Britain's Got Talent saxophonist Julian Smith from Birmingham wows judges

Apr 22 2009 by Jane Tyler, Birmingham Mail

A TOP saxophonist is poised to play in a different league after a virtuoso performance on Britain’s Got Talent.

Julian Smith wowed the audience and judges on the ITV show last Saturday and was put through to the next round.

Simon Cowell heaped praise on the shy 40-year-old, saying he was “just what this show is all about” and had a great commercial future ahead of him.

Julian only entered the competition because his wife Iraz pushed him into it and he said already it had changed his life.

He is now anxiously waiting by the phone to hear if he has made it through to the live semi finals next month.

Modest Julian, who lives with his wife and their 19-month-old daughter Sienna, in Olliver Close, Bartley Green, has played the saxophone all his life and earns his living through private tuition and playing in restaurants, and at weddings and private parties.

“My wife was quite keen for me to go on Britain’s Got Talent and I could see the benefits as shows like this can help you step up the ladder onto a new platform,” he said.

“But I was really worried that a negative reaction – especially from the judges – could ruin my career.”