y'know, i had an idea what his voice might be like the moment I knew he was Welsh. The look on simon Cowell's face was priceless, but what gratified me most was the audience reaction - they might not have come to hear opera, but by gods, they were moved.

And the transformation between his first shuffling-onto-the-stage and the semifinals was amazing. A different suit, a little more confidence, and he was a new man. I *really* hope he wins.