Pressure is a privilege, says BGT semi-finalist

11 hours ago

Curtis LancasterSouth of England

Rafferty has developed his act based on his love of both music and magic

BBC Rafferty in his kitchen smiling and holding playing cards between his fingers — Rafferty has developed his act based on his love of both music and magic

"I see pressure as a privilege," a teenager who is preparing for the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent (BGT) has said.

Rafferty Coope, 17, from Winchester in Hampshire, was given a fast track to the penultimate stage of the ITV show after judge KSI pressed his golden buzzer on an episode of the Saturday night show broadcast in March.

His first performance saw a combination of music and magic based on the Journey anthem Don't Stop Believin' and he has promised more of the same for the semis.

The Peter Symonds College sixth-former said: "It's going to feel like an incredible moment and I just want to share it with as many family and friends as possible."

Rafferty Coope's golden buzzer-winning performance was broadcast on ITV in March

Tom Dymond/Talkback Thames A beaming BGT golden buzzer winner Rafferty Coope has both hands high in the air and his eyes are closed in disbelief as he celebrates his golden buzzer moment. Wearing a white T-shirt under his open black shirt his sleeves are rolled up to the elbows as golden confetti falls from the roof of the building all around him. — Rafferty Coope's golden buzzer-winning performance was broadcast on ITV in March

Reflecting on his success so far, he said he still "cannot believe it happened".

"It's been pretty amazing walking around college, everyone has just been so supportive," he said.

Rafferty told Radio Solent it has given him a "extra spring in his step" but insisted he has not let the new-found fame go to his head, adding that he "just feels extremely lucky that people have watched it".

He said getting to perform at the Hammersmith Apollo in London for the show will be a "dream come true".

"It really feels like a huge honour getting to perform again on a stage, which I grew up watching."

Rafferty has previously performed the Hat Fair street entertainment event in Winchester and was a chorister at the city's cathedral for five years.

His semi-final appearance will air at 18:00 BST on ITV1 and ITVX.

If the teen wins the show, he will win a cash prize of £250,000 and the chance to perform in front of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the Royal Variety Performance.