The 100
Headed up by Geri, The 100 are made up of specially cast members of the public from across the UK, all with a real mix of music backgrounds and singing credentials.
Published: 23 January 2018
Each act will perform for The 100, willing them to vote with their voices, and stand up and join in. The greater the number that stand up and sing along, the higher the act’s score.
Meet some of The 100...
Tell us about All Together Now...
All Together Now is a singing show about uniting people – it’s about a moment when somebody comes onto that stage and sings in front of The 100. If we connect to that person, we stand up and join in. On the one hand, you can say that it’s the easiest thing in the world: pick a good song and give a good performance. But actually everyone in The 100 have their own checklist so it’s finding that one thing that will appeal to all of us. I think this show is defined by somebody connecting with The 100 and, if they do that, then they get to win £50,000 - that is the success.
Why did you decide to join the show?
I felt compelled to be part of the show. I was at the Last Night of the Proms and I was singing with everyone and thought who knew this would feel so good. This country needs this show more than ever - with a bit of music we can all come together. I think music crosses boundaries, no matter where you are from, young, old, it just brings people together. It is the most amazing feeling when people join in, you feel like one heartbeat. And I just love singing with other people.
What is your role?
My role as Head of The 100 is really unifying everybody. This whole experience has reminded me of being on tour with The Spice Girls, being part of something, giving someone an opportunity. It’s not forever but it’s this moment to bring some lightness or joy. What’s not to love?
What advice would you give to contestants?
There are a few tricks to impress The 100. Pick a great song we all recognise, but also bring a connection, a feeling or something where we can’t help but get on our feet.
To stand in front of The 100 and get instant feedback, there is no hiding if someone doesn’t like it. It takes a lot of courage. It would be an absolute triumph if someone can get all 100 up. I’m not saying it’s easy and I’m not sure I’d want to do it!
Georg Tormann
Brit School teacher
Georg started his singing life as a choir boy in church. When he started Sixth Form he got the role of Danny in Grease and decided the performing life was for him. Georg has been teaching at the Brit School since 2001 as a vocal coach. His most high-profile student to date is Ella Eyre. He also performs regularly as a swing act, and runs a choir - the London Concert Chorus.
“There are so many things I’m looking for in a good singer: range, tone, tuning, acting ability and how they really feel the song. Suddenly someone comes on stage and sings to you, the hairs on the back of the neck stand up and you just know.”
Lili Davies
Resident at The Coach and Horses, Soho
Romanian-born Lili has been performing in Soho for years, drawing in crowds from far and wide. She goes by the stage name Magic Betty for her monthly spot at The Coach and Horses in Soho. Lili has also performed at the infamous Bootleggers Bar in Las Vegas, the restaurant of choice of Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack.
“What I’m looking for is an amazing talent. First of all it’s a singing competition so an amazing voice, then an out of the ordinary voice because these days, it’s not enough to be good or very good, you have to be outstanding, you have to be exceptional.”
Mr Fabulous
Gospel choir director
Mr Fabulous is a choir director from London. He also runs club nights that allow young singers the chance to perform. His Choir have performed for many big names and at various high-profile events across the UK and Europe. Recently Mr Fabulous led and directed a 20 piece gospel choir at Buckingham Palace, to celebrate the Princes Trust One Million Young Lives Gala Dinner, in the presence of his HRH The Prince of Wales.
“I always look for the best in vocals and performance and I’m not afraid to give constructive critique. I can be a bit strict! As a performer, people know I bring a performance to life with my personality and pizazz.”
Maria Grimsley and Tracey Richley
Wedding singers
Maria and Tracey are two sisters from Stockport. Together they make up the group Sisters in Song. From a young age, Maria and Tracey had strong musical influences from the family. Both their parents were entertainers and they were surrounded by swing music and Hollywood movies in the family home - they loved all the glitz and glamour! The sisters have been performing together for 10 years and enjoy performing jazz numbers.
Tracey says: “I’m looking for the energy that they bring to the room and that’s not always upbeat energy. It is the person, it is the song choice, it is the connection you feel with them, regardless of how well they sing.”
Paulus (Paul L Martin)
Cabaret host
Paulus has been working as a cabaret artist for over 25 years and now teaches the art form to others. He has performed in venues all over the world, including Don’t Tell Mama in NYC, The Butterfly Club in Melbourne and as a regular host in Café de Paris. The largest audience he’s performed to was 13,000 people at Hampton Court Palace, dressed as Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge. Paulus now regularly comperes at a cabaret club in South London.
“I’m looking for somebody who can make me forget what my checklist is because they are so spontaneous or so excited or so passionate. And when I forget my checklist, that’s when I start reaching for my buzzer.”
James Lomas
Original Billy in West End musical, Billy Elliot
James played Billy Elliot in the West End from 2005 to 2006 and this led to him performing at some impressive events including Elton John’s wedding and Beyoncé’s birthday party. After starring as Billy, James went to performing arts school in London. When he graduated he went to Germany to perform in Starlight Express. He now works as a vocal coach and runs his own company running Billy Elliot workshops.
“Having an emotional connection when you’re singing on stage comes from within. If they are feeling it, we will feel it. If they’re enjoying it, we’ll enjoy it and vice versa.”
Harry Kersley
Classical singer
Before finding his classical niche, Harry used to rock out to music like Queen and Bon Jovi as a child. When he was 17 years old, Harry’s singing tutor saw his potential as an opera singer and encouraged him to try it out. Harry is passionate about all things opera and has performed in Madame Butterfly at Cadogan Hall.
“I am looking forward to hearing some of the new vocal talent in the UK. As an operatic tenor I am looking for someone who shows passion, presence and vocal ability. Being classically trained, I understand how the voice works and it will allow me to understand the vocal ability of the singer as well as possible areas of improvement.”
Gabrielle 'Gabz' Gardiner
Rap artist
Gabz has performed in front of an audience of 25,000 at the Olympic Park when she was a supporting artist to McFly. She has also performed with The Vamps, and to a sold-out audience at The Royal Albert Hall, singing her single, Lighters, which reached number 6 in the charts.
“My advice for the acts stepping out on the stage would be give it everything you’ve got, just give it that energy, give it that heart and emotion.”
Tina T
Tina Turner impersonator
Tina is a Tina Turner impersonator with a passion to get the crowd going. Her favourite songs to perform include Nutbush City Limits and Private Dancer. Alongside her regular gigs, Tina also works as a vocal coach. She has taught some incredible students who have gone on to star in West End shows.
“I want to see excitement and love for the song they are singing, coupled with emotion, confidence and passion. Music is life... good bad or indifferent. You remember good times AND bad through music. It’s powerful.”
Divina De Campo
Drag artist
One of the UK’s biggest drag artists, Divina runs a cabaret bar, KIKI, in Manchester. Divina’s performance style is tailored to her audience. She performs anything from opera to pop to rock and musicals.
“Having the bar means that I’m used to booking acts and knowing what an audience is looking for. If you can’t interest them you might as well leave!”
Larissa Eddie
Session singer
Larissa has supported both Lionel Richie and Peter Andre, performing in front of huge audiences at The O2 and The Royal Albert Hall. She has co-written and jammed with Niall Horan (One Direction) and Matt Cardle who she also duetted with in concert. Larissa also performed at the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012.
“I’m looking for poise, confidence and self-belief. It’s not easy walking out onto a stage with the daunting task of singing in front of The 100, I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes. I can’t wait to hear a unique tone, a voice that brings the stage and room to life! Being an artist myself, I’m always looking for an individuality in the voice, something that resonates and sets them apart from the rest.”
Maxine Brooks
Founder and director, Birmingham Community Gospel Choir
Maxine used to be a solo singer and songwriter. She was also a backing vocalist for many artists including UB40 and Soul II Soul. She now directs the Birmingham Gospel Choir, who in 2015 won BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year, which Maxine considers to be her greatest achievement.
“I’m looking for confidence in a performance. The contestant needs to be able to express themselves and of course sing well.”
Milad Shadrooh
The Singing Dentist
Milad is known as The Singing Dentist after he began posting song parodies online gaining a significant following. One of his most popular videos is Gappy, a parody of Pharrell Williams’ Happy. Overall, Milad has had 150 million views on Facebook and more than 7 million views across all of his YouTube videos. And he remains a full time dentist!
“I’ve been involved in music my whole life coming from a musical family and I’ve performed as a rapper, MC, dancer and DJ in front of thousands. More recently, millions have seen my exploits online with my parody dentistry songs and I know my performances are definitely memorable! And that’s what I want from the performers, something memorable!”
Nathaniel Morrison
West End performer
Nathaniel is the founder and artistic director of The West End Gospel Choir, which has been running for 10 years, and the members are all professional vocalists. Nathaniel has performed in many West End shows throughout his career, including Dancing In The Streets, Sister Act, Hairspray and Jersey Boys.
“I’m looking for the full Performance Package which includes an unapologetic, confident and controlled performance that involves risks that pay off, and that has the power to reach and inspire the judges and the audience.”
Nigel Murfitt
Medieval banquet singer
Nigel plays King Henry VIII five nights a week at the London Medieval Banquet, preforming classical medieval songs such as Greensleeves and Pastime in Good Company. He is classically trained and has performed on screen in both TV and film.
“I want to see confidence and feel a sense of fun and joy from the competitors’ facial expression. I want good diction and equal tone to the voice. I want to be sung to, not sung at, so I don’t want to see or hear songs being over sung or forced. Every song is a story and I want to hear that story.”
