Two Meath acts get through Ireland's Got Talent semis

Following seven weeks of auditions searching for the country’s best talent, TV3’s Ireland’s Got Talent live shows kicked off in style in The Helix tonight with Ratoath's Linda McLoughlin and Fitkids fitteens the first acts to book their place in Saturday night’s Grand Final. 

Eight amazing acts performed for the judges, all  fighting for one of two coveted spots in Saturday night’s Grand Final. 

Tonight’s show got off to a high tempo start with Dancers FKFT opening the show  with a mash up of  Bruno Mars and Kriss Kross. This 14 strong crew put on an electrifying and energetic performance which blew the judges away.  Denise:  you absolutely smashed it, you  were all in sync it was infectious. Jason said ‘you showed us what else you can do, you notched it up to 11! Michelle told them ‘you had to step it up, you brought a full theatre production that separates you from every other troupe!’ And finally Louis who is ALWAYS having a good time told FKFT ‘You’re having a good time, we are having a great time!’

68 year old Palmerstown native Matt Dodd’s first audition left the judges speechless, and tonight his rendition of Bring Him Home filled The Helix with a magical performance of light and shade that wouldn’t have been out of place on the West End or Broadway! Louis was particularly blow away telling Matt: You’re the best singer in Ireland since Red Hurley, the control and the passion - you deserve to be in the final. Michelle agreed and told him ‘your voice is remarkable, your voice is phenomenal! Jason said: ‘for a little auld fella you must have extra big lungs, well done man you have a very big voice 
I feel wonderful fantastic 

The Liberty’s belle Tamara Operi showed she can sing as well as rap with a performance of I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross. Jason:  ‘I thought it was really good, but I didn’t think it was massively brilliant.  Denise I still can’t understand what you’re saying but the energy was good, will it make it to the final? I am not sure’ Michelle: ‘I loved you last time, I loved you this time, what was missing was you…you do have a lot of great energy’  Louis:  ‘she looks like an Irish popstar from the Liberties I thought you were better than your first audition’

The chandelier for Keeva Air Candy’s act was flown in specially from Berlin for Ireland’s Got Talent, with no safety harness her gravity defying moves were not for the feint hearted. The judges were suitably impressed Michelle: ‘that was so glamorous, so beautiful and I loved that you used the chandelier, it was stunning! Louis: ‘it was incredible to watch you made it look so simple and I don’t think people should try it at home!’ Funnyman Jason told Keeva ‘I know it’s hard to concentrate while I am sitting here, you keep looking at me from all angles! You were brilliant it’s all about stepping up and you did! Denise told her ‘It was balletic, poetic and mesmerising’ 

Christopher King is perfect in every way according to Lucy Kennedy who pressed her Golden Buzzer for him. Christopher is a country music singer originally from Limerick and he performed the Garth Brooks favourite – The Dance. Denise: ‘you have such a beautiful tone I have one small issue-  I am not sure the ladies in Ireland will warm to you! You have the whole package you remind me of a young George Michael 
Louis is clearly a big fan saying: You’re the real deal, we need a new country star in Ireland and if there is any justice you will be in the final I think it’s the start of a massive career
Michelle told him: ‘I think there is something special in that voice of yours. That voice it rich and pure there is something about you I really love
Jason: ‘you’re very easy to listen to effortless, although it’s time to give Colin Farrell back his eyebrows’

Mini Puppet Popstars are a family act of Dad Anthony O’Hanlon and his kids Darren and  Sarah. Channelling their inner Beyonce, Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars this fun puppet act had the judges laughing. Jason: ‘the middle one is wearing the same outfit as Michelle, that was funny so well done. Denise I absolutely loved it my cheeks hurt from laughing’.  Michelle:  ‘I thought you stepped your game up, I think we are at the limit though just being honest’  Louis I didn’t want it to end it’s great family fun! 

The second of tonight’s Golden Buzzer acts, Linda McLoughlin, showed exactly why she was Louis’ number one choice, her spine tingling performance of The Power of Love was a roof raiser. Louis implored the public: ‘ women of Ireland, lift you phones, we want her in the final! Michelle was impressed telling her: ‘you nailed it, you were stunning, you were empowering!’  Jason: ‘you were flawless and the notes were huge and I had shivers down my back! Denise was also blown away telling Linda: ‘You have so much guts and emotion in your voice your family must be very proud ‘

Paul Ryder promised the glammest performance we have ever seen and he definitely delivered in tonight’s show. Singing Bang Bang he got a standing ovation from our four judges; Michelle: This is 2018 and for a lot of people their first time seeing drag, this is time to let them know drag comes in all shapes and sizes, you put together a beautiful perf you put together 
Louis: ‘you are an inspiration to so many people you have something amazing in your heart and I know what this means to you. You’re a special person and I want you to do amazing things
Jason: ‘you looked like you were having an amazing time, you are an amazing individual’ Denise:  ‘I think people underestimate how hard it is to dance and sing at the level and not get out of breath.