"the real deal" performed on the "sport relief does glee club" television show in early 2012, described by judge carrie grant in one performance as "a masterclass in soloists – amazing". carrie grant cites y&t as a performing arts school that has an amazing standard that would fit in america, a place where the future of british music is born. in october 2013 the real deal won the semifinals of the jack petchey glee club challenge 2013 in the second london regional semifinals. the final was held at the indigo2 arena in london where the real deal competed in the challenge.