opponent's song choice,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Gareth selected tracks to play to their strengths.
0:07:31 > 0:07:32Here it is!
0:07:32 > 0:07:34OK!
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- Are you ready? - MURMUR OF AGREEMENT
0:07:36 > 0:07:37Let's have a look, shall we?
0:07:37 > 0:07:41OK, "Bulmershe Ensemble, the song Gareth has chosen for you
0:07:41 > 0:07:44"is It's Time by Imagine Dragons."
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- Nice.- Good song? - It's one of my favourite songs.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Oh, good. I thought I knew you fairly well.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50"And the song your opponents have chosen for you
0:07:50 > 0:07:52"is You're Beautiful by James Blunt."
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- EXCLAMATIONS - Really?
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- Is that your jam?- I love that song. - You love that song?- James Blunt!
0:07:57 > 0:08:00# She smiled at me on the subway... #
0:08:00 > 0:08:02That's a good impression. Carry on.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04# She was with another man... #
0:08:04 > 0:08:06You've got James Blunt in your group!
0:08:06 > 0:08:08CHEERING
0:08:09 > 0:08:13"The song Gareth chose for you is...
0:08:13 > 0:08:15"Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer."
0:08:15 > 0:08:19It's the one... # Bread of heaven, bread of heaven
0:08:19 > 0:08:21# Feed me till... #
0:08:21 > 0:08:23GARETH SINGS TUNE
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- Happy with that choice? - ALL:- Yes.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Let's look at the next one.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33"Especially For You by Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan."
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Does anyone know that?
0:08:35 > 0:08:36I know Kylie.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38All right, here's the song.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42# Especially for you
0:08:42 > 0:08:48# I wanna let you know what I was going through
0:08:48 > 0:08:50# All the time we were apart... #
0:08:50 > 0:08:54It is very, very cheesy. It's plastic pop from another era.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Start watching old episodes of Neighbours, perhaps,
0:08:57 > 0:08:58for inspiration.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01I'll see you soon. Bye. Good luck.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07"Semi-Toned, the song Gareth has chosen for you is...
0:09:07 > 0:09:09"Senorita by Justin Timberlake."
0:09:09 > 0:09:11LAUGHTER
0:09:11 > 0:09:13It's a gift. However...
0:09:13 > 0:09:16"Your opponents have chosen for you...
0:09:16 > 0:09:19"Anthem Of Praise by Richard Smallwood."
0:09:19 > 0:09:21I thought you might not know this, so I've got it here.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- Would you like to have a listen? - MURMUR OF ASSENT
0:09:23 > 0:09:26SONG PLAYS
0:09:26 > 0:09:28# Praise him with the timbrel and dance
0:09:28 > 0:09:30# Praise him with the sound of the trumpet
0:09:30 > 0:09:32# Praise him with the psaltery and harp... #
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Anthem Of Praise is renowned in gospel circles
0:09:35 > 0:09:37for its complexity and power.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39# ..On the high-sounding cymbals
0:09:39 > 0:09:41# Praise him with string instruments
0:09:41 > 0:09:44# Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord... #
0:09:44 > 0:09:46If you can make it convincing,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48you know, then I think you're onto a winner.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- But you've got to go to the next level with this.- Yeah.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57As soon as I read "Anthem Of Praise",
0:09:57 > 0:10:00I immediately thought, "Right, this is a gospel song,"
0:10:00 > 0:10:02and I started to panic.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04I'm very, very happy!
0:10:06 > 0:10:11When we are in that zone, anyone in the way, watch out,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13because we are coming full force.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18The choirs now have just ten days to perfect their performances
0:10:18 > 0:10:21and artfully weave their two given songs into a mini-medley.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- Bye!- Bye.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25We're going to have to work really hard.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26These are difficult song choices for them all.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Nobody's got an easy ride.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- Weird to be back at school. - It is, it is.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Summer term might be over, but in Reading,
0:10:44 > 0:10:48the Bulmershe Ensemble are back in school for rehearsals.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50It is nice, cos I'm in familiar surroundings,
0:10:50 > 0:10:52and we're more comfortable here,
0:10:52 > 0:10:56but then it's early morning, and I could be at home in bed, so...
0:10:56 > 0:10:57You know, it's mixed feelings.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Morning. Oh, sorry, guys.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01It's my last day!
0:11:01 > 0:11:05This week, I'm getting married, so today is my last day.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08I'm feeling pretty euphoric about this. I'm pretty happy.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12With teacher Sarah on honeymoon when the final takes place,
0:11:12 > 0:11:15it will fall to one of the students to step up as leader.
0:11:15 > 0:11:16LAUGHTER
0:11:16 > 0:11:19New musical director is Abby.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21No surprises there.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23As well as becoming their musical director,
0:11:23 > 0:11:2517-year-old student Abby
0:11:25 > 0:11:28will be responsible for arranging the choir's medley.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31I managed to get quite a lot of You're Beautiful done,
0:11:31 > 0:11:33and so I think it's going to be really good
0:11:33 > 0:11:35to show Gareth that today.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38I feel like Bulmershe are in a great place.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41They've just been handed two really good songs.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43They all seem quite gelled as a unit.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46I wait to see with interest
0:11:46 > 0:11:48what happens when their teacher goes away.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- Let's hear you sing.- Great.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Do your James Blunt impression for me again,
0:11:52 > 0:11:53just you on the guitar.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- AS JAMES BLUNT: - # My life is brilliant
0:11:56 > 0:11:58# My love is pure... #
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Let's just hear other people sing that solo.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03# My life is brilliant... #
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- That is a... - # My love is pure... #
0:12:06 > 0:12:08It's a female James Blunt.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09LAUGHTER
0:12:09 > 0:12:11No criticism, but you sounded like... I could hear...
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Yeah, I can hear just, like, in my head...- Yeah.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Try and do it differently.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18# I saw an angel... #
0:12:18 > 0:12:19It's the ghost of James Blunt.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- # She smiled on the subway... # - Go away, Blunt!
0:12:23 > 0:12:25CHATTER
0:12:25 > 0:12:26Mine always goes R&B.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28OK, good. Do me R&B.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- R&B-STYLE:- # My life is brilliant
0:12:31 > 0:12:34# My love is pure
0:12:34 > 0:12:36# I saw an angel
0:12:36 > 0:12:38# Of that I'm sure... #
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Get in your box, James Blunt. Abhishek is here.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Yeah. All right. Charlie?
0:12:44 > 0:12:47# My life is brilliant
0:12:47 > 0:12:50# My love is pure
0:12:51 > 0:12:54# I saw an angel
0:12:54 > 0:12:56# Of that I'm sure... #
0:12:56 > 0:12:59# She smiled at me on the subway
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- # She was with another man - Oooh... #
0:13:03 > 0:13:05This is good. This is good.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- # ..Cos I've got a plan... # - Together. Ahh!
0:13:09 > 0:13:11SQUEALING
0:13:11 > 0:13:14I think that... Immediately I'm hearing it afresh
0:13:14 > 0:13:16and it doesn't sound like the record.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18I like you starting it. That's beautiful.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20But then I love you coming in all R&B.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24I think we may have just cooked up a winner.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26It's lovely to see you all smiling and happy.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29You're in the final. You've done incredibly well.
0:13:29 > 0:13:30You're the youngest in the competition,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33but you are by no means the underdog.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34Well done.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Honestly, I think they've been handed a gift with James Blunt.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39I don't think anyone could have predicted
0:13:39 > 0:13:41that Abhishek and Charlie together would be so good.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43It feels...
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Today, I feel really positive about Bulmershe.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48I am happy about getting the solo.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50I mean, it's something that I've been hoping
0:13:50 > 0:13:53that I get the chance to sing, especially cos I start it off,
0:13:53 > 0:13:55so it's just kind of really exciting.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- I have a solo!- Really?- Oh, wow.
0:14:06 > 0:14:0917-year-old soloist Charlie
0:14:09 > 0:14:13lives at home with her mum, stepdad and three brothers.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Just think to yourself in your head when you're singing,
0:14:17 > 0:14:18"I'm not great...
0:14:18 > 0:14:20"I'm just not great. I'm amazing."
0:14:20 > 0:14:23LAUGHTER
0:14:23 > 0:14:26I wouldn't have done any of this if I didn't have their support,
0:14:26 > 0:14:28if I didn't have the encouragement from them.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32It just means so much to me that they're able to see me perform.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35They're just an amazing bunch of people,
0:14:35 > 0:14:36and I'm so glad that I have them.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Charlie was a very quiet little girl growing up.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43She wasn't a people person, she was a bit of an introvert,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46and since joining the choir, she's come right out of her shell.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- Clap your hands!- Sing with me!
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Whoohoo! Good job.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55I am overwhelmed, actually, at how far you've come.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59You've turned from this young girl into a young lady, young woman,
0:14:59 > 0:15:02and I'm really pleased that you've got the solo,
0:15:02 > 0:15:04and I can't wait to see you shine.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14Hello!
0:15:14 > 0:15:18Determined to devote every available minute to rehearsals,
0:15:18 > 0:15:21university group Semi-Toned are shutting themselves away
0:15:21 > 0:15:24in choir member Charlie's house in Surrey.
0:15:24 > 0:15:25Shotgun the double bed.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28I don't mind the idea of living here for ten days.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31I'm going to be on this side, and Duncan's going to be over there.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33And Duncan's the big spoon.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37And under this is my neatly folded clothes. Thank you, Mummy.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41Semi-Toned is the brainchild of Eddie, who, like many of the group,
0:15:41 > 0:15:44is leaving university and the choir behind them this year.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49It's so good to be able to live with the guys for the next ten days,
0:15:49 > 0:15:53so we can eat, sleep, drink the song.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- RECORDING:- '# Who-o-o-oa Praise him... #'
0:15:58 > 0:16:01One of the main things we've got to tackle this week is really
0:16:01 > 0:16:03getting behind the song.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06It's just unquestionably about the Lord God and praising him
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- and worshipping him, it says nearly every single line, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13We're not religious so the words mean less to us than EAGA.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16'# Let us exalt his name together... #'
0:16:16 > 0:16:18It's probably one of the toughest,
0:16:18 > 0:16:20if not the toughest piece we've ever had to learn.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22The arrangement we've made complex but hopefully
0:16:22 > 0:16:24that will pay off and it'll be really impressive.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30The song that I gave them, Justin Timberlake, easy.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31They'll eat that for dinner.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35But EAGA have given them a really quite serious gospel piece,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38and I think they're going to find it difficult.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- Hello!- Hi, Gareth, how are you? - Very well, you?
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- Good to see you.- Please come in. - Thank you very much.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44OK, why don't you sing it?
0:16:44 > 0:16:46One, two, three, four.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48# Praise him with the timbrel and dance
0:16:48 > 0:16:50# Praise him with the sound of the trumpet
0:16:50 > 0:16:52# Praise him with string instruments
0:16:52 > 0:16:54# Let every breath praise the Lord
0:16:54 > 0:16:56# Oh, magnify the Lord
0:16:56 > 0:16:58# Magnify the Lord with me
0:16:58 > 0:17:00# Magnify the Lord
0:17:00 > 0:17:02# Whoa, magnify the Lord with me
0:17:02 > 0:17:05# Magnify the Lord Let us exalt his name together... #
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Wow! OK. Um...
0:17:08 > 0:17:10It's very busy.
0:17:10 > 0:17:11I think that's my main feeling.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15So, a little bit of an assault.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Religious ecstasy is what we're after.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23That's what I'm seriously missing because it's just so...ahhhh!
0:17:23 > 0:17:26# Praise him with the sound of the trumpet! #
0:17:26 > 0:17:30You know, it needs to be that kind of really expressive singing.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33So, could you just sing those chords, and then could you, Ted,
0:17:33 > 0:17:35just do that freestyle?
0:17:35 > 0:17:37As if you were the preacher.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39# Praise him with the timbrel and dance
0:17:39 > 0:17:41# Praise him with the sound of the trumpet
0:17:41 > 0:17:43# Praise him with the psaltery and harp
0:17:43 > 0:17:47# Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord... #
0:17:47 > 0:17:49It's still a long way from actually feeling like
0:17:49 > 0:17:52a gospel performance, because you're inhibited.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55I don't want to listen to a group of, sort of...
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- FLATLY:- # Be joyful. # ..choristers.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00You've got to go there. Don't be afraid of it.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03It's like big dogs, you've just got to stand your ground,
0:18:03 > 0:18:04show it who's boss.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08I am nervous, but with the amount of work and the amount of support
0:18:08 > 0:18:12that all the guys have been giving each other, it's, you know,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15we'll eventually come up with something we'll be proud of.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19I actually don't know whether Ted can do it or not.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22He's got the notes, but has he got the style?
0:18:24 > 0:18:25I don't know if I could do it.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35I'm back in Leicester to see EAGA, which actually gladdens my heart
0:18:35 > 0:18:37because they are a really lovely bunch of people.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39And when they really let rip,
0:18:39 > 0:18:42it is so fantastic and so energetic, it's quite infectious.
0:18:42 > 0:18:43So I'm looking forward to seeing them.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46I hope that they are, I hope they're getting on with it.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49# I've got to say
0:18:49 > 0:18:53# Take my eyes off you... #
0:18:53 > 0:18:56You want to get everything done in time, and it's the finals,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58so we have to be, you know, on point.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Have to get everything correct.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03And hopefully Gareth will like our ideas.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07# Yo-o-o-ou... #
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Founded by Bishop Mark 13 years ago,
0:19:09 > 0:19:12EAGA is a group brought together
0:19:12 > 0:19:15by a shared faith as well as a shared love of music.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17# I still feel the same... #
0:19:17 > 0:19:21We go places and we sing gospel music,
0:19:21 > 0:19:27and we see cloudy faces, people, just become like the sun.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Cos gospel music leads you back to God,
0:19:29 > 0:19:31so it all makes us think about one thing,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34and that one thing is God, that has brought us together.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38And I think that's what keeps us smiling with each other.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- # Never change... # - Can hear them already.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- # I still feel the same - I still feel the same... #
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- It's Kylie and Jason! Hello.- Hello.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Are you liking Kylie and Jason?
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- The message is nice.- The message is nice. Are you a romantic?
0:19:56 > 0:19:59THEY LAUGH
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Can we hear it again, and then let me just have a few thoughts?
0:20:02 > 0:20:09- # No more dreaming about tomorrow - Yeah, yeah
0:20:09 > 0:20:12# Forget the loneliness and the sorrow
0:20:12 > 0:20:14# I got to say... #
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Can you do it in octaves?
0:20:16 > 0:20:18HE SINGS HIGH NOTES
0:20:18 > 0:20:19Do his line an octave above?
0:20:19 > 0:20:21# And the sorrow... #
0:20:21 > 0:20:23If we could get a few more people involved in that,
0:20:23 > 0:20:25then it would really go somewhere.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26One more time.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30# Forget the loneliness and the sorrow... #
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Yeah, yeah, that works, doesn't it?
0:20:32 > 0:20:36It's a rainbow! It's a sign...
0:20:36 > 0:20:39that we're going in the right direction!
0:20:39 > 0:20:42So, now we've got a big gaping hole, haven't we? What happens next?
0:20:42 > 0:20:45We've got nothing. Have you got anything?
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Let's try and get this done, because time is ticking,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49there's one week before you perform.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51I think this is a good direction,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53I want to make sure you actually get it finished.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58They take their time, I get it, it's a slow creative process
0:20:58 > 0:21:01and they all have to believe in it and it's very sort of democratic.
0:21:01 > 0:21:06But they've a lot of work to do and they have only got seven days.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08We cannot be happy with his good comments that he gave us
0:21:08 > 0:21:11on the first song, there's still a lot of work to be done.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Taking the lead vocals in EGEA's crucial final performance
0:21:19 > 0:21:21is 22-year-old Kosi.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25SHE SINGS PASSIONATELY
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Ever since Gareth first auditioned the choir,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30he's been impressed by her talent.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34# When I pray I will be up there
0:21:34 > 0:21:39# Ah...
0:21:41 > 0:21:45# Men! #
0:21:48 > 0:21:51You brought a little tear to my eye, I have to say.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- Particularly Kosi's solo. You went for it.- Thank you.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Have you enjoyed your studies, or are you...?
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- Enjoyed, that's not the word I would use for it.- Endured.- Yes!
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Kosi has just finished an MA in finance,
0:22:04 > 0:22:08but music has always been her true passion.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Is this something you're just sort of waking up to, thinking,
0:22:10 > 0:22:12actually, music is...
0:22:12 > 0:22:15No, I've always wanted to go into music since I was young.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19I actually wanted to do it as a degree before. My parents said no.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21So it's always been there.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23So I think, right now, I'm, like, in between both,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- does that makes sense? - A foot in both camps.- Yeah.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29I would love to see you consider this over the next week.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32So that when you're in that final, you kind of go, right,
0:22:32 > 0:22:35this is the moment for me to really explore what this feels like
0:22:35 > 0:22:36for me to be a proper singer.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39You're going to be on a stage in front of 2,000 people,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42with a great choir backing you up. Let's see it.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- I definitely will show that next week.- Yeah?- Yes.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49'I need to be really strong in my decision to go into music'
0:22:49 > 0:22:53and I have to be more confident in myself, especially vocally,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56because now I know what I'm able to do.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59And I just need to continue believing in myself, I can do it.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- I, Sarah Jane Lant... - I, Sarah Jane Lant.
0:23:11 > 0:23:12Take you, Nicholas Charles Sharp.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15To have and to hold from this day forward.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17You are now husband and wife.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20CHEERING
0:23:22 > 0:23:25# Oooh, baby
0:23:25 > 0:23:29# Here I am, signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours. #
0:23:33 > 0:23:34It was just an amazing experience,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36and it was just lovely to be here for her.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Yeah. And she looked so happy.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40CHEERING
0:23:40 > 0:23:43The singing was amazing, it was great, I was loving it.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44I loved Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47I could hear it from the room out the back and I was dancing away.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Nick was like, "I'm not dancing down the aisle," I was like, "Yeah, you are!"
0:23:50 > 0:23:53It was such an amazing service.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56When they started singing, I was like, oh, my God, I'm going to go.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59My dad was like, "Hold it together." OK, fine, I've got it, got it.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01And then I just beamed all the way down the aisle.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05They want me gone now, they're ready to do this by themselves.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I'll be proud of them whatever happens. But I think they're going to win.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12Thank you so much, guys. Everybody thinks you are awesome.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16- Hands in, ready? One, two, three. - ALL: Bulmershe!
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Just three days until the grand final, when the choirs must wow
0:24:24 > 0:24:29a 2,000-strong crowd and win the votes of the all-important jury.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32They've got to have great soloists, backed up by a flawless ensemble,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35they've got to have their harmonies completely perfect.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36The arrangement's got to be varied,
0:24:36 > 0:24:39they're going to have to switch it up. I need to be surprised.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43Their combined expertise covers choreography
0:24:43 > 0:24:46and a diverse mix of musical genres.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Including classical, modern a cappella,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51pop, and gospel.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52Gospel means good news.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54So what I will be looking for is
0:24:54 > 0:24:57how well do they communicate that,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59within the restrictions that they've been given.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01What you want to make the audience feel is that they were
0:25:01 > 0:25:03on the stage with you.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07You're drawing them in to your performance. Very, very important.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15THEY PERFORM VOCAL WARM-UP
0:25:15 > 0:25:17We've worked seriously hard, haven't we?
0:25:17 > 0:25:19And I think we're in a good place.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21We just need to get over the hill, so to speak.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Up in the Surrey hills,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27Semi-Toned are taking time out before Gareth's last visit.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30I think we're all starting to really realise the magnitude
0:25:30 > 0:25:31of what it is we're doing.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34This is just the biggest thing that the group has ever done.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38It's exciting, but I think now the nerves are starting to kick in.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42I think it's going to be really tough, and I think I'm feeling
0:25:42 > 0:25:45less confident about the final than I was the semifinal.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Just because of the song.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- # Bow-bow-bow - Oh, baby, baby... #
0:25:49 > 0:25:52In the early stages of the contest,
0:25:52 > 0:25:57Semi-Toned stood out thanks to their blend of camp comedy
0:25:57 > 0:25:59and tongue-in-cheek choreography.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02# Then you look into my eyes
0:26:02 > 0:26:04# Lord knows, to my surprise... #
0:26:04 > 0:26:08But they struggled to replace archness with sincerity.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- Stop, did you make it?- I don't know. I don't think I expressed it.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Until a breakthrough semifinal performance,
0:26:15 > 0:26:19powered by an emotional solo from maths student Michael.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22# And I would have liked to know you
0:26:22 > 0:26:24# But I was just a kid
0:26:24 > 0:26:28# Your candle burned out long before
0:26:28 > 0:26:31# Your legend never did. #
0:26:31 > 0:26:33APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:26:35 > 0:26:39For the final, success again depends on their soloist,
0:26:39 > 0:26:43but this time, the crucial role falls to Ted.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I am pretty nervous about the solo at the beginning.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49When I'm out there, opening the song, it's going to be...
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Yeah, it's going to be quite tough.
0:26:56 > 0:27:0221-year-old Ted lives in Norfolk with his mum, dad and two brothers.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06When I was younger, I was quite a nervous, shy kid.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09My parents made me have singing lessons and that's something
0:27:09 > 0:27:11that really boosted my confidence.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12He was quite shy,
0:27:12 > 0:27:16and he would never put his hand up in the class and answer a question.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19The problem we were trying to find is, what is the thing
0:27:19 > 0:27:22that's going to give him that feeling that you get
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- when you know you're loving what you're doing.- Yeah.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29And Alex succeeded in that when she got him into acting and singing.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32Citizens of Hamley.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34As your elected mayor...
0:27:34 > 0:27:38You could see from the performing and the singing
0:27:38 > 0:27:40that everything in life became easier,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43but it started by this confidence he got from performing.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46I think that's what I get most out of it,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49is the fact that he looks so happy when he's doing it.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53And that's the thing. Yeah.
0:27:54 > 0:27:55Oh!
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Eddie has got a lot of belief in me to kind of deliver,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04so whether that's well-placed or not, we'll see.
0:28:04 > 0:28:05No pressure.
0:28:09 > 0:28:10Last time I saw Semi-Toned,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13I felt like they were really struggling with the gospel song.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16And they're going head-to-head with gospel choir.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Yeah, I don't think Semi-Toned are flying at the moment.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Ready. Wow me.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31# Praise him with the timbrel and dance
0:28:31 > 0:28:36# Praise him with the sound of the trumpet
0:28:36 > 0:28:39# Let everything that hath breath
0:28:40 > 0:28:47# Praise the Lord. #
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Oh, it's almost it, and I think,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53I'd say the same thing to every single one of you,
0:28:53 > 0:28:57it's just the gospel thing, you just look slightly unconvinced.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01Ted, at the beginning, I get the sense that you're not,
0:29:01 > 0:29:05- like, 100% comfortable.- I'm more comfortable now..- More, but not.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09It's not just Ted that needs to change his approach.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Everyone needs to embrace it a little bit more.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14Can you stand in the middle of the circle, and let's get round him?
0:29:14 > 0:29:17And now do all the those hums but really smile at him.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19# Praise him! #
0:29:19 > 0:29:23Oh, I know what you are, I mean, you're Jesus and the disciples.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25And you LOVE him.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33# Praise him with the timbrel and dance
0:29:33 > 0:29:38# Praise him with the sound of the trumpet
0:29:38 > 0:29:44# Praise him with the psaltery and harp
0:29:44 > 0:29:47# Let everything that hath breath
0:29:49 > 0:29:53# Praise the Lord...
0:29:53 > 0:29:56# Dum-da-da-da
0:29:56 > 0:29:58# Whoa, magnify the Lord
0:29:58 > 0:30:01- # Yeah! # - # Magnify the Lord with me
0:30:01 > 0:30:03# Magnify the Lord
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- # Magnify the Lord with me - Yeah!
0:30:05 > 0:30:06# Magnify the Lord
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- # Magnify the Lord with me- Yeah!
0:30:09 > 0:30:10# Magnify the Lord
0:30:10 > 0:30:12# Let us exalt His name together. #
0:30:12 > 0:30:15ALL TALK AT ONCE
0:30:15 > 0:30:17OK, now I feel it!
0:30:17 > 0:30:21No, that was beautiful. It was like Jesus Christ Superstar.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25But, it entirely relies, this sort of thing,
0:30:25 > 0:30:27on your support and your commitment, you know?
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Then it's really exciting!
0:30:31 > 0:30:36There's a real contest here. If they do that in front of the jury,
0:30:36 > 0:30:38they've got a real chance.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41How're you feeling now you're looking back, cos it's weird,
0:30:41 > 0:30:43isn't it? This experience is very intense.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46As a group, for the most part we just get so excited,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49and we just hype each other up, and it's so amazing
0:30:49 > 0:30:51to have that camaraderie and that brotherhood going on stage.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- You're going to miss it, right?- I'm going to seriously miss it. Um...
0:30:55 > 0:30:58The challenges, the fun, spending so much time together -
0:30:58 > 0:31:01it's...it's going to be really, really hard, I think.
0:31:01 > 0:31:02It's going to be difficult.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05The biggest benefit of being in a group like this is just...
0:31:05 > 0:31:07having all of these guys around you, 24/7,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11and just going to all these amazing places singing these amazing songs
0:31:11 > 0:31:13and just...having the time of my life, really.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15I mean, I wouldn't have it any other way.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18I don't want to go home now.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20A toast to all of you, but mostly especially to Ted,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23who's got to lead the charge, so...
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- Cheers!- Cheers.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31They are sweet, sweet boys, and they really love this.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33It means absolutely the world to them.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35I don't think they consider it that often. They don't...
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Because they think it's going to go on for ever,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40because they're young, and it isn't going to go on for ever,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43it's going to finish really soon and they're going to be
0:31:43 > 0:31:47absolutely bereft because it's special, what they do together.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50# Ba da da da dum yeah! #
0:31:57 > 0:32:02We just really, really want to thank God for each and every person
0:32:02 > 0:32:04that has come this morning.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07It's Sunday, and in Leicester, before their last rehearsal
0:32:07 > 0:32:10with Gareth, EAGA have something to celebrate.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14This is the first time we've had active worship in this place,
0:32:14 > 0:32:18so we are really, really buzzing about that and really
0:32:18 > 0:32:24thanking God for such greatness that he has given to us.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Family, friends and the local community have turned out in force.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35- # Hallelujah- Hallelujah - Hallelujah- Hallelujah
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- # Hallelujah- Hallelujah.- #
0:32:37 > 0:32:42Hallelujah!
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Glory to Jesus.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49It is really special because we've been using a leisure centre.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52You're walking in with people walking around in bathing costumes
0:32:52 > 0:32:55and coming from the gym, so now to actually come into
0:32:55 > 0:32:58our church building, it's been really amazing.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Today's service has given us that extra push.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05We really want to make our city proud. It's giving us drive.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07No rest for us!
0:33:08 > 0:33:11I'm definitely hoping to see two songs today,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14because last time I'd only seen one. I think they know that.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17I think they know me well enough by now. I mean, you get one chance.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19They had a very difficult time last time I saw them.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24If it's not sorted now... I'm ready for them.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32- # Feed me till I want - Feed me till I want
0:33:32 > 0:33:34# Feed me till I want no more
0:33:34 > 0:33:37# Yes yes my Jesus
0:33:37 > 0:33:41# My Lord God. #
0:33:41 > 0:33:43SHE SINGS
0:33:43 > 0:33:47Good! Well done. This has come on a long way. Are you happy with it?
0:33:47 > 0:33:51- Nearly.- Nearly. What are we missing? - Just a bit more life.- OK.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53More confidence.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57This bit to me feels like the African bit, so all of these...
0:33:57 > 0:34:01# Come come, oh, oh... # They're more African-sounding.
0:34:01 > 0:34:02# Brr brr brr brr. #
0:34:02 > 0:34:05That one. Yeah. Give me a range of sounds. What could we...
0:34:05 > 0:34:07# Wa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ah! #
0:34:07 > 0:34:08Yeah. And what else?
0:34:08 > 0:34:09# Grrrrrrrrrrroooo. #
0:34:09 > 0:34:12# Grrrrrrrrrrroooo. # It's great.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14HE VOCALISES
0:34:14 > 0:34:17It gets me really excited.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Let's try it like that. Ready? So we go...
0:34:20 > 0:34:21# Come come
0:34:21 > 0:34:23# My Jesus
0:34:23 > 0:34:26# Quickly come Vanity is all I see
0:34:26 > 0:34:28# Come come
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- # Wa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ah - # My Jesus
0:34:30 > 0:34:33# Quickly come Vanity is all I see. #
0:34:33 > 0:34:38- Two, three.- # My Jesus. # - That's all we need of that.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42The big question for me about the whole thing is,
0:34:42 > 0:34:44is it going to really explode?
0:34:44 > 0:34:48Are you going to have the courage to take everyone who's in London
0:34:48 > 0:34:51and bring them right here in their minds?
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Are you going to be a gospel choir? That's why I chose you.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59It's why I came here. I saw this amazing spirit.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03If you've got that energy, I think you could do it. That's it.
0:35:03 > 0:35:04Thank you very much.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- Good luck.- Thank you.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17While other students are enjoying a break from school,
0:35:17 > 0:35:21the Bulmershe Ensemble have been coming in all day, every day.
0:35:25 > 0:35:31Three days out from the final, Abby is the choir's fully-fledged leader.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35Abby's doing really well. She's really good at teaching us.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38Let's try that again.
0:35:38 > 0:35:39We have worked this hard before,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42but not for so many consecutive days,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46like there's usually breaks in-between and we do our own thing,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49but it's been six days plus a wedding of just singing.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53This is probably the hardest I've ever worked.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57I've never even worked this hard in school, so...yeah.
0:36:00 > 0:36:01Hands.
0:36:01 > 0:36:02# Aaaaah
0:36:02 > 0:36:04# I won't lose sleep on that
0:36:04 > 0:36:06# I've got a plan. #
0:36:06 > 0:36:07And.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- # You're beautiful. # - Energy. And more.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- # You're beautiful. # - How beautiful am I?
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- # You're beautiful It's true. #- Sure is.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18And.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20# I saw your face
0:36:20 > 0:36:25# In a crowded pla-ace
0:36:25 > 0:36:28SOFTLY: # And I don't know what to do. #
0:36:28 > 0:36:31It's all gone a bit haaaa, little bit misty.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34A soft song needs twice as much energy.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38# And I don't know what to do. # Actually sing it, OK?
0:36:38 > 0:36:40It just needs a little bite.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44- Who are you up against? - Big groups that are really good.
0:36:44 > 0:36:49- Do the gospel choir move?- Oh, yeah. - Oh, yeah! They go, yeah!
0:36:49 > 0:36:51You know, they're going to be going massive,
0:36:51 > 0:36:56and if you're stood there going # Oooh... # it will look silly.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59I won't say I'm missing Miss Lant, but you sort of realise
0:36:59 > 0:37:01what her role is in the choir and how, like, she motivates us.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05I think at one point she'd probably have been there like, "Come on, guys, step it up."
0:37:05 > 0:37:09No-one, cos we're all singing, we can't do that, cos we're focusing on what we're singing.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- You OK, Abby?- Yeah. - It's good! It's good.
0:37:13 > 0:37:19- It's good. What's the matter?- I feel like I'm doubting myself.- Why?
0:37:20 > 0:37:24You're in the final! You're in the final!
0:37:24 > 0:37:28You can't expect me to come here and let you give it 40%.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Yeah, exactly, so I should've made them do it before.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35- Yeah, but you're... How old are you?- 17.- 17.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39You've done a cracking arrangement, sounds really good.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42I'm building on what you've done already.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- It's got the right sort of energy - you just need more of it.- Yeah.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50- We're in a good place, Abby. Don't be despondent.- OK.- OK?
0:37:51 > 0:37:54I think it's something in the nature of being a teenager.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56Up one minute, down the other.
0:37:56 > 0:38:02Abby is having a crisis of confidence and the whole group suffers as a result.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06They need to just pick each other up and run for the finish line.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10I think we just need to give it everything we've got,
0:38:10 > 0:38:14because we've got nothing left to lose and it might be our last performance together,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17so we just need to go out there and just enjoy it.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20- What if we, like, actually win? - I think we could.
0:38:20 > 0:38:21CHEERING
0:38:33 > 0:38:38It's the day of the grand final. All three groups are back in London.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45I think they're going to be really nervous walking out here
0:38:45 > 0:38:47cos there'll be 2,000 people in this room.
0:38:47 > 0:38:52And everything they do on this stage matters and there will be
0:38:52 > 0:38:56that silence, that pause when the lights come up on their faces...
0:38:56 > 0:38:59It's heart-stopping, that kind of thing.
0:38:59 > 0:39:04It is definitely the big day today. I think we are prepared.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- I'm really nervous about my solo. - I think we are ready.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10All we need to do is make sure we breathe.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13A nice atmosphere, a churchy-gospel atmosphere,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16into the audience so everybody just feels happy.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Once I'm out there, it'll all be good.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21It's just the waiting that kind of gets to me.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24I guess I am a little bit sad that it is the last time that I'm going
0:39:24 > 0:39:28to be performing with the group, cos it's become a part of my life.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Now just the idea of leaving the group and taking
0:39:31 > 0:39:34a big step is also a little bit scary.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37There are three groups going on that stage that are all good.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40They've all got something very different to offer.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43The group that wins today will be the group that can under
0:39:43 > 0:39:47the white heat of people looking at them and listening to them
0:39:47 > 0:39:48will actually give their best.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54The stage is now set,
0:39:54 > 0:39:59and a 2,000-strong crowd are filling up Westminster's Central Hall.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02In among them, the groups' friends and family.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Immensely proud. She'll do us proud today, I know she will.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Very excited. There's a big gang of us here and we're going to go mad.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13She's following her dreams.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16It makes my heart very joyful.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24As the final few people take their seats, the jury arrive,
0:40:24 > 0:40:28set to make the most important decision of the contest.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31The expectations are very high tonight.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34It means they will be even more nervous. How will they cope,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37especially with two completely different songs?
0:40:37 > 0:40:39It's going to be very difficult for them.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44Their choice of winner all hinges on how well each choir delivers
0:40:44 > 0:40:46their two-song medley.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49I want to see inventive and song-appropriate choreography
0:40:49 > 0:40:52performed with confidence and huge amounts of stage presence.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55They have to draw together everything they've learnt
0:40:55 > 0:40:58and put on a performance that is the best they've ever done
0:40:58 > 0:41:00in every department.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02What could possibly go wrong?
0:41:04 > 0:41:08One final performance is all that now stands between the choirs
0:41:08 > 0:41:10and victory in the contest.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Good evening, London!
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Hello! Hello!
0:41:24 > 0:41:28We have some absolutely fantastic performances for you tonight.
0:41:28 > 0:41:33Three incredible groups who have worked so very, very, very hard.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37Up first it's a gospel group all the way from Leicester.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Please welcome a group I've had the privilege of working with
0:41:40 > 0:41:41for the last three months -
0:41:41 > 0:41:44The Emmanuel Apostolic Gospel Academy!
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Come on, Kosy. Find the spirit.
0:41:57 > 0:42:03# Especially for you
0:42:03 > 0:42:08# I wanna mention all that I was going through
0:42:10 > 0:42:14# All the time we were apart I thought of you
0:42:15 > 0:42:19# You were in my heart
0:42:19 > 0:42:22# My love never changed
0:42:22 > 0:42:26- # I still feel the same - I still feel the same
0:42:26 > 0:42:28# Oh oh oh
0:42:28 > 0:42:34# No more dreaming about tomorrow
0:42:35 > 0:42:40# Forget the loneliness and the sorrow
0:42:40 > 0:42:46- # I've got to say- I've got to say
0:42:46 > 0:42:49# It's all because of you
0:42:54 > 0:43:05# Guide me O thou great redeemer
0:43:05 > 0:43:13# Pilgrim through this barren land
0:43:13 > 0:43:18- # I am weak but thou art mighty - Thou art mighty
0:43:18 > 0:43:22- # Hold me with thy powerful hand - Hold me with thy powerful hand
0:43:22 > 0:43:24# Bread of heaven
0:43:24 > 0:43:26- # Feed me till I want no more - Feed me till I want
0:43:26 > 0:43:27# Feed me till I want no more
0:43:27 > 0:43:30- # Feed me till I want- no more
0:43:30 > 0:43:36# Feed me till I want no more # Feed me till I want no more
0:43:36 > 0:43:40# Open now the crystal fountain
0:43:40 > 0:43:44# Whence the healing stream doth flow
0:43:44 > 0:43:48# Strong deliverer Strong deliverer
0:43:48 > 0:43:51# Be thou still my strength and shield
0:43:51 > 0:43:53# Come come
0:43:53 > 0:43:55# My Jesus
0:43:55 > 0:43:58# Quickly come Vanity is all I see
0:43:58 > 0:44:00# W-a-a-a-a-a-a-ah!
0:44:00 > 0:44:01# Come come
0:44:01 > 0:44:03# My Jesus
0:44:03 > 0:44:07# Quickly come Vanity is all I see... #
0:44:07 > 0:44:12ALL SING AT ONCE
0:44:12 > 0:44:14# Vanity is all I see
0:44:15 > 0:44:17# Come come
0:44:17 > 0:44:19# My Jesus
0:44:19 > 0:44:22# Vanity is all I see
0:44:24 > 0:44:26# Feed me
0:44:26 > 0:44:27# Till I want no more
0:44:27 > 0:44:31- # Feed me. #- Aren't they good? - # Till I want no more
0:44:31 > 0:44:32# Feed me
0:44:32 > 0:44:35# Till I want no more
0:44:35 > 0:44:43# Feed me till I want no more. #
0:44:43 > 0:44:46CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:44:50 > 0:44:55They definitely have the crowd on side. It was really fun.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04Whoo!
0:45:04 > 0:45:08- It was amazing. It was the best feeling in the world.- Yeah.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11It was good.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13- Happy.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15HE LAUGHS
0:45:15 > 0:45:18It is with great pride and pleasure that I introduce you to the
0:45:18 > 0:45:23youngest competitors in our contest, representing the South-East,
0:45:23 > 0:45:25a school choir from Reading
0:45:25 > 0:45:27who go by the name of the Bulmershe Ensemble!
0:45:27 > 0:45:29CHEERING
0:45:35 > 0:45:36Come on!
0:45:39 > 0:45:43# My life's brilliant
0:45:43 > 0:45:47# My love is pure
0:45:47 > 0:45:50# I saw an angel
0:45:50 > 0:45:52# Of that I'm sure
0:45:52 > 0:45:55# She smiled at me on the subway
0:45:55 > 0:45:59# She was with another man
0:45:59 > 0:46:02- BOTH:- # But I won't lose no sleep on that
0:46:02 > 0:46:05# Cos I've got a plan
0:46:05 > 0:46:07ALL: # You're beautiful
0:46:09 > 0:46:12# You're beautiful
0:46:12 > 0:46:17# You're beautiful, it's true
0:46:17 > 0:46:21# I saw your face
0:46:21 > 0:46:25# In a crowded place
0:46:26 > 0:46:31# And I don't know what to do
0:46:32 > 0:46:37# Cos I'll never be with you. #
0:46:37 > 0:46:39THEY VOCALISE
0:46:45 > 0:46:47# So this is what you meant
0:46:47 > 0:46:48# When you said that you were spent
0:46:48 > 0:46:50# Said that you were spent
0:46:50 > 0:46:53# And now it's time to build from the bottom of the pit
0:46:53 > 0:46:55# Right to the top
0:46:55 > 0:46:58# Don't hold back
0:46:58 > 0:47:04# Packing my bags and giving the academy a rain check
0:47:04 > 0:47:07# I don't ever want to let you down
0:47:09 > 0:47:12# I don't ever want to leave this town
0:47:14 > 0:47:17# Cos after all
0:47:17 > 0:47:19# The city never sleeps at night
0:47:19 > 0:47:22# It's time to begin, isn't it?
0:47:22 > 0:47:26# I get a little bit bigger and then I'll admit... #
0:47:26 > 0:47:28They're settling into it.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30# ..I was
0:47:30 > 0:47:34# Now don't you understand?
0:47:34 > 0:47:36# I'm never changing who I am
0:47:36 > 0:47:38# It's time to begin, isn't it?
0:47:38 > 0:47:43# I get a little bit bigger and then I'll admit
0:47:43 > 0:47:47# I'm just the same as I was
0:47:47 > 0:47:50# Now don't you understand?
0:47:50 > 0:47:53# I'm never changing who I am. #
0:47:57 > 0:47:59CHEERING
0:48:06 > 0:48:11They relaxed into it. The soloists were good. It just wasn't perfect.
0:48:14 > 0:48:16THEY SHOUT WITH JOY
0:48:16 > 0:48:19It was amazing!
0:48:19 > 0:48:22It was so good!
0:48:22 > 0:48:25I'm so proud of you!
0:48:25 > 0:48:29Now it is time for the last of our finalists.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31Representing the South-West,
0:48:31 > 0:48:35it's a group who found friendship through music at Exeter University.
0:48:35 > 0:48:39Please welcome to the stage Semi-Toned!
0:48:39 > 0:48:40CHEERING
0:48:50 > 0:48:55# Praise Him with the timbrel and dance
0:48:55 > 0:49:00# Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet
0:49:00 > 0:49:06# Praise Him with the psaltery and harp
0:49:06 > 0:49:09- # Let everything that hath... - ALL: ..breath
0:49:11 > 0:49:15# ..praise the Lord... #
0:49:15 > 0:49:16THEY VOCALISE
0:49:16 > 0:49:18It's a good start.
0:49:18 > 0:49:20ALL: # Whoa, magnify the Lord
0:49:20 > 0:49:22# Magnify the Lord with me
0:49:22 > 0:49:24# Magnify the Lord
0:49:24 > 0:49:26# Whoa, magnify the Lord with me
0:49:26 > 0:49:28# Magnify the Lord
0:49:28 > 0:49:30# Magnify the Lord with me
0:49:30 > 0:49:32# Magnify the Lord
0:49:32 > 0:49:34# Let us exalt his name together
0:49:34 > 0:49:36# Oh, be joyful, all ye people
0:49:36 > 0:49:38# Oh, be joyful and clap your hands
0:49:38 > 0:49:40# Oh, be joyful, all ye people
0:49:40 > 0:49:42# Oh, be joyful and clap your hands
0:49:42 > 0:49:43# Oh, be joyful, all ye people
0:49:43 > 0:49:45# Oh, be joyful and clap your... #
0:49:45 > 0:49:47THEY VOCALISE
0:49:49 > 0:49:50# Praise Him!
0:49:52 > 0:49:54# Praise Him!
0:49:56 > 0:49:58# Praise him! #
0:50:05 > 0:50:08# On that sunny day
0:50:08 > 0:50:10# Didn't know I'd meet
0:50:10 > 0:50:13# Such a beautiful girl
0:50:13 > 0:50:15# Walking down the street... #
0:50:15 > 0:50:17A little bit sketchy.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20# Senorita, I feel for you
0:50:20 > 0:50:22# You deal with things
0:50:22 > 0:50:25# That you don't have to
0:50:25 > 0:50:26# He doesn't love you
0:50:26 > 0:50:29# I can tell by his charm
0:50:29 > 0:50:32# But you can have this free love
0:50:32 > 0:50:38# If you just lay in my arms
0:50:38 > 0:50:42# Oh, now, come on
0:50:42 > 0:50:44# Let me hear you sing
0:50:49 > 0:50:51# Come on!
0:50:51 > 0:50:53# One more time. #
0:50:55 > 0:50:57# Lift him up!
0:50:57 > 0:50:59- # Lift Him up - Lift Him up
0:50:59 > 0:51:01- # Lift Him up - Lift Him up
0:51:01 > 0:51:03- # Lift Him up - Lift Him up
0:51:03 > 0:51:05- # Lift Him up - Lift Him up
0:51:05 > 0:51:06# Let everything that hath breath praise Him
0:51:06 > 0:51:08# Let everything that hath breath praise Him
0:51:08 > 0:51:11# Let everything that hath breath...
0:51:11 > 0:51:18# ..praise the Lord. #
0:51:19 > 0:51:22CHEERING
0:51:28 > 0:51:31Loads of heart. Loads of effort.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34They deserve the reaction that they've got.
0:51:39 > 0:51:43The best, most fun I've had performing ever in my life.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47Just seeing everyone that we know and love on their feet...
0:51:47 > 0:51:49They've supported us for so long.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54Getting up and cheering for us... Just...unbelievable.
0:51:57 > 0:52:02The decision on who will emerge as the contest winner now lies
0:52:02 > 0:52:05solely in the hands of the jury.
0:52:05 > 0:52:11EAGA was a very strong performance, an amazing show, actually.
0:52:11 > 0:52:15- I started clapping, moving.- Yeah! I loved the party of it all.
0:52:15 > 0:52:19I wanted to get up there with them, and I just thought that was joyful.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21I was swept up in the colours, I was swept up in the sounds,
0:52:21 > 0:52:24I was swept up in the exuberance of the whole thing.
0:52:24 > 0:52:28It almost felt like I was watching Sister Act or something.
0:52:28 > 0:52:32- Great!- It felt... - What's wrong with that?- Exactly!
0:52:32 > 0:52:37- The only choir that moved me tonight was EAGA.- And that's very lovely,
0:52:37 > 0:52:40we're really happy for you, but actually...
0:52:40 > 0:52:44It felt like we went from nought to 60 and then to nought,
0:52:44 > 0:52:47and it felt really quite clunky.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50Bulmershe, I was genuinely moved by them.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53What they do have is this amazing ensemble togetherness.
0:52:53 > 0:52:57- I loved the choreography. That's what I will say.- Amazing.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00As a group, as a choir, nah...
0:53:00 > 0:53:02LAUGHTER
0:53:03 > 0:53:04Yes, they did have some pitchy moments,
0:53:04 > 0:53:07but I think overall they gave us a great performance.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10I really liked it. I think that they brought it, I really do.
0:53:10 > 0:53:13Semi-Toned, for me...
0:53:15 > 0:53:17I absolutely loved them.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20I have to say that they had the wow factor, for me.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24I actually put down my pen and I sat back, and my mouth,
0:53:24 > 0:53:25I'm sure it was hanging open.
0:53:25 > 0:53:28And I think that my eyes were very wide indeed. It was brilliant!
0:53:28 > 0:53:32Honestly, I had goose bumps all over.
0:53:32 > 0:53:35I went into the auditorium tonight with high expectations of
0:53:35 > 0:53:38- Semi-Toned and I was a little disappointed.- Me too.
0:53:38 > 0:53:43When we got to their second song, Senorita, I felt like there
0:53:43 > 0:53:48was however many there are in the choir dad-dancing in front of me.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52That sort of slightly geeky dancing, that's kind of vintage a cappella.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55I was like, "Ooh, God!" My toes were curling.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57All of the groups have a lot going for them.
0:53:57 > 0:54:00It's a question of what we all think is the most important.
0:54:00 > 0:54:04There are two of them. They're like, "Which way? Which way should I go?"
0:54:04 > 0:54:05I enjoyed EAGA,
0:54:05 > 0:54:08I was impressed by Semi-Toned, but I was moved by Bulmershe, and I
0:54:08 > 0:54:10did come into this competition saying that was what I wanted.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13I don't know what I'm going to decide.
0:54:13 > 0:54:15And that's the truth.
0:54:15 > 0:54:17OK, everyone, it's time to vote.
0:54:28 > 0:54:29So!
0:54:29 > 0:54:31Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,
0:54:31 > 0:54:34and welcome back to the members of the jury.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36I have the results.
0:54:37 > 0:54:42I'm going to start by revealing the act in third place this evening.
0:54:45 > 0:54:47This group is...
0:54:56 > 0:54:57..the Bulmershe Ensemble.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:55:06 > 0:55:08You have been absolutely fantastic contestants,
0:55:08 > 0:55:12and at such a young age, to have achieved so much is fantastic.
0:55:12 > 0:55:13Give them a huge round of applause.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:55:20 > 0:55:23So, that means that the title of series champion will be going
0:55:23 > 0:55:28to one of two groups, EAGA or Semi-Toned.
0:55:29 > 0:55:34EAGA, the jury thought that you delivered a joyous, vibrant
0:55:34 > 0:55:38performance that clearly connected with the audience in the room.
0:55:38 > 0:55:42Semi-Toned, the jury said that your arrangement was ambitious and
0:55:42 > 0:55:45you put in a performance that was technically accomplished
0:55:45 > 0:55:48with some impressive vocal gymnastics.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52They also wanted to stress that, as ever, this has been an extremely
0:55:52 > 0:55:56difficult decision to make, but they have selected a champion.
0:55:58 > 0:55:59The winner is...
0:56:15 > 0:56:17..Semi-Toned!
0:56:17 > 0:56:19CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:56:33 > 0:56:37EAGA, I love you guys so much.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40You've been so generous with your time, with your fun,
0:56:40 > 0:56:42with your adventure. We've had such a good time together.
0:56:42 > 0:56:46I'm really proud of you for what you did tonight. Thank you so much.
0:56:46 > 0:56:48I'm sorry, you were just beaten today, but nonetheless,
0:56:48 > 0:56:50it takes nothing away from a great achievement.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52Ladies and gentlemen, EAGA!
0:56:52 > 0:56:54CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:57:00 > 0:57:04As for Semi-Toned, this is a hugely special moment for you. How are you?
0:57:04 > 0:57:07Are you OK? Eddie?
0:57:07 > 0:57:09This is possibly one of the best moments of my life.
0:57:09 > 0:57:12And to go through it with my best friends in the world and
0:57:12 > 0:57:15all my other best friends in the world watching is just amazing.
0:57:15 > 0:57:18This means so much to me, and it means so much to the group.
0:57:18 > 0:57:20CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:57:24 > 0:57:26Well done to you all. It's so well deserved.
0:57:26 > 0:57:30Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Semi-Toned!
0:57:30 > 0:57:32CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:57:32 > 0:57:33Yay!
0:57:47 > 0:57:50Music is for making people feel.
0:57:50 > 0:57:53It's for lifting hearts and making life better,
0:57:53 > 0:57:56and I think that Semi-Toned made us all feel
0:57:56 > 0:58:00a little better tonight, and that's worth something.
0:58:00 > 0:58:03I'm so happy, and the guys are so happy,
0:58:03 > 0:58:07I'm so... I'm so... Oh, it's the best feeling.
0:58:07 > 0:58:09Well done, you! Well done, you!
0:58:09 > 0:58:12I'm absolutely over the moon that we won.
0:58:12 > 0:58:16Goodness gracious, I'm absolutely speechless.
0:58:16 > 0:58:20There's so many people doing this every night of the week,
0:58:20 > 0:58:24going out, joining choirs, sharing in each other's company.
0:58:24 > 0:58:26It's a wonderful, wonderful privilege to be involved in
0:58:26 > 0:58:29music, and I shall do this till my dying day.