Tarbolton star gets Ayrshire Post backing

May 27 2011 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Tarbolton star gets Ayrshire Post backing

HE’S ready to carry the hopes of a nation into this year’s Britain’s Got Talent.

But singing sensation Jai McDowall has begged voters to stop comparing him to Susan Boyle.

The Tarbolton star will bid for a spot on the hit show’s grand final when he re-appears on our screens next week.

And the man of the moment is desperate to make his own impression – as everyone labels him the new SuBo.

Jai, 24, laughed: “I’ve read and heard a lot of stuff about me being the new SuBo – but that’s just crazy.

“I was even asked if I’d like to sing with her. It must be the Scottish thing.

“Hopefully I’ll become known in my own right before long.”

Showstopper Jai shot to fame after wowing the BGT judges on last week’s episode.

Now he’s planning an even bigger performance in the semi-finals. But down-to-earth Jai insists he loves nothing more than hosting karaoke nights in his local pub.

He said: “I’ve been hosting these nights at The Plough in Tarbolton for a while now.

“It’s great fun but sometimes it’s hard work just to convince people that they should get up and sing.

“Maybe now they will find it easier to join in with me.”

He added: “I’ve been singing since I was nine and have always loved it.

“But funnily enough, it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I realised I had a good enough voice to do something with it.”

Now Jai is appealing to Post readers to back his bid for the £100,000 first prize and a place at The Royal Variety Show.

He confessed: “I’d love it if everyone in Ayrshire could get behind me.

“Having your local people support you is obviously really important, so if all the Post readers pick up their phones and vote for me I’ll hopefully have a chance.

“A big thanks to anyone in advance who does so.”