Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir became the final act to reach the Britain’s Got Talent after drone performers Celestial were sent through in a shock Golden Buzzer twist on Saturday.
The choir, which is now run by farmers Simon Gwilliam and Lizzy Dean, was originally set up by the former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson after searching for singing agricultural workers to appear in an advert for his Hawkstone beer range.
Despite judge Simon Cowell hinting earlier in the show that the choir had been ‘tipped to win’, the farming singers were still stunned when their names were called.
Speaking to hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly the group explained how they’d been inspired to sing in a bid to help other farmers struggling with loneliness and mental health issues.
It comes after Ant and Dec announced the judges would be given a surprise joint Golden Buzzer and send an act through to next week’s final in a shock twist, leaving viewers furious.
Following the performance, that saw the team’s drones make shapes in the sky outside the studio, Alesha Dixon said: ‘That was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen on this show.’
Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir became the final act to reach the Britain Got Talent after drone performers Celestial were sent through in a shock Golden Buzzer twist on Saturday
At the beginning of the show viewers were left furious after hosts Ant McParltin and Declan Donnelly announced the judges would be given a surprise joint Golden Buzzer
While Simon was left almost speechless before adding: ‘That was one of the most beautiful, incredible productions we’ve had on this show for years ‘I don’t think it gets better than that’.
As Simon and Alesha joined Amanda Holden and KSI to send the ‘epic’ drone act through to the final, fans were unimpressed by the new twist.
Taking to X they said: ‘Can’t Ant and Dec have a Golden Buzzer in the Semi Final?’: ‘So if they win and go to the royal variety are they going to say “right folks, everyone outside for the next act of the night” Answer: They’re not. Literally an act that cannot win for logistical reasons’: ‘It’s a group golden buzzer. really it probably should’ve been Ant and Dec though’.
During their audition for the ITV show, Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir – aged between 27 and 74 – performed a rendition of ‘One Day Like This’ by Elbow.
They certainly impressed judge Amanda, who used the Golden Buzzer to send the choir through to the live shows.
Viewers can expect to see more of the choir on-screen, as they will be featuring in the upcoming fifth series of Clarkson’s Farm.
Jeremy, 66, who has fronted the hit Prime Video series since 2021, helped to form the choir, while they are supported by his Hawkstone Brewery.
A TV insider told The Sun: ‘Filming for series five is well and truly under way and the finished show is likely to air next year.
The choir, was originally set up by the former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson after searching for singing agricultural workers to appear in an advert for his Hawkstone beer range
Despite judge Simon Cowell hinting earlier in the show that the choir had been ‘tipped to win’, the farming singers were still stunned when their names were called.
‘Fans will, however, be able to see series four in a matter of weeks, though according to Jeremy it’s a rather darker season than we’ve been used to.
‘But the appearance of the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir in the following outing is going to make it more uplifting.
‘They’re going to have to get used to being even more famous though.’
Jeremy brought together the 32-member group in 2024 and they also work towards raising awareness and funds for mental health charities within the agricultural community.
Elsewhere, the choir have released a record and plan to give the money to mental health charity Shout.
It has been released in the run-up to Mental Health Awareness Week in May, with the choir kindly giving all profits from their vinyl directly to Shout in support of Farmers mental wellbeing.
The record is called The Banned One after a Hawkstone advert was banned for ‘not complying’ with broadcasting standards.
Victoria Hornby, chief executive of Shout, said: ‘The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir has given an incredible voice to the mental health challenges faced by so many in the agricultural community.
Following the performance, that saw the team’s drones make shapes in the sky outside the studio, Alesha said: ‘That was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen on this show.’
As Simon and Alesha joined Amanda Holden and KSI to send the ‘epic’ drone act through to the final, fans were unimpressed by the new twist
Taking to X they said: ‘Can’t Ant and Dec have a Golden Buzzer in the Semi Final?’
‘We are immensely grateful to be the charity partner for this project. The funds raised from this vinyl will be vital, enabling us to train more volunteers and be there for anyone in the farming community who is struggling to cope. It will save lives.’
The Banned One is now available to buy on Hawkstone website for £7.50.
Jeremy previously shared he was ‘so happy’ as he heaped praised on the ‘fantastic’ choir, which is made up of farmers from around the UK.
Speaking to his fans on social media, Jeremy explained: ‘I watched Britain’s Got Talent tonight for the first time because the Hawkstone choir were on.
‘They were just fantastic. These guys are all farmers and they work incredibly hard for really incredibly small rewards and to see them all on that stage with all that love in the room made my heart sing.’
Holding back his emotions, he admitted of watching the audition: ‘I actually welled up, and thank you Amanda Holden for pressing that Golden Buzzer.
‘It shows that I think people quite like farmers, and they were very, very good so well done, all of you. I’m a very happy man tonight because the choir is fab. That’s it.’
