Harrison Pettman, a 22-year-old security guard and youth worker from Gravesend, Kent, managed to pull off one of the most surprising auditions on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) in 2024. He arrived at the venue with his mother, father, nan, and brother, all of whom believed he was simply joining them as a spectator. Under the pretense of a necessary trip to the toilet, Harrison left his unsuspecting family in the audience and slipped backstage to prepare for his audition. This complete secrecy added an intense layer of emotional anticipation to his performance, as his family had absolutely no idea he was about to appear on stage.
For his performance, Harrison chose to sing an emotional cover of the song “Give Me the Love” by Ed Sheeran. He delivered a heartfelt rendition, showcasing a voice that had a rich and deep quality, particularly in the lower register, which the judges found rare and appealing. Throughout the song, the camera focused on his family’s astonished and tearful reactions in the audience, which was arguably the most powerful element of the audition. His mother and nan were clearly overwhelmed with pride and emotion as they watched Harrison follow his dream on the big stage without them knowing a thing.
The judges were generally impressed, especially with the genuine emotion and heart Harrison poured into the song. Amanda Holden commented that it was a “beautiful song” and praised how genuinely he performed it from his heart. While some judges, like Simon Cowell, noted that he would need “a lot of practice” if he wished to pursue a West End career, they acknowledged his very likable quality and the emotional power of his surprise. Despite one judge being initially on the fence, Harrison ultimately secured three “yeses,” successfully progressing to the next round with his family now completely aware and bursting with pride.
