Britain’s Got Talent opera singer Charlotte Jaconelli has admitted her joy at proving Simon Cowell wrong on the show, after winning glowing praise from the judging panel.

During the auditions, Simon had advised Charlotte's singing partner Jonathan to ditch her, in order to better his chances in the competition.

But Jonathan, 16, refused to cut his school friend from the act, and the pair returned once again as a duet, to perform Caruso on last night’s second BGT semi-final.

It was a gamble that paid off, with the pair receiving a standing ovation from the judges, as well as winning the most public votes, securing them a place in this Saturday’s final.

Speaking today, Charlotte said she’s delighted with the outcome – and the fact that she managed to make Cowell eat his words.
“I felt like I'd proved them wrong," the singer is quoted in The Sun saying. "Well, not even them, just Simon. To have him taking back his comment, I really appreciate that. I'd have been gutted if he'd said the same thing again."

Jonathan added: "Personally, I felt justified sticking together before that performance. But I think the comments we got strengthened that and verified my decision."

After watching the performance last night, a clearly moved Simon told the pair: “There is a lot at stake here and like I said at the first audition Charlotte, I believed you were holding Jonathan back.  And you made the decision to stay together, Jonathan, and I have to say that was the best decision you could have made. I understand your chemistry, I understand the support. Charlotte you sang really, really well tonight.”

Simon then concluded the praise, by giving Charlotte and Jonathan biggest possible compliment, adding: “That was one of my favourite ever Britain’s Got Talent performances.”

MUCH MORE TALENT:

• Jonathan admits making the BGT final will “never sink in”
• Jonathan and Charlotte earn standing ovation for stunning performance
• Charlotte and Jonathan land a place in Saturday’s final