C💚H💜U💛M💙S

Semi-Finals

Semi-finals were set up differently than the auditions. There were only eight acts performing each night with only two acts being chosen by the viewers to move on to the finals. 

When we arrived and headed to the green room to wait, we discovered we would be the sixth to perform that night. As it was the the third night, we already knew some of the acts going to finals and we were getting nervous as they set a high bar. 

As we sat, waiting for our turn, we watched the acts before us, including last year's second placer, little magician Issy Simpson. As we watched Issy perform even more spectacular tricks that the year before, we kept looking at each other in apprehension because knew she was going to take one of the final spots for tonight. 

Finally, our turn arrived. We followed the usher to our place backstage and waited for Ant and Dec to finish their introduction of our band. 

We put on our brave faces and smiles and took our seats on stage. 

Danii ticked off the count with her sticks and we began playing PJ and Duncan's song, "Perfect." Emily took on Ant's raps and Aleena played Dec's romantic gestures to the audience. 

As part of our act, the Britain's Got Talent producers had the song's music video play on the screen behind us without the sound. 

Ant and Dec covered their faces with their hands and laughed as we did our act. David grabbed Alesha's hand and pulled her to dance with him; his face gave away that he was loving our act. 

When we finished, the audience stood and clapped loudly. We all grouped together with Aleena and Emily. Even though the judges were not going to be giving votes, they were still giving criticisms. 

Ant and Dec were laughing as they walked over to us. 

"How do you ladies feel?" Dec said trying to calm himself. 

He faced his microphone towards our group. "Good!" We shouted. The adrenaline of receiving a standing ovation eliminated our nerves as we waited for the judges. 

"Well, judges? How did CHUMS do tonight?" Ant asked. 

"I still can't believe you ladies are making it work. I am still shocked. Tonight was another example of what determination can do to to take what you have an make it something great." Simon said as he sat back in his chair. 

Ant and Dec nodded in agreement and smiled toward us. They looked like proud fathers as teachers praised their daughters. 

"Yes, I absolutely loved it!" David shouted with his big smile. 

"You ladies really wowed us again. And you embarrassed Ant and Dec, which was a bonus!" Alesha added. The audience laughed as we giggled looking at the lads shaking their heads. 

"If you want to vote for CHUMS dial 04135 78 54 36. Or text 36 to 6557." Dec instructed as we smiled toward the cameras. 

"Or you can use the free app and vote!" Ant pointed out on his mobile. 

We calmly walked off stage with big smiles. Once we were out of view of the cameras and audience, we ran for the green room screaming and shouting our excitement. 

"That was so awesome!" Anne shouted as she wrapped her Emily in excitement. 

We jumped up and down in a group hug still screaming. The adrenaline and excitement was overwhelming. 

"We so have a chance for this! Did you see the audience?" Quan shouted clapping her hands.

"We got a standing ovation!" Laura shrieked. 

"It was the best feeling EVER!" Evy shouted. 

"Oh my gosh. Ant and Dec were hilarious when we started playing. " I said laughing. 

"I know! They covered their faces when the music video came on the screen." Klee laughed. 

"I think that was the best part!" Sarra giggled. 

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We watched the rest of the show from the green room, but we no longer felt nervous. We were proud of our performance and felt we had a chance at one of the spots for finals at the end of the week.