By Pamela McGowan

Last updated 10:22, Saturday, 19 April 2008

IN JUST one week 13-year-old Andrew Johnston has gone from Carlisle choirboy to global superstar following his heartwarming appearance on Britain’s Got Talent.

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Andrew Johnston singing in Carlisle Cathedral

Yet, despite being pursued all week by the world’s media, mum Morag Brannock said his feet have remained firmly on the ground.

Andrew, head chorister at Carlisle Cathedral, attracted instant attention when he appeared on the ITV talent show last Saturday night.

Viewers of all ages found themselves reaching for the tissues as he reduced television bad guy Simon Cowell to tears when he told him how he was bullied for singing.

He went on to wow the judges with his voice and from there a star was born.

By Monday, the nation was waking up to see Andrew live on GMTV, while his inspirational story was in all the national newspapers.

The rest of the week has been a rollercoaster for the Trinity School pupil, whose singing has now been heard by millions across the world.

As well as juggling his schoolwork and choir practice, Andrew has been interviewed by almost every major television and radio station and posed for photographs several times a day. Mum Morag’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing since Saturday and videos of the teenager have been broadcast across the globe on internet sites such as YouTube and Facebook.

He has appeared on Fox News in America, had fan mail from as far away as Australia and Morocco and a personal letter of apology from TV presenter Graham Norton after a national newspaper misquoted comments he made about the youngster.

Most adults would struggle to cope with that much attention, yet his mum says Andrew has remained grounded and taken it all in his stride.

“He’s a typical 13-year-old boy,” she explained. “All he’s really bothered about is getting home to his tea and sitting in front of the television.

“It’s quite a lot for him to take in so we are trying to balance it out but he’s handled it all really, really well.

“His friends and family bring him back down to earth.

“He was pleased to get back to his mates – at school I don’t think they’re talking about Britain’s Got Talent!”

Morag believes the reason Andrew has created such a stir is because so many people can identify with him.

“He’s had such positive feedback. A lot of people have written to us or posted comments online because they have been through something similar.

“We’ve heard from people who wanted to join a choir but were put off by silly comments. I think it is harder for boys, especially now, but Andrew is showing what can happen if you have the courage.”

But she said the thing that touches everyone is her son’s amazing voice.

“When Andrew sings, you listen. He really touches you inside. Some of the pieces he sings are absolutely phenomenal,” she explained.

Morag added that they were warned by producers to expect quite a lot of press attention for the first week, but it should start to tail off as more contestants are unveiled.

Andrew must now wait to find out if he has made it into the semi-finals in May, something Morag said they are both excited and nervous about.

But whatever happens she says Andrew has the talent to make it big and one day fulfil his dream of performing on stage in productions like The Phantom of the Opera. In the meantime she says the publicity is giving hope and encouragement to young people worldwide.

“It’s brilliant for Andrew, for the cathedral, for Carlisle and for choirs up and down the country,” she added.

“So many positive things are coming out of it.”

Andrew will perform for his Carlisle fans at a free recital at the cathedral this lunchtime, during which he and fellow choir members will also be recording a CD.