In 2024, Harrison Pettman, a 22-year-old youth worker and security guard from Gravesend, Kent, had one of the most unexpected auditions on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT). His mother, father, brother, and nan all thought he was only joining them as a spectator when he arrived at the location. Harrison sneaked backstage to get ready for his audition, leaving his gullible family in the audience under the guise of a required trip to the restroom. His family was completely unaware that he was going to take the stage, thus this total secrecy created a powerful emotional expectation for his performance.
Harrison decided to perform an emotional rendition of Ed Sheeran’s song “Give Me the Love.” He gave a passionate performance, displaying a rich, deep voice, especially in the lower register, which the judges found charming and uncommon. Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the audition was the way the camera followed his family’s shocked and emotional audience reactions throughout the song. As they watched Harrison pursue his ambition on the large stage without their knowledge, his mother and grandmother were obviously overcome with pride and passion.
Overall, the judges were impressed, particularly by Harrison’s sincere heart and sincerity in the song. Amanda Holden commended his sincere performance of the song, calling it a “beautiful song.” He would require “a lot of practice” if he wanted to pursue a career in the West End, according to Simon Cowell and other judges, but they also recognized his likeability and the emotional impact of his surprise. Even though one judge was first undecided, Harrison eventually received three “yeses,” making it to the next round with his family fully informed and ecstatic.
