After winning hearts on national television just weeks ago, Glasgow’s very own Vinnie McKee will take to the stage again tonight—this time at home, and in front of Scotland’s real-life heroes.
The 23-year-old singer, who came 8th in this year’s Britain’s Got Talent final, is making his Pride of Scotland Awards debut at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel, joining a room packed with celebrities, campaigners, and ordinary Scots being honoured for extraordinary things.
A Fresh Chapter Begins for the Rising Star
This isn’t just another performance. For Vinnie, it marks a return—not just to his home city, but to a version of himself he’s finally learning to trust.
Speaking ahead of the event, he was beaming. “Since coming off the show, I feel like I can finally be the singer I always wanted to be,” he said. “This is an absolute honour.”
He wasn’t just being polite. There was real weight in his voice.
Just last month, Vinnie stood on the BGT stage watched by millions across the UK, singing his heart out for a place in the final. Placing 8th might not have meant winning the title, but it won him something arguably more valuable—confidence. Recognition. A foothold in the world he’s long dreamed of joining.
Tonight, under the warm lights of a very different stage, he gets to sing not for votes or judges, but for people who’ve spent their lives lifting others.
The Pride of Scotland Awards: A Night of Emotion and Celebration
Now in its fifth year, the Pride of Scotland Awards has fast become one of the country’s most anticipated nights of the year. But it’s not about glitz. It’s about grit.
The event, hosted by beloved Scottish actors Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli, celebrates bravery, community, and kindness.
Winners are selected from thousands of nominations and include:
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Lifesavers, young carers, and community champions
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Activists who’ve changed policy or saved lives
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Everyday Scots who’ve stepped up in the hardest moments
Vinnie’s slot isn’t just entertainment. It’s part of the emotional heartbeat of the evening.
He said: “It’s important not to forget why we’re there—to recognise the country’s heroes.”
From Local Lad to Prime-Time Finalist
Vinnie’s journey to this moment didn’t happen overnight.
Raised in the east end of Glasgow, he sang in school plays, busked on Buchanan Street, and shared song covers online for years before finally making the bold leap to audition for BGT.
“I’ve hardly had the time to stop and take it all in,” he admitted, laughing. “But it doesn’t feel like work.”
He’s been on a whirlwind ever since.
Public appearances, interviews, requests from producers—and now this.
A packed ballroom. Hundreds of eyes. And a microphone waiting.
High Hopes, Honest Nerves
He’s excited—but honest about the comedown.
“When you’re performing, your energy levels are always really high,” he said. “Then, when you come off stage, it’s like a crash.”
Still, he’s looking forward to a glass of wine with friends afterward. Just a bit of normalcy amid the madness.
There’s something incredibly human in how he frames it. No pretence. No “star behaviour.” Just a lad from Glasgow doing what he loves, taking the wins as they come.
And that’s part of what’s made him so relatable.
Vinnie’s Moment Is Bigger Than the Stage
This performance isn’t being broadcast to millions. But in many ways, it matters more.
Because while Britain’s Got Talent gave Vinnie a platform, the Pride of Scotland is giving him purpose.
Not just showcasing his voice—but placing him in a space where that voice carries meaning.
In a night dedicated to courage and compassion, music becomes something else: a form of tribute.
And Vinnie knows that.
Tonight, he’ll be performing not for judges, but for survivors. Not for a golden buzzer, but for the people who make Scotland better—quietly, selflessly.
It’s not just a gig. It’s a tribute.
| Performer | Vinnie McKee |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Glasgow |
| Known For | Britain’s Got Talent 2024 Finalist |
| BGT Placement | 8th Place |
| Age | 23 |
| Pride of Scotland Role | Guest Performer |
| Venue | Hilton Hotel, Glasgow |
| Hosts | Elaine C Smith & Sanjeev Kohli |
What’s Next for Glasgow’s Newest Voice?
After the awards, Vinnie’s schedule doesn’t slow down.
He’s in talks about new music releases, and there’s already buzz about potential gigs later this summer—including a rumored spot at TRNSMT’s smaller stage.
But for now, he’s staying grounded.
“It’s been non-stop, but honestly I’m just enjoying it,” he said. “This is what I always dreamed of, and it finally feels real.”
For a city that loves its underdogs, Vinnie’s story is the kind people want to root for.
He’s not trying to be anyone else. Not pushing to fit a mould. Just singing, smiling, and showing up.
And that’s more than enough.
