Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas hits back at 'soul-destroying' fix claims

Virgin Radio

3 Jun 2024, 14:17

After singing her heart out to clinch victory on Britain's Got Talent, Sydnie Christmas faces a storm of criticism but stands firm in her truth.

The stage was set, the lights were blinding, and Sydnie Christmas dazzled her way to victory on Britain's Got Talent with a breathtaking rendition of Over The Rainbow.

Beating out 10 other finalists, Sydnie became the first solo woman to win the competition without the help of a canine companion. But while the confetti was still settling, not everyone was cheering.

------------------------------------

DON'T MISS:

Celebrity Race Across the World’s rumoured line-up: who will take on the epic challenge?

What’s coming to Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video and Paramount+ in June 2024

The Night Manager series 2 - everything we know so far

------------------------------------

The 28-year-old singer from Kent, who walked away with a cool £250,000 and a coveted spot at the Royal Variety Performance, has been bombarded with claims that the show was 'fixed.'

In a whirlwind of post-victory interviews, Sydnie addressed these 'soul-destroying' accusations head-on.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Sydnie revealed: "I’m new to all the attention. [The fix rumours are] just not true. Everything has been genuine, and I’ve said my truth, so saying it’s not is questioning me. There’s nothing that breaks my heart more than to see [the doubt]."

The journey to the top wasn't easy. Sydnie earned her golden buzzer moment during her audition with a moving rendition of Tomorrow from the musical Annie, which left judge Amanda Holden in awe.

Amanda described Sydnie's performance as 'gold dust' and 'spellbinding,' making it clear why she deserved the golden buzzer.

But not all feedback was as golden. "It makes me feel really cr**py," Sydnie admitted, getting emotional over the backlash.

"It’s soul-destroying, but there’s nothing I can do to change their minds, so I’ve had to separate myself. I’d love to speak to them, but they are so angry, so there’s nothing more I can do."

Adding fuel to the fire, Simon Cowell declared there were 'no professionals' in the final run, despite Sydnie's previous career in the industry with performances in Grease and Starlight Express.

This was a blow to Sydnie, who saw BGT as her last shot at making it big.

"On New Year’s Eve, I had almost thrown in the towel," she recalled, having told her family that a career in entertainment was no longer viable.

"It just wasn’t sustainable, and I had given it a good go. But then I got onto BGT. It just shows that when you’re at the point of throwing in the towel, it is your time."

Celebrating her win at her local Wetherspoons, Sydnie reflected on her journey. Terrified to step onto the audition stage, the cheers from the crowd became her 'ultimate courage booster.'

"I just wanted to not sound like a broken banjo – then I got the golden buzzer from Amanda. It was amazing; I’ve never felt love like it."

Her emotionally charged performance of Over The Rainbow was a hit with the judges, and Sydnie revealed that her nerves played a big part.

"That version was Loren Allred’s version, and I was terrified. I’m so in love with her, and I was like ‘I can’t do this song,’" she shared.

Loren Allred, known for her stint on America’s Got Talent and her hit in The Greatest Showman, sent Sydnie 'such comforting words' to calm her nerves.

Despite the backlash and rumours, Sydnie remains overwhelmed by the experience: "I just wanted to make her proud; I really can’t believe it."

She added: "I’m very proud to have done it for the girls. This win is for the girls; how magical to represent all of us ladies."

Feeling choked up, she concluded: "My biggest thanks to everyone making the effort to vote and to send love and support my way. I’ve never felt anything like this before, and I can never truly express how much it all means to me."

Sydnie Christmas has shown that dreams can come true, even amid criticism and doubt. As she steps into the spotlight, she's ready to prove that her victory is as genuine as her talent.

So, whether you're a fan or a sceptic, there's no denying that Sydnie has danced and sung her way into the hearts of many, and her journey is only just beginning.