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Singing sensation Sydnie Christmas said she feels “overwhelmed with love” after being crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent.
The singer, from Gravesham, overcame tough competition to be crowned champion of the TV star search with a stunning rendition of Over the Rainbow.
Speaking to judges after the announcement, she said: “I don’t know what to say.
“I cannot believe the amount of love I have felt since the show aired. I am overwhelmed with love. It’s the most amazing thing.”
Judge Amanda Holden, who had pushed her golden buzzer for the singer, described her final performance as “gold dust” while Bruno Tonioli called it “career defining” with vocals that were “out of this world”.
Simon Cowell said he felt “quite emotional” and called it “show stopping”.
The 28-year-old, who has dreams of being a West End star, burst into tears and jumped up and down with delight as her name was announced by presenters Ant and Dec.
The singer was the last to perform on a show filled with talent from across the world including magician Jack Rhodes who made judge Amanda Holden’s diamond ring disappear and an opera singer Innocent Masuku, who gave a pitch perfect rendition of Nessun Dorma, Japanese skipping group Haribow and South Korean taekwondo group Ssaulabi Performance Troupe.
She wins £250,000 and a place to perform in front of the King and Queen at this year’s Royal Variety Performance.
Fans from her hometown took to social media to praise her talent.
Max Danielle said: “Smashed it! Well done. Absolutely amazing.”
While Jillian Hutchinson added: “What a star. Loved that version of Over the Rainbow. Makes me proud to be from Gravesend.”
Maria Bourne said: “Well deserved win. Such a talented girl.”
Sydnie went straight through to the final after Amanda pushed the golden buzzer after her first round performance of Tomorrow from the musical Annie, while all four judges giver her a standing ovation after her rendition of Frank Sinatra’s My Way in the semi-finals where she received the most public votes.
In 2014, Sydnie graduated from the D&B Academy of Performing Arts in London and made her debut as one of the lead voices in Lazarus at the King’s Cross Theatre.
She then worked on cruise ships, including the Royal Caribbean International, where she starred as Rizzo in the musical Grease.