David Watson, Who Has Auditioned for ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ 11 Times, Preps His Next Appearance
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As we learned from watching Sethward on this season of America’s Got Talent, some people just don’t quit. Taking this concept to a whole new level is famed Britain’s Got Talent contestant, David J. Watson. This performer holds the record for the most auditions in BGT history! After gracing the stage 11 times, the judges grew to recognize the recurring contestant. He’s now planning his 12 audition next season!
On the BGT stage, Watson has performed a variety of acts. From impressions to magic tricks, chili pepper eating, and beyond. The performer was rejected year after year, however, his perseverance finally paid off when he received the Golden Buzzer on Series 13. It didn’t actually count, but his determination was recognized. I guess you could say he made his “once in a lifetime” opportunity last for as long as he could.
David Watson on BGT
The self-proclaimed master of BGT has been auditioning for the show for over ten years. The world was first introduced to Watson when he auditioned for series two back in 2008. Here, he claimed to be the “next big impressionist” as he prepared to deliver a set impersonating three politicians. Tony Blair, William Hague, and David Blunkett were among the attempts. His “impressions” consisted of him reading speech excerpts from a piece of paper. The audience responded almost immediately, shouting “off” in order for the judges to buzz their X.
Simon Cowell called Watson the worst impressionist he’s ever seen. You can probably guess that he received a “no” from all three judges, but this didn’t stop the most determined contestant in BGT history.
Two years later, Watson returned to the stage with an Incredible Hulk act that judge Amanda Holden called “bloody Awful.” He once again earned the dreaded buzzer from all the judges. Since 2013, the variety artist has auditioned for the show every year, becoming BGT‘s staple fixture. Each year, viewers watch in anticipation often wondering which episode he’ll appear on.
Last year, Watson made it further than ever after impressing the judges with his magic act. On series 14, he placed a number of un-blown balloons into a hat, asking each of the judges what color he was holding before placing it in. He incorporated a but it of successful humor after continuously labeling Cowell’s guesses incorrect. His surprisingly well done trick labeled his audition his “best yet.” Finally, he advanced through to the second round for the first time, despite failing to reach the Semifinals.
The Performer Outside of BGT
Watson’s love for performing began at an early age when watching classic British television shows in the 1960s.
“It all started from the classic detective shows like The Saints, Man in a Suitcase, The Prisoner, and The Sweeney,” he said in an interview. “I always wanted to be just like Roger Moore or Peter Wyngarde. It was all about what I could do to make it in the spotlight and be as famous as them.”
In 2002, Watson even appeared in a television ad for Adidas alongside David Beckham. Aside from his work on-screen, the variety star worked in the NHS for 26 years until his retirement in 2018. There, he was a caterer and domestic worker. He finished his run there exactly 26 years to the day, but says he will keep making film appearances until he’s 100, as it’s “once in a blue moon.”
Watson also plans to keeping up with his annual BGT appearances. The performer is currently preparing his next act and confirms that it will be along the lines of his last audition.
