Britain's Got Talent star Loren Allred's sweet admission ahead of emotional return

, the sensational voice behind the global hit , is making an emotional return to the stage tonight for the live semi-final - and she says it still feels “surreal.”

The American singer, who stunned audiences in 2022 with her powerhouse vocals, “Britain’s Got Talent was a real turning point in my career,” Loren tells The . “I’d spent years behind the scenes in the music industry - singing guide vocals, doing studio work, lending my voice to other projects. But I hadn’t really stepped forward as me. BGT gave me that opportunity.”

Loren, 36, even though she didn’t appear on screen in The Greatest Showman. While the song became a global phenomenon, her face remained largely unknown - until she wowed the BGT judges and audience with a show-stopping live rendition of the very song she originally recorded.

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“The show allowed me to tell my story and connect with people as a person, not just a voice,” she says. “The support I received was incredible, and it opened so many doors I never imagined.”

Now, she’s back for a special performance in the semi-final, and it’s an emotional moment. “There’s this beautiful mix of nostalgia and excitement. It’s such a warm, full-circle feeling to be back.”

Loren also says she’s looking forward to seeing the judging panel again - especially , who has been one of her biggest champions. “Simon was so supportive during my time on the show. We’ve crossed paths since, and he’s always been incredibly encouraging. He really helped me build the confidence to step forward as an artist in my own right.”

Reflecting on Simon’s evolution on the show, she adds, “I think he’s definitely mellowed in recent years. He still has that sharp instinct and high standard, but there’s a softer, more reflective side to him now. You can see how genuinely invested he is in people’s stories, not just their performances. It’s really heartwarming.”

She also had a message for this year’s semi-finalists: “Be fearless in your vulnerability. Don’t try to fit a mould - just show up as your authentic self. That’s where the magic happens.”

Loren remains close friends with fellow performers Sydnie and Jasmine Rice. “Sydnie and I bonded instantly - our duet of Over the Rainbow always brings us to tears. And Jasmine is just phenomenal. Every time I see her perform, I’m inspired all over again.”

As Loren Allred returns to the BGT stage, she’s living proof that sometimes, all it takes is one moment - and one stage - to change everything.

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