Alesha Dixon is getting tough
Alesha Dixon is back and no is going to sway her when it comes to finding a Britain’s Got Talent star.
Simon beat her to her original Golden Buzzer choice but she’s confident she made the right decision. We caught up with her to find out more about this year’s auditions.
Have you got tougher this year?
I suppose you could say that. I just think I’ve made more of decision that I’m going to go with my gut, my instinct on whether I like an act and whether I think the country will like it or whether it would be something the Royal Family would want to watch.
I’ve tried not to be swayed by the audience or the other Judges this time, although David often sticks up for the underdogs and tries to get you to say yes. I have been tougher this year and have been swayed less than last time.
One thing I noticed when watching the show back at home last year, was that there were some acts who I said yes to that when I saw them back on TV, I was like, ‘why the hell did I do that?’
A lot has changed for you since last year, how are you finding juggling being back at work?
I’m not going to lie, it was difficult to leave my daughter for the first audition day as I hadn’t really spent any time apart from her then. But once I came back I was in a work frame of mind and also I’m really lucky as I’ve got a great support system so I know she is in good hands.
I do wish I could bring her down to watch some of the auditions though, but she’s too small at the moment. Maybe when she’s older and if I’m still lucky enough to still be doing this I will bring her to watch.
Without giving too much away, what have been some of the best acts during this year’s auditions?
Obviously the group who I pushed my Golden Buzzer for! There were also a group who moved me to tears that I loved. They were two young singers who were great and really heartfelt. It’salways great when we see something new and original. The good thing this year is there is no clear winner. This year there have been lots of great acts but it’s not a one horse race.
What do you think of your fellow Judges’ Golden Buzzer choices?
Simon actually beat me to it with the act he pressed his buzzer for. If he hadn’t pressed it when he did then I definitely would have done. Amanda pressed hers for a brilliant act and one which I think the whole nation is going to fall in love with and who has a strong chance of winning.
As for David’s choice, it is just mad and I really don’t understand it. I think he will come to regret it.
What are you looking for in your BGT winner this year?
I’m looking for someone who can be an international success. We are an international show so they need to be able to hold their own on a world stage. As well as an amazing talent they also need to have a great personality and a story.
This show is about people and connecting with people – there needs to be something that will make the viewers at home pick up the phone and vote.
Do you think the standard of auditionees has changed over the years?
I don't think it's changed necessarily. It is up and down each year and that is the beauty of the show -the variety of acts we have each year. Some are amazing, some are eccentric and some are just downright bad.
What has been your favourite audition city and why?
London is always my favourite city. It’s always a tough crowd to please and if they don't like someone then they will let you and them know! But likewise if they do like someone they will get behind them.
I also liked going to Belfast for first time this year. I used to do Irish dancing when I was little, so I’ve got a soft spot for it and we found some great Irish dancing acts, which was lovely.
What is the biggest audition turn off for you?
It has to be arrogant people.There are some people who come on stage and act like they don't want to be there or it's above them. Why? I just don’t understand it. As well as having a great act you need to get the audience and Judges on side, so why come across as you don’t want to be there?
What are your favourite memories from last year’s show?
It has to be Attraction. I knew from the beginning that they had something special and would go far. We hadn'tseen anything like that before and it was incredibly moving.