Britain’s Got Talent star CJ Emmons received life-saving surgery just days before his live semi-final performance.
The singer appeared on this Saturday’s episode of the talent show, performing ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’ by James Brown. Following his impressive rendition, CJ shared just how much the competition meant to him, having recently undergone surgery.
“Two weeks ago, I was in the hospital receiving life-threatening surgery, and I fought for that, and I’m fighting for this. I want this so bad,” he told hosts Ant and Dec.
Prior to the live show, CJ revealed that he was recovering from major gallbladder surgery, but insisted: “I won’t let it stop me from my dream and goal.”
“They cut into my abdominal wall and every time after that, it’s been hurting to sing. But my doctor’s like, ‘keep singing, strengthen it, strengthen it, and it’s going to get better,'” he explained to the Mirror. “So there’s still a bit of pain. But I can tell it’s getting stronger and stronger.”
ITV
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After returning home to California following his audition, the star suffered severe abdominal pains and took himself to the hospital where he was given emergency surgery.
“My gallbladder was completely dead,” said CJ. “It was turning [gangrenous] and it was about to explode and turn sepsis, which would have proved fatal.”
“They were going to do an emergency surgery that night, but I was so badly infected. They had to pump me full of antibiotics for two days and then I had the surgery on May 3.”
ITV
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Despite the major operation, CJ expressed his determination to face the live semi-finals, adding: “It can’t stop me. I’m ready to hit that stage.”
“When I did my first gig on the 14th, that was literally a week after the surgery, I broke down crying because I was so thankful to God that I was able to sing a note. I was able to perform. I found strength in that.”
He continued: “It does add an extra layer because in the back of my mind, when that doctor told me that if I wouldn’t have checked myself into the hospital at the time that I did, if I would have waited one more day, it would have proved fatal.
“At that time, I’ve never felt so human in my life. So this lets me know that I’m supposed to be doing this.”
Unfortunately, CJ didn’t make it through to next week’s final but could still return to the competition if selected as a Wildcard.
Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
Read more Britain’s Got Talent news on our dedicated homepage
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a “telly addict” since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.