The choir, formed by Jeremy Clarkson, aims to raise awareness for mental health in farming
Category: Arts & Culture
The Hawkstone Farmers' Choir has made history by winning the 2026 edition of Britain's Got Talent, becoming the first choir ever to take home the title. The announcement was made during the live final on May 30, where the group, formed by television presenter Jeremy Clarkson, captured the hearts of both judges and viewers alike.
Judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell, and KSI returned to their seats for a final night of performances and voting at the Hammersmith Apollo. Clarkson, visibly emotional, applauded as the choir delivered their winning performance, which featured their original song titled "This Is Home." After the results were revealed, choir member Katryna Shell expressed gratitude and a message of support for farmers, saying, "This is for all the farmers out there, for anybody that's struggling, it's not a taboo subject, if you're not OK, speak up, this is for the farmers." The choir will receive a £250,000 cash prize and an opportunity to perform at the annual Royal Variety Performance.
The Hawkstone Farmers' Choir was initially brought together to promote Clarkson's Hawkstone beer and cider brand but has since evolved into a platform dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues facing farmers. The choir's mission is especially poignant in an industry often marked by isolation and financial pressures. Following their victory, they pledged to donate a portion of their winnings to mental health charities supporting the farming community.
Back in March, the choir received the coveted ‘golden buzzer’ from Amanda Holden, which allowed them to advance directly to the semi-finals. Their heartfelt performances have resonated with audiences and prominent figures in the agricultural sector, including support from Nigel Owens, Diddly Squat Farm Shop, and the Royal Agricultural University.
The final featured ten acts competing for the title, including a stunning drone display team named Celestial, which finished in second place, and a dog act called Anastasiia and Salsa, which came in third. The night also included memorable performances, such as judge Alesha Dixon reuniting with her girl group Mis-Teeq for the first time in over two decades, performing a medley of their hits.
During the final, Simon Cowell initially questioned the choir's decision to perform an original song, but after their performance, he praised them, stating, "It paid off," and calling their act "absolutely stunning," "heartfelt," and "joyous." Fellow judge Amanda Holden was brought to tears, commenting on the beauty of their harmonizing and the lyrics, which evoke the hard work and dedication of farmers.
As the choir took the stage, they expressed their appreciation for Clarkson, whom they described as their "biggest cheerleader." They credited him with providing unwavering support throughout the competition. The emotional atmosphere was heightened as Clarkson was seen wiping away tears when the choir was announced as winners, highlighting the significance of their achievement.
The Hawkstone Farmers' Choir's victory is a personal triumph and serves to shine a light on the challenges faced by the farming community. With their performance at the Royal Variety Performance on the horizon, the choir hopes to continue raising awareness about mental health issues in agriculture.
As they prepare for this next step, the choir plans to leverage their newfound visibility to advocate for mental health resources and support systems in farming. Choir leader Katryna Shell emphasized the importance of addressing these topics, stating, "If you're struggling, speak up," reinforcing the choir's commitment to making an impact beyond the stage.
The upcoming performance at the Royal Variety Show is scheduled for later this year, and the choir looks forward to sharing their message with an even larger audience. Their original song, "This Is Home," has already drawn interest from judge KSI, who expressed a desire to add it to his Spotify playlist, indicating the song's potential to resonate with a broader audience.
The choir's success on Britain's Got Talent has sparked discussions around mental health in farming, an often-overlooked issue. As the farming community continues to face various challenges, the choir's victory serves as a reminder of the importance of support, resilience, and the power of coming together.
With their victory, the Hawkstone Farmers' Choir has entertained and inspired, paving the way for future conversations about mental health in the agricultural sector. Their story is one of hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of farmers across the UK.
As they prepare for their performance on the Royal Variety stage, the choir remains committed to their mission, ensuring that the voices of farmers are heard loud and clear.