Only Boys Aloud

Hailing from Wales, the boys' choir Only Boys Aloud first drew major attention by finishing third in the 2012 season of Britain's Got Talent. Choir director Tim Rhys-Evans launched the ensemble in 2010, bringing together 175 members aged 14 to 19 who rehearse in separate regional groups before uniting for full-scale performances. Launched initially as a community initiative, the choir works to strengthen participants' self-confidence, widen their outlooks, and steer them clear of trouble. Rhys-Evans had already founded the all-men's choir Only Men Aloud, winners of the 2008 Last Choir Standing contest. Ahead of their Britain's Got Talent audition, the boys had appeared live on many occasions, among them joint shows with Only Men Aloud, with whom they cut a Christmas album in 2011. After their 2012 placement on the program, Only Boys Aloud secured a recording contract with Restless Records/Sony Music and issued their self-titled debut album.