Britain's Got Talent prize ruined as rival Over The Rainbow winner lands slot at Royal Variety Performance

By Sara Nathan

Dreams really do come true: Over The Rainbow contestant Lauren Samuels is now competing for a chance to sing at the Royal Variety Performance


It is billed as the ultimate prize for the Britain’s Got Talent winner - a chance to take to the stage at the Royal Variety Performance.

However, Simon Cowell may be slightly unamused to discover that the winner of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s talent show will also be performing at this year’s event.

ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent and the BBC’s Over The Rainbow have both been faring well in the ratings battle on Saturday nights.

Britain’s Got Talent has been averaging 11 million viewers, while its BBC rival has been getting more than five million - although the two talent shows have not been going head to head.

But the programmes will be pitted together as the winners will both be granted a slot at the Royal Variety Performance at London’s Palladium theatre in December, which will be attended by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.


Hoping to win: Steph Fearon, Danielle Hope and Sophie Evans are also in with a chance to perform in front of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall


Multi-millionaire Cowell, 50, has held an agreement for the winner of his talent hit to perform at the Royal Variety Performance ever since the first series in 2007, when millions voted for opera sensation Paul Potts to win.The winner also takes home £100,000.


He will not be pleased! Simon Cowell's Britain's Got Talent winner will have some serious competition on stage


However, ahead of the opening of his new West End musical The Wizard of Oz, musical impresario Lord Lloyd Webber, 62, has been asked to let his winning ‘Dorothy’ also take to the stage.

Millions have been watching the battle to find the right Dorothy to take Judy Garland’s iconic role.

And the winner will be announced next week, alongside a winning dog to play the Kansas farm girl’s pet Toto too.

A source close to the BBC show said: ‘Andrew was extremely honoured when the organizers asked if the winning Dorothy would appear on the Royal Variety Performance.

'Andrew feels there is more than enough room for both of the acts.'

The Wizard of Oz is due to premiere in the New Year and Lord Lloyd Webber has written four new songs to be performed alongside the classic tunes beloved by millions, that include Over The Rainbow.

When asked about the Royal Variety Performance, a Britain’s Got Talent insider told the Mail: ‘We’re not looking for a Dorothy – we’re looking for a Toto!

‘This won’t affect our winner in the slightest.’


Ultimate prize: Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity meeting with the Queen last year


source: dailymail