Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist dies aged 32 leaving fans devastated (2024)

Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist dies aged 32 from cancer battle (Image: ITV)

A Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist has tragically died at the age of 32 after a battle with cancer. Emma Jones captured the nation's heart when she appeared on the ITV show in 2015, delivering a stunning performance of Andrea Bocelli's Ave Maria that left the audience and judges spellbound.

At just 23, her extraordinary voice impressed former judge David Walliams, who remarked: "You should be confident Emma very few of us could ever sing like that."

Her audition was also lauded by Amanda Holden as "one of the most beautiful auditions that [the judges had seen] all day." In an emotional video played before her semi-final performance, Emma opened up about her struggles with confidence and her dislike for living alone, saying: "I live on my own. I don't like it as such, well, I hate it actually.

"Growing up I wasn't confident at all. My first audition was so nerve-wracking." Emma's debut performance earned her a standing ovation, to which she admitted "I couldn't believe I got a standing ovation. It was the best day in my whole, entire life".

For the semi-finals, she chose Sarah Brightman's "Pie Jesu" and was accompanied by a guitar quartet. Her growing confidence was noted by judge Alesha Dixon, who said: "It's so lovely to see you coming out of your shell," and Simon Cowell also praised her, commenting: "It was fantastic."

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Emma Jones competed on BGT in 2015 (Image: BGT)

Emma's Facebook page announced her death on Valentine's Day, revealing she had succumbed to multiple organ cancer that likely began as ovarian cancer.

The statement read: "I'm sorry to have to tell you that Emma Jones has died. She died on Valentines Day after being diagnosed with multiple organ cancer. The doctor thinks it began as ovarian cancer and spread to other organs."

Fans have been sharing their heartbreak online, with one commenting: "So sad Emma passed away. It breaks my heart, especially realizing she suffered with inner pain and deep insecurities. Such a precious, sensitive girl."

Another shared their sorrow, saying: "I remember her performance of Ave Maria. I am saddened to hear of her cancer. We loved her in America as well."

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Britain's Got Talent judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Amanda Holden (Image: Getty)

A heartfelt tribute stated: "R.I.P Emma. Your audition remains one of my all time favourite auditions of all time. It was a privilege to have heard you sing."

John Hastings, Emma's ex-partner, told News and Star about his profound loss, missing her "personality, smile and gorgeous voice."

During a poignant eulogy at Christ Church in Allonby on May 1, John fondly recalled the moment he first encountered Emma busking outside Barclays in Carlisle back in 2013.

"Like everyone else in Cumbria, I was both proud and touched by her exploits on Britain's Got Talent, when she overcame her nerves to wow the judges and viewers - the applause made her cry, but I knew these were good tears," he reminisced. "It's a great shame that we will never see her again, but we still have her performances online to cherish and fondly remember her by."

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