It was a night of unforgettable music, legendary guests, and a voice that captivated everyone in attendance. On November 3, 2024, at his 75th Birthday Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, David Foster introduced one of Britain’s brightest rising stars — Sydnie Christmas, winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2024 — in a performance that left the audience in awe.
Foster, renowned for discovering and mentoring global icons such as Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, and Josh Groban, took a moment during the concert to spotlight Sydnie. “Many of you know that one of the things I love to do is discover new talent,” Foster said. “I was watching Britain’s Got Talent this year and saw this young girl get the Golden Buzzer — then go on to win. I thought, ‘Hollywood Bowl, that girl, that would be a real treat for these people… to see this extraordinary girl sing.’ So please, from Britain’s Got Talent, welcome Sydnie Christmas.”
As the orchestra began the opening notes of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”, Sydnie took the stage with poise and emotional presence far beyond her years. By the final note, the Hollywood Bowl erupted into a standing ovation, led by Foster himself. Following the performance, Sydnie expressed her gratitude online: “Thank you all so much for such lovely comments. I am a very lucky and grateful lady. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID FOSTER 🤍.”
From Britain’s Got Talent to David Foster’s Stage
Sydnie Christmas’ journey to this moment began on Britain’s Got Talent, where she immediately caught viewers’ attention. Contestants on shows like BGT, American Idol, and America’s Got Talent often fear Simon Cowell’s judgment — yet Sydnie chose to sing “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie, widely known as Cowell’s least favorite song.
Before performing, Sydnie bounded onto the stage with a radiant smile and spunky energy, instantly endearing herself to judges and audience alike. She even joked about her middle name being “Mary” — which drew laughs — before announcing her song choice. Amanda Holden warned, “That is Simon’s worst song,” and Cowell winced, anticipating a performance that would challenge him.
However, Sydnie’s rendition quickly transformed doubt into admiration. Soulful, heartfelt, and expertly nuanced, she built the song’s emotion gradually, taking the audience on a moving journey. By the performance’s end, she not only earned the Golden Buzzer but also changed Simon Cowell’s mind. “That was the first time I could take this song seriously. Before today I hated it, too,” he admitted.
Audience reactions online were effusive. One viewer wrote, “When they say you have to make the song your own, she did just that. I have never heard a better version.” Another added, “I’ve heard that song a million times and she REALLY got the poignancy of it. It’s a sad song, but a song of hope, and it is hard to walk that line — she KILLED IT.” Fans of all ages shared similar sentiments, from highway workers to builders, moved to tears by her performance.
An Unexpected Connection to David Foster
What made Sydnie’s Hollywood Bowl debut even more remarkable was how David Foster discovered her. He shared that he knew Sydnie in an unexpected way before inviting her to America for one of his biggest shows. From a performance that “felt like her last” on Britain’s Got Talent to stepping onto the iconic stage at the Hollywood Bowl, the opportunity was a dream come true for the young performer.
Foster’s introduction proved prophetic. In front of thousands in the audience and millions online, Sydnie Christmas didn’t just perform — she arrived, showcasing a voice that combines power, emotion, and honesty across genres. Fans and viewers quickly compared her to the legends Foster has mentored. One commented, “Celine Dion was David Foster’s favorite singer… and now he has Sydnie following in her footsteps.” Another wrote, “She is one of those talents that comes around once in a lifetime — stunning personality and singer. The world is hers for the taking.”
Global Praise and Viral Reaction
The response to Sydnie’s Hollywood Bowl performance was immediate and widespread. Social media exploded with admiration for her rendition of “My Way”, and many noted her grounded personality despite her rapid rise to fame. Fans praised her ability to convey deep emotion, connecting with the audience in a way that felt authentic and timeless.
As the night concluded, it was clear that Sydnie Christmas’ journey from a bold Golden Buzzer moment on Britain’s Got Talent to the Hollywood Bowl stage marked a pivotal point in her career. With David Foster’s support and the spotlight of one of the world’s most famous venues, she is poised to make an even greater impact on audiences both in the U.K. and the U.S.
