BGT teen hopes to provide for family

A teenager who wowed judges on 'Britain's Got Talent' went on the show because he wants to lift his family out of poverty.

Singer-guitarist Michael Collings - who impressed Amanda Holden, Michael McIntyre and David Hasselhoff with his rendition of Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' in last night's premiere of the ITV1 show (16.04.11) - lives in a caravan and struggles to pay his bills.

He said he wants to hit the big time on the reality talent contest so he can properly provide for his fiancee Sophie and their eight-week-son Jamie and get them their own place.

The 19-year-old hopeful told the Sunday Mirror: "At the moment I'm still in the caravan with my parents so it would be great to get a place for Sophie, Jamie and myself.

"That's the main reason behind me doing this, to take them with me and provide for my family.

"It would be such a relief not to have to worry about money all the time like we do now."

An early favourite to win the show's £100,000 prize, Michael stunned the judges at his audition despite his scruffy looks.

Comedian Michael said: "Most people who look awful are truly awful. Which is why Michael Collings shows up, we think he's going to be awful, but he is amazing."

Amanda added that he could be the next Susan Boyle, who, despite her unconventional appearance, went on to become a singing sensation after wowing judges on the programme in 2009.

The panellist said: "It's the Susan Boyle moment. When someone like that walks on stage, you judge them. It's bad but it's human nature, you look at someone and think about how they're presented rather than who they are."