In a spellbinding performance, Jack wins the title for 2011
Jack Vidgen, the electrifying 14-year-old singer from Sydney’s northern beaches, has been crowned the winner of Australia’s Got Talent, 2011, taking home the $250,000 grand prize.
The schoolboy beat spellbinding illusionist Cosentino who was runner-up in the Grand Final broadcast in this year’s record breaking series.
Speaking after the results of the public vote were revealed, Jack admitted he was amazed to be declared the winner. “I can’t describe how I’m feeling right now,” he said. “My dreams have come true.”
Jack’s proud mum Rachel added that his family was ecstatic with the win. “We feel euphoric and I feel all his hard work and everyone’s hard work has made a difference. We’re on top of the world.”
The Decider began with a spectacular medley performance featuring the ten grand finalists as well as favourites from throughout the current series.
Comedian The Old Fella and impersonator Ben Price gave a behind-the-scenes exclusive look at the highs, lows and special moments since the beginning of the series.
It was then time for the knockouts – and first to go was dance troupe Instant Bun, followed by the imposing opera singer David De Vito: “To be amongst this crowd really is an honour,” De Vito said.
The third act of the night to be eliminated was Ben Price – with Kyle Sandilands commenting: “Southern Cross Austereo are going to give you a job” – followed by the barbershop quartet Benchmark. The group made a gracious exit, with emotions being heightened by the illness of group member Tom Percy, who is undergoing treatment for a serious illness. “You made me cry, and you made me smile, and you made me happy,” Brian McFadden told them.
Next to face the public vote were rapper The Bandit, young crooner Liam Burrows and The Old Fella. The trio said they had loved their experience. “It’s just been a great opportunity to be up on stage with such world class acts,” Liam said, before The Old Fella added: “I’ve had a hell of a ride… it’s just damn good fun.”
Ten finalists had become three, and the next to depart the stage was the dynamic dancer and vocalist Timomatic. With his parents having flown in from Nigeria to watch him perform, Timomatic said he was grateful for the support of legions of fans. “This is the beginning of my career, my dream, and you guys have made that possible.” The Judges were unanimous in their praise for the dancer whose unique moves had wowed the crowd. “You are going to be everywhere next year, everywhere,” Brian said, before Danni Minogue added: “When you moonwalked on that stage tonight the place erupted like I’ve never heard it before. You are a star.”
It was then down to the final two – and both Jack Vidgen and Cosentino were given standing ovations to herald their encore performances.
Runner-up Cosentino, after congratulating Jack said he was proud to take his act to such a wide audience. “The audience reaction has inspired me to keep performing. My craft is beautiful and because of Australia’s Got Talent the audience is beginning to understand what I do.”
This year’s series, Australia’s Got Talent has been a ratings hit, attracting an average audience of 1.821 million for each episode (excluding tonight’s Grand Final Decider) – a 12.7 per cent increase on the 2010 series.
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