TEENAGE Irish singer Leah Barniville has missed out on a place in the final of Britain’s Got Talent, despite wowing the judges and receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
The 14-year-old from Co. Meath brought audience members to their feet with a stunning rendition of Parla Più Piano from The Godfather during Tuesday’s semi-final.
Simon Cowell told the Irish teenager that her performance was “fantastic” but added: “I wish we had done something more with your staging.”
Alesha Dixon also gave high praise, saying Leah would be an ideal for the Royal Variety Performance.
@LeahBarniville 's voice is sensational & a talent show doesn't need to prove that, she proved it herself! Absolute perfection? #BGT
— TaylorJay (@T_J_Sheldon) May 30, 2017
“It was a faultless performance, you have made Ireland proud and the Queen would absolutely love you,” Alesha said.
David Walliams gushed: “I thought I died and gone to heaven, you were amazing. You have the voice of an angel.”
Disappointed that @LeahBarniville didn't get through. Incredible voice, perfect song. We all sat quietly to listen, then cheered. ???? https://t.co/Elfut420BP
— Norma Telford-Guy (@NormaJTG) May 31, 2017
But despite her beautiful performance, young magician Issy Simpson and comedy magician Matt Edwards were put through to the final after the public's votes were counted.
How this girl did not get through I've no idea . She is incredible and reminds me of Katherine Jenkins or Charlotte Church years ago ?✨
— Susan Maxwell (@susanmaxwell777) May 30, 2017
Leah said shortly before the results were revealed that being on Britain’s Got Talent “meant the world” to her.
“I’ve done competitions before but never anything like this. It just means the whole world to me,” she said.