Sometimes, age is just a number, and this quote is insanely true for Janey Cutler. In 2010, the stage of Britain’s Got Talent witnessed the entrance of Janey Cutler, an 80-year-old great-grandmother from Wishaw, Scotland. Up until then, Janey’s singing talents had only graced the local pubs and clubs. Encouraged by her friends, she embarked on a journey to bring her vocal prowess to a bigger stage, embracing the spirit of “Better late than never.”
Navigating her way to the spotlight with assistance from Ant McPartlin, it was clear Janey’s steps were frail but her spirit was fierce. With Simon Cowell needing to repeat questions for her clarity, her age revelation prompted a wave of supportive cheers from the audience. She announced her choice of song to be Edith Piaf’s “No Regrets”. Not the easiest tune to grasp, one must admit.
The moment Janey began to sing, it was as if a different force took over. Her voice, robust and impassioned, captivated everyone in the audience. The performance was so stirring that the audience rose to their feet, engulfed in applause as the last note echoed. Judge Amanda Holden was among the many taken by surprise, praising Janey for her “massive voice.” A unanimous “yes” from all the judges propelled her to the next stage.
Janey’s journey on the show was remarkable, making it all the way to the finals, though ultimately the dance group Spellbound clinched the title. However, the 80-year-old has won the hearts of the public with her incredible resilience, impressive vocal prowess, and of course, a heartfelt rendition of Shirley Bassey’s “This is My Life” during the semi-finals to stun the audience yet again.
The following year, at 82, Janey passed away. Her funeral saw an outpouring of love from both her expansive family, and of course, her new fans from Britain’s Got Talent. It wouldn’t be even exaggerated to say that Janey has left an indelible mark on the whole country with her heartfelt performances.
As her son Drew reflected during her funeral, “Nineteen million viewers took in the Britain’s Got Talent final and more than 13 million have watched her on the internet. A truly remarkable achievement.” Janey Cutler’s legacy is a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, and that even if you’re gone, your legacy will leave an everlasting imprint on the hearts of many.