Britain's Got Talent: Young Vera Lynn and the parrot that eats potatoes... but Simon Cowell wants a dog to win

By David Wilkes

Talking heads: Potato-eating parrot Max and its owner Irene
Chloe Hickinbottom earns a standing ovation in the first episode of the new series of Britain's Got Talent tomorrow.

One hopeful tries to feed her parrot a fork-full of mashed potato.

Another attempts to make music by blowing down a hosepipe into a teapot while wearing a penguin glove puppet.

But then a girl of ten nervously steps on to the stage to sing Vera Lynn's The White Cliffs of Dover - and proves Britain does have talent after all.

With her unexpectedly deep and dulcet tones, she is bound to be declared the 'new Susan Boyle'.

But she will face stiff competition, because Simon Cowell has said that this year he would like a 'really, really talented dog act' to win. 'Personally, I would love to find the next Lassie,' he said.


Standing ovation: Singer Chloe Hinckinbottom sand Dame Vera Lynn's White Cliffs of Dover


So Tina Humphrey and her self-styled 'amazing dancing dog' Chandi could be just what he's looking for. The dog even does ballet.

Critics have previously questioned whether young children should be allowed to compete in a show where contestants are put under such high pressure.

Last year singer- dancer Hollie Steel, also aged ten, fled the stage in tears when she forgot the words to Edelweiss, before being allowed to perform again. Regulator Ofcom received 50 complaints expressing concern for her welfare.


Dog's life: Tina Humphrey and her 'amazing dancing dog' Chandi


Chloe comes from Walsall, West Midlands, but does not sing in a Black Country accent.

Judge Amanda Holden told her: 'I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't that. I can't believe you have such a full voice.' Piers Morgan said: 'I shut my eyes and you could have been 40 or 50 years old.'

He added that it would be 'hard to imagine a better act' than Chloe to perform the Royal Variety Show, the prize for the winner.


Luck of the Irish? Contestant Jimmy Forde tries to impress the judges with his leprechaun outfit and Irish jig


Little drummer boy: Kieron Gaffney, 13, got a second chance to perform after narrowly missing out on last year's semi-finals


And Louis Walsh, standing in for Simon Cowell who had flu on the day Chloe auditioned in Birmingham, said: 'You were born to sing - I think you were fantastic.'

Chloe left the stage in tears of joy after winning a place in the second round and ran into the arms of her waiting mother.

Last night Chloe's great-grandmother Kathleen Hickinbottom, 77, told the Mail: 'We're all very proud of her, especially because she's so young. Nobody could believe the voice she has got for her age.


You spin me right round: Hoop-juggler Pippa the Ripper shows off her spinning skills


'I only heard her sing for the first time myself a couple of months ago. I used to love Vera Lynn myself when I was younger, but I've no idea where she ended up hearing her, being as she's only ten.'

Chloe practices by singing with a brush in front of the bathroom mirror. The winner also receives a cash prize. She said: 'If I win I would love to spend the money on tutus and leggings from Primark.'

Britain's Got Talent, 8pm tomorrow on ITV1, followed by Britain's Got More Talent on ITV2.


The full monty: Novelty act The Cheeky Boys tickled Amanda Holden when they did their balloon act in the buff




source :dailymail