Northants Sings Out (NSO) is a dynamic and inclusive choir from Northamptonshire, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024. Led by the visionary founder-conductor Gareth Fuller, NSO comprises hundreds of singers from a diverse array of backgrounds, including mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, senior local government workers and primary school teachers. This eclectic group reflects the rich tapestry of Northamptonshire's community, uniting voices from various walks of life in a shared passion for music. Gareth Fuller, renowned for his role in directing the choir at Liam Gallagher’s monumental Knebworth shows in 2022, which drew over 160,000 attendees, has been a pivotal figure in NSO's journey. Under his guidance, the choir has blossomed, earning acclaim for its impressive performances and community spirit.
NSO's standout moment came when they made their debut on Britain's Got Talent (BGT) 2024, reaching the finals. Their performance was a masterful blend of the traditional hymn "It Is Well" and the high-energy '90s dance classic "Show Me Love" by Robin S. This captivating rendition not only earned a standing ovation from the audience but also garnered unanimous approval from the judges, securing four 'Yes' votes. The episode, broadcast live on ITV, attracted five million viewers, with an additional 280,000 views on YouTube, catapulting NSO into the national spotlight.
The choir's BGT success has opened numerous doors, with a surge in performance and contract opportunities. Their popularity has also been boosted by endorsements from a range of celebrities, including Madonna, Chris Evans and Zoe Ball, and support from TV personality Chloe Madeley, vocalist Chaka Khan and actor Maggie Wheeler. A notable highlight was when Madonna shared a video of NSO performing her 2000 hit song "Music" on her Instagram profile, amassing over 600,000 views and 25,000 likes, significantly increasing the choir's online following.
NSO's 700 members, aged between 25 and 65, come from various professional backgrounds, none of whom are trained vocalists. This makes their accomplishments even more remarkable, showcasing the power of community and collective talent. Over the years, NSO has seen participation from work-based choirs from companies like Unilever, Barclays, Carlsberg and Volkswagen, further enriching its diverse membership. As Northants Sings Out celebrates a decade of musical excellence, their journey from local ensemble to national sensation on BGT stands as a testament to the unifying and transformative power of music.
