BGT’s Paul Potts receives standing ovation for operatic performance of The Godfather theme

2 September 2019, 12:23 | Updated: 2 September 2019, 14:33

The Bristol-born singer first found his fame after winning BGT in 2007 – and now he’s impressed TV audiences once again with a spectacular rendition of The Godfather theme.

Last Saturday, opera singer Paul Potts received a standing ovation after impressing the judges and audience with a mesmerising performance on Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions.

Potts originally rose to fame in 2007 when his moving rendition of ‘Nessun dorma’, an aria from Puccini’s opera, Turandot, made him BGT’s first ever winner.

Twelve years on, the 48-year-old has returned as a contestant on the follow-up for ITV’s talent show that sees former winners and other memorable acts go head-to-head for the ultimate BGT crown.

Taking to the stage, and in his distinct operatic style, the singer belted out a spectacular version of Nino Rota’s The Godfather theme, ‘Parla più piano’.

Watch Paul Potts’s full BGT: The Champions performance here >

In spite of the audience’s positive response (and much to Simon Cowell’s dismay), Potts was eliminated from the Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions final following a rigorous vote.

Always keen to critique his own performances, Potts later took to Twitter to share his thoughts: “To those who thought I was sulking – that’s what I look like most of the time lol.

He continued: “Hmmmm perhaps my words should be read a little more carefully. I blamed myself. I self analyse after every performance and I can pick out every error.

“My job is to do everything I can to avoid slipping up due to these things including technical issues.”

And after a fan defended Potts against online trolls, Potts tweeted again: “The show is more about celebrating success than a competition. Extremely proud that twelve years on I’m just as busy as ever doing what I love.

“I count myself very fortunate but I also work as hard as I can. Talent + luck + work = a chance of success.”

Since winning Britain’s Got Talent, Potts’ story has become one of rags to riches as he transitioned from the brink of bankruptcy to the life of a multi-millionaire.

Today, the singer is worth an estimated $10 million and shares his wealth with wife Julie-Ann, who he met online and married in 2003.

Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions continues next Saturday from 8pm on ITV.