Only Boys Aloud in BGT final
Teenage male voice choir Only Boys Aloud are through to the final of Britain’s Got Talent after a nail-biting conclusion to last night's show.
Following their emotional rendition of Welsh song 'Gwahoddiad' - meaning 'Invitation' - the public voted the 140-strong Welsh group into the top three acts.
With Pudsey the dancing dog topping the poll, it was down to the judges to choose between Only Boys Aloud and Manchester boy band The Mend.
But when the panel was divided the choir found themselves back in the hands of the public.
A higher tally of votes saw them secure their place in the live final of the show on Saturday night.
If they win, they will sing in front of the Queen at this year’s Royal Variety Show.
Following last night's performance, judge David Walliams told the boys: "Who'd have thought singing Welsh hymns could be so powerful and affecting? I think you guys could win this competition."
Alesha Dixon described their performance as 'inspiring', while Amanda Holden admitted: "My heart just swells for you every time I see you. You are the voice of Wales - and Great Britain."
The South Wales Valleys choir first wowed judges at the audition stages back in March.
They received a standing ovation for their stirring rendition of the Welsh ballad 'Calon Lân', which translates as 'pure heart'.
The normally-reserved Simon Cowell enthused: "I have got a very, very good feeling about you lot. I really loved what you did. I've never heard that song before, but I absolutely love it - and I think you guys are amazing."
Amanda Holden told them: "I found that really moving. I loved the song choice. Well done."
David Walliams simply said: "We were looking for a really great choir - and you are that really great choir.
They were unanimously voted through to the next stage of the competition, with Amanda Holden adding: 'It's a yes from me - and from Wales'.
Only Boys Aloud was formed to keep the tradition of Welsh male voice choirs alive and inspire youngsters not only to sing, but to do something positive with their lives.
One member told ITV: "Before Only Boys Aloud, as a teenage boy in the Valleys there weren't many opportunities."
Choir director Tim Rhys-Evans said: "We believe passionately in the tradition of male singing in wales and we want to make sure the tradition is there in 100 years' time."
They rehearse weekly in local Only Boys Aloud choirs across Wales, regularly coming together to rehearse and perform as one large choir.
Any boy aged 14 to 19 able to commit to the weekly rehearsals is welcomed at their local group without an audition.
The group was formed by fellow Welsh choir Only Men Aloud, who were voted Britain’s Favourite Choir in the televised competition 'Last Choir Standing'.