BRITAIN’S Got Talent sensation Jamie Pugh has revealed how he nearly walked away from the show after a tabloid newspaper branded him a liar.
The pizza delivery driver even shaved off his trademark goatee to avoid people recognising him at the height of the storm.
The 37-year-old from Glan y Nant, Pengam, near Bargoed, overcame crippling stage fright to deliver a powerful performance of Bring Him Home, from musical Les Miserables in the ITV show.
Before he sang Jamie told judge Simon Cowell he’d never sung in front of a large audience. But the Sun newspaper revealed he had appeared in a West End talent show in 2006 as part of a group which sang a Rod Stewart medley.
In an exclusive interview, Jamie, who is also a warehouse delivery driver, told Wales on Sunday how:
The accusation battered his already fragile confidence even more – and brought him to the brink of quitting his dream.
He was driven to adopt a new clean-shaven look to prevent him from being recognised.
Only the help of his girlfriend Donna Davies persuaded him to stay in the running to win the show.
His continued presence was because of Donna’s tireless support.
The former RAF engineer admitted: “If I didn’t have Donna, I would have quit. She’s my everything. That story in the paper really hurt. I bring my children up to be honest and it was blazed across that I was a liar.
“I’ve never hidden the fact I was on that show. What people have to understand is I wasn’t on my own. I’ve never walked onto a stage on my own.”
Jamie explained the reassuring presence of the other group members helped bolster his courage enough to allow him to perform in the 2006 show. But his confidence evaporated and he pulled out after two weeks.
He said: “I didn’t want to do it any more because I didn’t feel worthy. I stopped singing completely for six to eight months after that.
“My life is a struggle but I have everybody I want close to me. I’m the man I’ve always wanted to be. Every morning I wake up wanting to be a good man, good partner and good worker. I’m confident in everything else apart from my singing. It’s one of the few things that cripples me because I’m giving you everything I’ve got. It’s personal for me. With singing, it’s the one time I can give you everything I’ve got. When I sing I feel it.”
Partner of seven years Donna, 35, a school support officer, said Jamie had taken his public criticism very badly.
She said: “He takes all this to heart. Last week was atrocious, heartbreaking. We thought about locking the door and not letting anybody in but you can’t do that.
“It was a personal attack on him and he thought everybody hated him.
“I told him that no matter what happens, he’s still going to be my partner, he’s still going to be a dad and work starts tomorrow. It would have consumed him and made him feel so low.
“It could have got to the point where he wouldn’t have been able to get back up again. To sing he has to feel it and he wouldn’t be able to do that if he was depressed and not worth anything.”
Jamie has been coping with the pressures of being instantly recognised by returning to the comfort of his family, friends and the routine of his two jobs, which he said has given him the space to prepare for the next stage of the show on May 23.
He said: “The next performance could be my last and that’s the only way I look at it. I don’t expect to win. I’ll take each step as it comes.
“I’ve got to draw on some well of strength, but I have to be realistic. I don’t think I’m that special. I just have to be me and see what happens.
“I expect to be delivering pizzas in two weeks’ time.”
Welsh performers Shaheen Jafargholi, 12, from Swansea, and Greg Pritchard, 24, from Trostrey near Usk, have also been dealing with the consequences of being catapulted into the spotlight and the pressures of preparing for next week’s show.
Since his successful audition, Shaheen has been a guest of American talk show host Larry King, posed for a magazine photo shoot and presented a radio show.
“It’s been completely mad,” he told WoS. “There’s lots of people out there who would never get an opportunity like this. It’s been an honour to be on the Larry King show. Only big stars go on that.
“I’ve been looking after my voice and drinking lots of fluids and not speaking or shouting much. I’m making sure I’m in tip-top condition.
“I’m a bit nervous because it’s facing the judges again. I’m just going to try and enjoy it.”
Former hotel worker Greg Pritchard has been swept up in a wave of publicity since his appearance on our screens last week, with his high-pitched rendition of Nessun Dorma.
But the attention has taken its toll on his voice, which has become hoarse.
Greg, whose idol is opera singer Maria Callas, said: “It’s been like bedlam. The phone hasn’t stopped ringing and I love it. I’ve had to get a diary for the first time to keep track of it all.
“I’ve been shooting off to interviews and photo shoots. I’ve had some really long days.
“My voice is cracking at the moment so I’ve been taking a drop of whisky with honey and lemon. But it’s quite worrying. I need a really good rest. But coming home has been the best medicine in the world.”
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/2009/05/17/britain-s-got-talent-s-jamie-pugh-i-almost-quit-show-after-liar-claims-91466-23643615/2/
39 Comments
Leave a Reply
Using Gravatars in the comments - get your own and be recognized!
XHTML: These are some of the tags you can use: <a href=""> <b> <blockquote> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>
Loading ...
Don’t give up Jamie. I can hardley wait to hear you sing again. You were great and many of us will be disapointed if you give up.
Jamie, i hope someone is telling you what we are saying, those of us who want to hear you sing again. there are millions of us out here who are not like the crazies who are making attacking comments nor like the tabloid journalists who want to shock and who do not do any research before blasting their scorching headlines out into public. if you can, think about something and hopefully it will make sense to you. your voice sounds so fantastic that it is hard to believe you have never been discovered or sung professionally. so a number of people decided to label you a liar, because they wanted another paul potts happy ending and they thought you were trying to take it away from them. and now back to beginning of the thought— your voice sounds so fantastic it is hard to believe you are an undiscovered talent. you say you don’t expect to win. i don’t know if you will or not because susan boyle sings very well and has a lot of confidence and spunk. but whether you win or not, i hope you will take any recording deal that sounds like a fair one based on your talent because i will be watching out for it. i want to buy a cd of your voice. i did not believe the liar label was the correct one. i listened carefully to your bgt interview and i could tell you had mentioned some kind of certain experience, not that you walk around afraid of your shadow. i am a normal person with normal intelligence and i could tell that bgt had most likely cut out part of your interview. you are not saying you have stage fright as a permanent condition, you are saying you HAD stage fright. it is obvious you are talking about an event where something happened to you. at the semi final, sing to your supporters, there are a bunch of us out here.
I watched your performance just a few minutes ago, and it was bloody amazing, man.
Go on and keep singing, we need people like you. People with real talent who can put on a great show and be honest with their music.
Don’t mind those newspaper dogs, they’re just out for a quick scoop and some extra cash.
Again, wonderful act, you’re a terrific singer.
Don’t quit!
Oh Jamie, don’t give up! I was so touched by your interview and your singing, such sincerity, it’s something I’ll never forget. I was bowled over by Susan Boyle and thought she was terrific, but your singing has another dimension altogether, much deeper … so beautiful.
Be strong, Jamie, take no notice of the slime, just seeing where it comes from is enough.
So be encouraged, have faith in your God-given voice and sensitivity … you are a beautiful man with a beautiful voice.
Hugs to you and Donna.
Jamie
Your rendition keeps going around and round my head. God has given you a truly magnificent gift. You must go on, you must must must and share this so very special gift to folk like me in the world who are in awe of your wonderful voice and truly appreciate music & can do little about it but croak.
I would love to see you in Australia, it would be a sell out like Paul Potts.
Take courage Jamie, take it in both hands. God Bless
Will somebody please give this guy a recording contract.
Hi Jamie
I am a huge Les Mis fan and I loved your audition; please don’t let the Sun bully you out of your dreams. I sung on stage (granted a smaller stage
) for years as part of a group before singing solo, singing on your own is a completely different experience - anyone with even a bit of common sense should realise that.
You have a lot of support so keep going
Shani
Jamie;
Please dont give up - You are an incredable gift - all you need to do is believe the very lyrics you sang - I am praying for you
ron
Jamie: Please, please, please don’t quit singing!!! You have a marvelous gift. One worthy of being heard by everyone in the entire world. There is a very large difference between going on stage with a group and singing on stage by yourself. So in my humble opinion you are nowhere near being a liar. I fully intend of telling everyone I can find to watch your audition.
Don’t give up Jamie!
Think of all the people who love to hear you sing. You give them happiness. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up! Think of us. Sing for us.
Jamie,PLEASE,PLEASE,continue,i thought you were amazing.
I want to buy your CD..
Just Amazing
FROM IRELAND
Here I am again Mr. Pugh. Don’t give up. I do believe a recording offer is just around the corner.
I buy music that “speaks” to me. Music that relaxes and uplifts my soul. I bought Paul Potts “One Chance” and Andrew Johnston’s “One Voice”, both beautiful recordings. I will buy Susan Boyle and yours, if you just believe in yourself.
Dont Give Up Jamie !!! Your the best and you can do it !!! You Sing Great :DD ! Cant wait to hear you sing again !!!!!
Jamie,PLEASE,PLEASE,continue I thought you were amazing.
I want to buy your CD..
on believable !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jamie,
Look inside yourself, you will find the strength. Listen to God (who gave you this gift) and to Donna who loves you and stands beside you. Don’t pay attention to the words of people who don’t have your best interests at heart. They have their own agendas.
I watched Susan Boyle and I was thrilled for her because she does have talent and she showed people that it is what you have inside, not what you look like that counts. She has a lovely voice. You Jamie, made me cry with your rendition, I don’t do that easily.
Good luck, I’ll keep you in my prayers. When that CD that you WILL be making comes out - I will be there to buy it.
God Bless you and Donna.
Don’t give up. Your have a wonderful voice. You can go all the way. Don’t listen to others who say negative things. I vote you to win this talent show. Even Simon Cowell likes you.
Please continue to sing for us.
God bless from Singapore
Oi Jamie, don’t give up man! When I saw you sing, you were…Speechless man, speechless. You know what I would give to sing like that? Ha ha, don’t ask. Keep it strong man. You’ve got a brilliant voice. And as of this moment, you’re the one I give Faith to. So keep it up, and you’re not a liar. Unless someone actually hears it from your own words, both sides, you’re never a liar. So do not, Do not, quit. Its never good to quit, always go at it strong all the way. And I know what you mean with “Fearing life as you get older.” But don’t let this fear you, because you’ve got nothing to lose. I’m a musician myself, and I’ve seen and heard some amazing singers. But the way you delivered your voice with the dynamics you used and vibratos, like I said….stunning, speechless, tearing, joyful, and most of all Heartwarming. Try not to let others bring you down, in Fact…Don’t let them at all…Trust me…you won’t go to far if you. ( Not just saying the competition) YOU HAVE A GIFT, A VOICE, THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS, YOU’RE UNIQUE. SO USE THAT VOICE TO THE GREATEST, AND LET NO ONE TAKE IT FROM YOU. I believe in you, all the way. Best of luck to you man.
Roy
Hey Jamie, you’re wonderful, it doesn’t matter even if you have sung before, you are still amazing!! Keep going strong, following you all the way!!
Jamie, Mr Cowell said it on the night. Self belief. “BRING IT HOME.” Jamie. Your as good as you want to be. You have touched so many peoples hearts with that performance. It would be criminal to stop now.
I know there are injustices in this world. Losing a loved one for no reason that any mortal soul can make out is an example. Heres a chance for you to bring about just a little justice of your own.
God bless you and Donna.
Jamie, Debes seguir cantando con la misma entrega de la vez pasada, No eres un mentiroso, eso tambien debes creerlo… Canta para nosotros con la esa entrega, ya veras que tendras esa fuerza interior que te ayudara en todo momento, Jamie cree en ti como nosotros tu publico creen ti… Saludos y que dios te acompañe.
Alex Ramirez
Valencia - Venezuela
Jamie, I have listened to your audition a thousand times and I am struck breathless each time. I truly cannot breathe when you sing.
jamie stand tall ,stand proud, stand welsh, you have a god given talent believe me every body is wishing you all the best you know you can do this ,lucy is trying to get her singing going but is very nervous like you she looks up to you and aspires to be like you ,so do this for us,and yourself and your family you know you can every body local and those who come in the shop are wishing you all the best, please please jamie don,t give up show them what you are made of penllwyn stuff and get your bum over to my shop to have your hair done you want to look your best when you WIN.. wishing you all the very best jamie ….. jill ,paul leigh lucy
I have watched your audition a few times now and just wanted to say thanks. To me you’ve won already, keep up the good work Jamie.
Jamie,
It would be great to have you win but more important is that you compete and do so at your best. If you lose, use this experience to move forward with your life and, be that person you are proud of each day you see yourself in the mirror. When this is all over I pray that you have an opportunity to make a CD that includes my favourite song from a musical production, Bring Him Home, by the greatest interpreter and singer of this historic piece of music. For what it’s worth, I’m in your corner 200%. Prior to your performance I was routing for another fantastic singer, Susan Boyle. You’re both such a great inspiration to all. Donovan in FL, U.S.A.
You sang about six words when tears started rolling down my cheeks. What a voice! Sing! Sing! Sing! I promise to buy your albums!! This is from Panama City, Florida.
Best of luck in the semi - final Jamie, I’m sure you will make the final I think your voice is amazing it brought tears to my eyes your such a genuine guy you deserve to win - all the best for the final because you will be there. Don’t give up -From scotland x
Jamie, I hope the fact that you’ve made it into the semi-finals will help you believe that you have a beautiful gift and a wonderful voice, and that we want to hear you and support you. Donna, I know you are right there with him and your love and belief in him will be exactly what he needs. No matter what happens next, Jamie, the world knows you are a talented, sensitive man. You have touched my heart, and I wish you all the best.
Jamie-
What can one say? Your voice is beautiful! After listening several times to your audition, I went on UTUBE to hear how others sang the same song…. by far your rendition is the absolute best I heard!!! This song was made for a voice like yours and you brought soul into it. Pure magic in my book! Forget the papers, forget your fears… just sing and know that you have brought and will bring a cascade of emotions from all who love your voice. Pursue your dream… for really, isn’t that what life is about? Best of luck and please keep singing!!!
The Best of Luck to YOU!! you deserve, Jamie Pugh.
Thank God “We” don’t believe in everything we read. And the great majority of people are interested is watching you performing again, and NEVER giving up because of cheap tabloids, and bad writers. All the Best!!
Jamie life is full of struggles, and that is why we love you. We could see the internal struggle as you prepared to sing, and then your soul was given to us. Your song choice and voice are perfect. Don’t let the “What If’s” run your life. We all have fallen off our paths in life from time to time. Know you have to chance to get back on that horse and take the world by storm. I sincerely hope to see you in concert someday. You were born to sing. Thank you for conquering your fears; that means that I too can conquer mine. We love you here in America! Keep singing!
Jamie you keep singing , DO NOT let all the negative press/comments get to you , good luck for tonight
jamie don’t give up singing when I heard you sing the song bring him home the hair stood up on the back of my kneck,I will say the song in the semi final was the wrong song do hope too see a album soon
All the best CELT
I thought jamie’s performance was not bad. I don’t understand why the judges thought he wasn’t good. I tell you I have heard one heck of a lot worse. The judges are only three people Jamie. Don’t give up.
Jamie, just get out there and show them what you are capable of and that with shut them all up. You Rock!!!
Walk on Jamie, walk on. You have a stunning talent and it is without a doubt this talent that can take you through any storm and on to amazing heights. It is this talent that will carry you through your uncertainness and frustration. All you have to do is embrace it, believe in it and believe in yourself. It’s all feasable, it’s all here, within grasp, you’ve gone most of the way and done all the hard work. just a few steps more, maybe just one is enough and you ‘re there. Don’t give up, please, not only Britain, the whole world needs your talent! Remember this song: “When you walk through a storm”. Sing it! (not sure if that is the title though). Best of luck! Hope to hear you soon live on stage! Keep up the good work and never give up hatever happens!
Jamie,
i am so proud of you! You have a voice that not many can duplicate! Your emotion brought up my emotion. I have complete faith in you. Best of luck!
your beautiful voice touched my soul.reminds me of my dad who passed away in 2001. He also loved to sing and was quite good, but stagefright prevented him from having a career in music.
Hello Jamie,
I have just listened to your audition on Britain’s Got Talent of “Bring Him Home” for , at least, the 20th time. I can’t tell you how beautiful your rendition of that song is…and I’ve seen “Les Miz” 3 times live onstage. You capture the emotion like no other. Please hang in there for all of us who are waiting for you to record so we can buy your CD.
You are a beautiful spirit and gifted talent that the world needs to hear and experience. Your family is so very lucky to have you and we are so lucky to have heard you.
Keep the faith and keep up the fight …You deserve the best life has to give and you have given us your God-given best.
Be Proud and Fly!!
Many thanks for being who you are…Irene in WA, USA
You were incredible! i love your singing and think you have a beautiful thing going for you and a great support system! Keep up the great work jamie!