Strictly's Bruno Tonioli Eyes Record Deal After That Divisive Performance

The judge opened last week's show with a rendition of Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

Bruno Tonioli may have left some Strictly Come Dancing fans scratching their heads with his performance on last week’s show, but he isn’t letting that hold him back. 

The judge has revealed his hopes to land a record deal after his turn in the spotlight, as he doesn’t believe there is anyone in the chars at the moment who rival the talent of George Michael

Open Image Modal
Bruno Tonioli opened last week's Strictly live show
BBC / Guy Levy

Bruno, who belted out a version of Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You on last week’s show, told The Sun: “At the moment the girls are stronger than the boys I have to say.

“There’s no new talent at that level like George Michael, I think the girls are cornering the market. Obviously you have Michael Buble who does a fantastic job or you have musical theatre people like Michael Ball and Alfie Boa who are great singers, but there isn’t really a solo act apart from Robbie Williams. There are no belters.”

The 64-year-old star, who said he would love to duet with Adele, also insisted he is serious about music.

He said: “This won’t be a gimmick, it will be a serious album. I wouldn’t do it otherwise. I care a lot about it.

“I really take it seriously - I’m not a karaoke singer. I really have to know exactly what I’m doing. I know what I can do and if the right things happen I’d be delighted to do it.”

While Bruno previously admitted he has long dreamed of being a singer, his performance on Strictly certainly divided fans. 

Some viewers branded it a “disaster”...

...while others claimed it was a welcome addition to the live show...

Following Bruno’s turn opening the show, this week will see Craig Revel Horwood “donning his glad-rags” and leading the judges, celebrities and professional dancers in a routine inspired by the musical Hello Dolly!.

On Saturday’s Musicals special, viewers can also look forward to Kelvin Fletcher being transformed into the burly villain from Beauty And The Beast for an American Smooth, while Alex Scott will perform a Samba to Joyful Joyful from Sister Act.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 7pm on BBC One. 

'Strictly Come Dancing': All The Winners
Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole(01 of16)
Open Image Modal
Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first star to ever triumph in the inaugural series of 'Strictly Come Dancing', back in 2004, when there were just seven competitors to beat.Having obviously been a hit with 'Strictly' viewers, she was later chosen to cover for regular presenter Tess Daly, when she went on maternity leave. (credit:BBC)
Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennet(02 of16)
Open Image Modal
Clearly sensing they were onto a winner, the BBC decided to kick-start the second series of 'Strictly' just three months after Natasha Kaplinsky's victory, securing its spot in the Saturday night schedule in the latter half of the year.Jill Halfpenny was crowned winner second time around, along with her partner, Darren Bennet. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova(03 of16)
Open Image Modal
Darren became the first male celebrity to triumph in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' final in 2005, beating Colin Jackson and eventual 'It Takes Two' presenter Zoe Ball in the process. (credit:Michael Boyd/PA Archive)
Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy(04 of16)
Open Image Modal
Cricket player Mark Ramprakash took home the glitter-ball trophy a year later.Here he is performing with his professional partner, Karen Hardy, at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards a year after his victory. (credit:David Davies/PA Archive)
Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler(05 of16)
Open Image Modal
'Strictly' helped breathe new life into Alesha's career, when she and partner Matthew Cutler were crowned winners.Her smash hit solo single 'The Boy Does Nothing' followed soon after, not to mention a spot on the 'Strictly' judging panel... until Simon Cowell decided to snare her for 'BGT', that is. (credit:BBC)
Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup(06 of16)
Open Image Modal
'Holby City' actor Tom Chambers' public profile skyrocketed, when he and his professional partner, Camilla Dallerup, were crowned winners of the sixth series.They beat TV presenter Lisa Snowdon and 'Negotiate With Love' singer Rachel Stevens in the live final, back in 2008. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan(07 of16)
Open Image Modal
Chris Hollins gave professional dancer Ola Jordan her first, and so far only, win back in 2010. (credit:BBC)
Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev(08 of16)
Open Image Modal
Kara and Artem had a double victory in 2010.Shortly after taking home the glitter-ball trophy, they announced that they were dating. (credit:Rowan Miles/PA Archive)
Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani(09 of16)
Open Image Modal
Can we please just take a moment to appreciate this photo? (credit:David Jones/PA Archive)
Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace(10 of16)
Open Image Modal
The tenth series was won by Olympian Louis Smith and his professional partner, Flavia Cacace. (credit:Georgie Gillard/Associated Newspapers/REX)
Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec(11 of16)
Open Image Modal
In the first ever all-female 'Strictly' final, Abbey beat Susanna Reid and Natalie Gumede to the glitter-ball trophy.Fourth place was also a female contestant, with Sophie Ellis-Bextor leaving the competition at the semi-final stage. (credit:Rui Vieira/PA Archive)
Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev(12 of16)
Open Image Modal
Caroline Flack, who took part in the competition less than a year after leaving 'X Factor' spin-off show, 'Xtra Factor'. Apparently sensing her popularity was on the rise, Simon Cowell quickly signed her up to host the main show, alongside Olly Murs. (credit:BBC)
Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani(13 of16)
Open Image Modal
When the 2015 contestants were first announced, no one would have tipped Jay for victory, particularly after he continuously played down his dancing abilities.

Cut to a couple of months later, though, and that Glitter-ball trophy was his.
(credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton(14 of16)
Open Image Modal
TV presenter Ore Oduba beat off stiff competition from 'Hollyoaks' star Danny Mac who was hot favourite to lift the glitterball trophy in 2016. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Joe McFadden and Katya Jones(15 of16)
Open Image Modal
'Holby City' actor Joe was the dark horse of the competition, rising through the ranks as the weeks went on to triumph over Alexandra Burke, Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson in the 2017 final. (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton(16 of16)
Open Image Modal
Stacey and Kevin were the surprise winners of the 2018 series, triumphing over other finalists Ashley Roberts, Faye Tozer and Joe Sugg. The pair later went on to begin a relationship. (credit:Aaron Chown - PA Images via Getty Images)