Julian Smith & Shaheen Jafargholi: Britain's Got Talent 2009 Ep 2

While the world is still buzzing over Susan Boyle's amazing performance in episode 1, Julian Smith and Shaheen Jafargholi out shined the competition in Episode 2 of Britain's Got Talent 2009. This season of Britain's Got Talent is, without a doubt, going to be one of the best reality TV talent shows ever aired. While some performers are clearly just one pony acts, this season has some powerful talent pushing forward after just two audition episodes and at the forefront are Julian Smith and Shaheen Jafargholi.

Shaheen Jafargholi, a fresh faced 12 year old from Wales, started with the song "Valerie" by Amy Winehouse. Simon Cowell's displeasure with the performance (or rather, song choice) read clearly on his face and he stopped the song less than one minute in. He grilled Shaheen Jafargholi about other songs he could sing and Shaheen shyly mentioned the Jackson 5's song, "Who's Loving You?" featuring Michael Jackson. He seemed a bit nervous, but as soon as Shaheen Jafargholi opened his mouth and belted the song out, it was clear he was moving on to the next round. With gorgeous dark brown eyes and impish dimples, there's no doubt tween girls the world around will be swooning over Shaheen Jafargholi.

Julian Smith, a married 39 year old father of two girls and a music teacher, seemed very nervous and tentative during his opening interview. Just prior to his performance, Judges Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden commented that bad-boy judge Simon Cowell seemed to be in an especially foul mood, and his expression as Julian Smith introduced himself conveyed that mood. I think the entire audience feared Simon's sharp tongue if Julian Smith did not perform up to snuff.

Simon impatiently hurried Julian as he set up his equipment, but the look on Simon's face turned from annoyance to sheer joy as Julian Smith began to play his saxophone. Like most people, I had no idea there were different types of saxophones. Julian Smith plays the soprano saxophone and he plays it exceedingly well. Several members of the audience as well as Judge Amanda Holden teared up while he played the soulful notes of "Somewhere, Somehow" from West Side Story.

Simon's comment as Julian Smith walked off the stage? "LOVED that guy!" We did, too, Simon, and we can't wait to see more of Julian Smith, Shaheen Jafargholi, Stavros Flatley and Susan Boyle as Britain's Got Talent 2009 continues! Check out the resources section for links to this two top performances.