Hawkestone Farmer’s Choir have secured a place in the final of Britain’s Got Talent after winning semi-final five of the popular talent show with an emotional live performance of Pompeii by Bastille.
The 34-strong choir, made up of farmers from across the UK including 10 from Wales, took the final available place in the competition’s grand final alongside golden buzzer act Celestial.
The farmers from Wales include pregnant Rosie Jones, a professional singer turned farmer’s wife living in Dolanog, Welshpool, and NFU Cymru group secretary Aled Owen Griffiths from Machynlleth, who was recently appointed chairman of the 2027 National Eisteddfod.
Also among the Welsh members of the choir are fourth-generation Llanelli farmer Eirion William Davies, Cambrian Mountains farmer Aled Wyn Davies, Meidrim farm manager Owain Fisher, Pendine farmer Joe Shewry, Hugh Thomas from Moylegrove, Presteigne farmer Will Rogers. The Welsh farmers in Britain’s Got Talent.
Rosie is embracing farm life but has gone back to her roots with Hawkstone -Credit:Rosie Jones
The choir entered the semi-final as Amanda Holden’s golden buzzer act. Ahead of the performance, Amanda said that although no choir had ever won the show during its 19-year history, she believed the group could change that. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Following the performance, Amanda praised both the choir’s vocals and the sense of community the group has created among farmers. “Beautiful song choice. We touched on this before but farming touches every single person in this country,” she said.
“Everything you do, mostly on your own – in tractors, ploughing fields, you’re up early, you have barely anybody to talk to and this choir I know has given you solace, joy and comfort and friendship and all of that has created the most amazing music so well done.”
KSI appeared equally moved, saying: “The whole of the UK knows just how important each and everyone of you are but I felt every single word you guys sung… In terms of choir, one of the best choir acts I have ever heard in my life.”
Welsh farmers describe “surreal” moment on the hit talent show -Credit:Aled Wyn Davies
A number of farmers hailing from Wales, were involved in the Hawkstone Farmers Choir -Credit:Aled Wyn Davies
Speaking over a roaring crowd, Alesha Dixon added: “Such genuine love and passion pouring out of every single one of you – you can see how moved every single one of you are and it’s infectious.
“The song choice was fantastic… Loved every single moment of that.”
Meanwhile, Simon Cowell, who had not been present during the choir’s audition, described the group as one of the favourites to win the competition.
“You are one of the favourites to win,” he said. “I actually really liked the song, in particular the second half of the song when it really kicked in – that for me is when I really felt it.
“You’re not a professional choir however I love what you stand for.
“It might be quite annoying to see Jeremy Clarkson’s smug face – which is the only down side. He’s a friend of mine – ish.
“This is about you and you did brilliantly well.”
The choir will now compete in the live final as they attempt to become the first choir to win Britain’s Got Talent. Britain’s Got Talent’s live final will air on Saturday, May 30 at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.