A PRIMARY school choir from Co Down has narrowly lost getting to the final of Britain's Got Talent.
St Patrick's Junior Choir from Drumgreenagh outside Rathfriland had impressed the judges with their rendition of Katy Perry's Roar during last night's semi-final.
But it was not enough as the children failed to reach the next stage of the talent competition.
The 39-strong choir was the first act to perform but a technical fault meant the children could not hear their backing track. After a brief pause they were able to start again.
Head judge Simon Cowell praised the young pupils for remaining so calm despite the technical difficulties.
"You sounded amazing," he said.
"I love your personalities individually and that's what makes this choir special."
Judge Amanda Holden said the children's performance was a beacon of hope following last week's suicide bombing in Manchester.
"It felt joyful and hopeful and in light of all the trauma we've been through in the last few days you were a breath of fresh air," she said.
Judge Alesha Dixon praised the choir's "great song choice" and said they should be "so proud" of their singing.
"I looked at every single one of your faces and you looked like you were having the time of your lives," she said.
Judge David Walliams said he thought the performance was "fantastic and well recovered from that little technical hitch".
"It's fantastic to hear kids as a choir sing a song that they would actually want to sing so well done," he said.
A south London police officer who dances in his uniform, a magician and a knife-throwing duo were among the acts who took to the stage last night.
Singer Kyle Tomlinson and mind reading duo DNA were voted through to the final.
One lucky competitor will claim the £250,000 prize money and a spot at the Royal Variety Show.
