Southampton’s historic Bargate came alive on Friday night as Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas took center stage at the city’s free Christmas lights switch-on event. The talented performer delivered a breathtaking live rendition of “Tomorrow,” captivating the thousands in the crowd who couldn’t take their eyes off her as they swayed to the music.
Sydnie, who rose to fame after winning Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, performed a mix of festive favourites along with songs from her BGT journey, including My Way, Tomorrow, and Over the Rainbow. The energetic and heartwarming performance was a highlight of the evening, drawing a large crowd to the mainstage in Southampton’s city center.
Having previously worked as a cruise ship singer, Sydnie was excited to return to Southampton, a place where she once set sail. “I was lucky to get a day spent there when we docked. It was pretty random. It was a great place with great shopping, I loved it,” she shared ahead of the event.
The singer, originally from Gravesend in Kent, became a sensation after performing Tomorrow from Annie on Britain’s Got Talent, earning a golden buzzer from judge Amanda Holden. Reflecting on her time on the show, Sydnie said, “It was such an amazing experience, I loved it, and it was very frightening. I don’t know if people say anxiety is amazing, but it was.”
Since her BGT victory, Sydnie has gone on to release an album, perform at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, and book live gigs. She also shared how excited she was to return to the stage in Southampton. “I’m well excited, and I’ll get to sing quite a few songs. I’m going to be singing a couple of the BGT ones, and then there’s a couple on the album and a couple that aren’t on the album. They are fun covers to do, and I think the audience will like them,” Sydnie said.
Along with her Christmas performances, Sydnie is also preparing for her role as Fairy Christmas in a Sleeping Beauty pantomime in Dartford, where she’ll be starring over the holidays.
The lights switch-on event, organized by GO! Southampton, included performances from various local acts and a bustling Christmas market. The festive spirit was in full swing as the city celebrated the start of the holiday season.
