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The first series of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, Simon Cowell’s trademarked showreel nasty comment thingy has ended. In a live final on Sunday, we got to see a performance by the six finalists, whittled down from over 50,000 entrants from all across the UK.

Each link to the performer takes you to a YouTube clip of their act…

The show seemed to be ordered in terms of favourites to win, with outsiders Combat Breakers going first, and hot favourite Paul Potts having the starring end spot. The Combat Breakers hit the ground running, literally as well as metaphorically, with their break dancing choreography and skills wowing the crowds.

Next was the man who everyone had been talking about, but unlike Paul Potts, Damon Scott was being discussed as the worst of the six finalists. For starters ventriloquism is old hat, with it’s glory days way past. Then there’s the fact that Damon Scott had one of the least inspired acts I’ve ever had the misfortune to see. The judges and some misguided members of the voting public seem to think holding a stuffed monkey while Michael Jackson classics played in the background is a class act… right, if you say so.

Then came the brilliant Bessie Cursons, a 12 year old with more talent in her little finger than the whole of the panel of judges has ever displayed. She treated us to ‘Get me to the church on time’ from My Fair Lady, and pulled it off with such aplomb, I’d have paid to watch her perform it.

The Bar Wizards, a duo of cocktail shaking, bottle throwing barmen from Manchester were the fourth act and they turned an average act in to a classic piece of choreography which rivalled Tom Cruise in ‘Cocktail’. The guys even managed to get Piers Morgan to apologise to them and admit he was wrong, which is an act all by itself.

The sickly sweet 6 year old singer Connie Talbot was the penultimate act in this first, but undoubtably not last Britains Got Talent final. She sang ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ and managed to make Amanda Holden cry yet again. I’ve heard 6 year olds sing, but never like this, with her carrying the song better than adults 10 times her age. Nope, I just can’t find it in my heart to diss a 6 year old. Moving on…

The piece de resistance of the show, and the talk of the country and internet since his first audition, Paul Potts rounded the show off in spectacular style singing ‘Nessun Dorma’. While the song will always for me be associated with Luciano Pavarotti and the Italia ‘90 Soccer World Cup, Potts brought it bang up to date and in to the minds of a new generation. He is an incredible singer, and one who belies his shy, retiring demeanour.

After an hour long break, and then a half hour yawnfest while we were treated to clips of the auditions, and the finalists journeys to this point, presenters Ant & Dec gathered everyone on stage for the unveiling of the winner. They eked out the presentation and result, exactly as I’m doing here, for a good 2 minutes before announcing Paul Potts as the person who will go on to sing for the Queen at this year’s Royal Variety Performance. I couldn’t agree more with the result, and doubt Paul will ever go back to his day job at Carphone Warehouse.

The show as a whole was great, although I didn’t like the nine days in a row format, much preferring The X-Factor’s weekly showcases whittling down the contestants until there’s one left standing. Ant and Dec walked through the series almost treading water, and the judges all did a great, if slightly staged job.

As for the rest of the finalists, here’s my predictions for their future…

Combat Breakers - Will go on tour of clubs demonstrating thier skills before realising breakdancing is a bit 1980s and quitting.

Connie Talbot - The next Bonnie Langford… uh oh.

Britains Got Talent, Britains Got Talent Final. Simon Cowell, Combat Breakers, Damon Scott, Bessie Cursons, Bar Wizards, Connie Talbot, Paul Potts, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Piers Morgan, ITV, Royal Variety, The Queen