Group could be first choir to win Britain's Got Talent

Northants Sings Out is a cross-genre community choir with hundreds of singers

A singing group from Northamptonshire is one step closer to becoming the first choir to win Britain's Got Talent (BGT) after they got through to Sunday's final.

Northants Sings Out (NSO) passed the semi-final stage after a split decision by the judges meant the public had the last say.

The cross-genre community choir, featuring 700 singers, impressed millions of viewers and also got an endorsement from popstar Madonna, after the group performed a version of her hit number ‘Music’.

The choir master, Gareth Fuller, told BBC Radio Northamptonshire, the group was “over the moon” and that it would mean the “world to them to win BGT this year”.

Gareth Fuller leads the choir

The choir made their debut on the show in April with a performance of the traditional 1876 hymn ‘It Is Well’ which transitioned into a high-energy cover of Robin S' dance classic ‘Show Me Love’.

Mr Fuller said: “We were not expecting to hear our name. But they (the group) have done a fantastic job.

“We actually have a gig tonight - performing in front of Northampton Saints vs Saracens Premiership rugby playoff semi-final game at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton, and hope we can get some more people on board ahead of the final on Sunday.

“Our choir is about real people doing extra ordinary things. We just hope we can represent Northamptonshire and put it on the map.”

Mr Fuller said the group, which is celebrating its 10 years in summer- is currently sorting out transport logistics to get to the event on Sunday.

“Every single member of NSO has helped us to get to this point, and now we’re within reach of winning, I will be asking them to bring their ‘A game’ and show the world what they can do, individually and collectively.

“The power of song is extraordinary, and we are so thrilled to be sharing it with the nation once again.”

The finale will be broadcasted live on Sunday from 20:00BST. Winner of the 17th series of BGT will receive a cash prize of £250,000, and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in 2025.