NEWPORT’S Kathleen Jenkins has come third in Britain’s Got Talent's first live semi-final but the public could still choose her as their wild card act.

The 25-year-old cleaner, of Commercial Road, sang Randy Crawford’s ‘One Day I’ll Fly Away’.

Choir 100 Voices of Gospel won the semi-final and mother and son singing duo Mel and Jamie, of Bridgend, came second.

The judges were asked to chose between Ms Jenkins and Mel and Jamie but the vote was tied and it went back to the public vote.

On finding out the result, Ms Jenkins said: "But everyone's been incredible and I've had such a great experience."

She could still be voted through to the final as the public's wild card act which opens for voting after the last semi-final on Thursday night.

After her performance, she said: “When I first got on, I could feel my legs shaking.

“But once I got into the song and I once I heard the crowd cheer for the first time that was it. You get that bit of a confidence boost. I enjoyed every minute of it.”

The judges were once again impressed by the singer.

Amanda Holden said: “I feel like I’m watching a completely different person to the shy girl that we saw in the auditions.

“It just felt so grounded - the control, the breath work, everything - fantastic. You were just extraordinary and you really, really deserve this moment.

“You made your dad, your husband and your family proud, and yourself really proud. Well done,” she added.

Simon Cowell said: “I still see that shy person and that’s part of your appeal, Kathleen.

“I was watching your dad during the performance and he is amazing and so proud. I think you were as good as the first audition and I think you’ve got an amazing voice.

“I think that you performed the song like you meant every lyric, every word. And I have a feeling Britain is going to get behind you tonight, because I think they want to see you do well,” he added.

David Walliams said: “We had a little chat in the corridor before the show and you said how nervous you were and that didn’t show at all.

“I think there’s something very emotional about hearing you sing. I’m sure there’s people at home in floods of tears.

“There’s something about you which really moves people – your voice, your story, everything. I hope this night is a magical one for you,” he added.

Alesha Dixon said: “I agree with everything they have just said. I found that really moving.

“There is just something so likeable about you and they say that the eyes are the windows to the soul and I looked at your eyes and the way you can story tell is superb that it comes from your heart and it’s lovely to see. Congratulations it was wonderful.”