Michael Collings is a singer & guitarist who reached the Final of Series 5 of Britain's Got Talent. He hailed from Plymouth and had previously entered a competition known as 'Nutters Got Talent' at his local pub. He was aged 19, and worked as an IT engineer at the time of his audition. When asked what his dream was he stated he wanted to be a 'successful recording artist, release lots of albums, and play across the world'.
In his audition, he sang and played the guitar to 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman. David described the audience reaction as the best reaction that the judges had witnessed 'all day', adding his belief that he 'sang well with heart', with Amanda adding that she 'didn't expect much from him', however he had a 'really interesting quality to his voice' and 'really delivered'.
In the Semi-Finals, he sang and played the guitar to 'Hanging On The Wall' by Paul Wellings. Simon remarked 'This proves that point that when you've got it, you've got it [and] you don't need any dancers or any effects', with Amanda adding 'You have a fantastic recording voice, your great on guitar and Simon's right you don't need anything else'. He won the Judges Vote and advanced directly onto the Final.
In the Final, he once again sang and played the guitar to 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman. Michael remarked 'I think by the time [it comes to] the Royal Variety you'll be in a Tuxedo, and you know what, you might just make it there', with Amanda adding 'I love the tone of your voice, that huskiness its great for recording [and] I can see you making albums'. He concluded the competition in fifth place overall.
According to Simon during the Final, as a result of Collings' audition the original version of 'Fast Car' went back into the Top 5 within the Official Singles Chart.