Norbert Bondin Wows on All Together Now
The hit BBC1 singing competition All Together Now may be over, but a string of excellent ratings could see it return for a second series. The show’s debut episode was watched by 3.6 million people, with viewers exceeding 2.8 million in later shows.
Playing a part in pulling the crowd was BIMM London graduate Norbert Bondin who won over everyone recently.
Norbert had many of the Top 100 judges, presenters Rob Beckett and ex-Spice Girl Geri Horner [Halliwell] out of their seats and wanting more after an emotional performance! Although nervous, he impressed them all with a rousing performance of A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera’s ‘Say Something’ when 92 of the Top 100 stood up – and some were even brought to tears.
If you’ve yet to see the show, the premise is: hopeful singers perform in front of a unique panel of music experts and singers from all over the UK. If any of the judges like what they hear, they can stand up, join in and sing along. The greater the number that join in, the higher the act’s score. But unlike The Voice, and other talent shows, the performers have 100 judges to impress – not just four!
Among the judges was current BIMM London student Gabz Gardiner. Gabz – who was also on Britain’s Got Talent a few years ago – could be seen sitting to the left of Geri while Norbert was performing. Geri, who is best known for fronting one of the world’s best-known girl groups was clearly moved, telling Norbert: “That was amazing!” – adding to a long list of superlatives and praise from the judges, and our own BIMM staff and students.
Sadly it wasn’t enough to top the night, with musical theatre performer Jodie Steele managing to score 97 out of 100 with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ to claim her place in the final. Nevertheless, Norbert’s appearance on national TV is a massive triumph and an accomplishment he can be proud of.
The inaugural winner was Michael Rice who won over The 100 and pocketed the £50,000 prize money with his version of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’.
Although the first series of All Together Now has now finished, but rumours of a return could be on the cards – in which case, we’re sure our stars would be desperate to return. Watch this space!
