Britain's Got Talent's most controversial golden buzzer acts of all time as fans beg ‘get rid of them!'
The prestigious prize sends audition hopefuls straight through to the live semi-finals.
8
Britain's Got Talent has been a TV staple since launching in 2007
Credit: PA:Press Association
8
Each judge - as well as hosts Ant and Dec - have a a Golden Buzzer
Credit: ITV
Over the years, various Golden Buzzer acts have come under scrutiny - including for being recognisable before Britain's Got Talent.
From the 2025 series, a new twist saw Golden Buzzers introduced for the live semi-finals.
Although one finalist per semi final qualifies by public vote, the second is selected via a Golden Buzzer.
Writing online, viewers have hit out at both the new twist and the Golden Buzzer format as a whole.
One penned: "Can they get rid of this golden buzzer thing its unfair #BGT,"
Another added: "Please get rid of that golden buzzer. It's lost it's purpose and it's just stupid now."
While a third chimed in: "they need to get rid of the golden buzzer in the semi finals."
Listed below are some examples of Golden Buzzer acts who have proven to be controversial choices for the prize.
Max Fox
8
Singer Max Fox had a unique beginning to his BGT journey
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Singer Max Fox took part in Britain's Got Talent 2025 - and secured a Golden Buzzer from Amanda Holden.
Max's audition went viral as he was originally an audience member but begged Simon Cowell to let him perform.
espite Simon's surprised reaction, some fans weren't buying it.
One penned on Reddit: "I know that in episode 8 Simon went to great lengths about the fact that Max was not a set up.
"But somebody getting up from the audience and going on to get a Golden Buzzer seems too contrived or am I being too cynical?"
Another said: "Then I'm sorry but you're wrong, that was the most painfully setup thing I've seen on that show, and that's saying something."
While a third offered some context: "I've actually been a producer for several decades - so my take on this is that probably Simon and the panel did not know about this, but the production team had to.
"Any thing like this needs rehearsal and production on the sound/mix.
"That level of production could not be spontaneous."
Maya Giotea
8
Fans unearthed Maya Giotea's TV past
Credit: ITV
Aged just 14, Maya Giotea received Bruno Tonioli's Golden Buzzer in 2025 after wowing with Beyoncé hit "Listen".
Former Strictly judge Bruno was so impressed that he awarded her the Golden Buzzer within a second of her finishing her final note.
But viewers soon unearthed Maya's TV past - having auditioned for Romania's Got Talent in her home country.
The teen received a standing ovation after belting out another power ballad, this time Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing, and it was even been claimed she was awarded the Golden Buzzer.
Taking to X following her audition, one viewer said: "Maya Giotea who got the golden buzzer on #bgt tonight was on Romania Got Talent & got through to the live show."
Another added: "Yet again been on Romania's got talent and got the golden buzzer even though there is none left!!"
Sydnie Christmas
8
Sydnie Christmas was crowned BGT winner in 2024
Credit: Rex
Sydnie Christmas was crowned the winner of Britain's Got Talent in 2024.
She received Amanda Holden's Golden Buzzer at her audition after performing "Tomorrow" from Annie.
At the time, she was 28 years old and had been working as the receptionist at a gym.
However, viewers criticised Sydnie receiving the Golden Buzzer after her background as a stage performer was revealed.
Some claimed her performing experience gave her an advantage over other acts.
One fan wrote on X: "Why did Sydnie get a Golden Buzzer. She's a professional for goodness sake."
Another remarked: "No way. She's either got an album out already or has been signed somewhere. Sydnie is pro already I reckon."
Although others felt Sydnie deserved the honour, as one wrote: "I cried through her amazing performance.
"Wow...and she even converted Simon! She's got the charm to go with that spectacular voice. Good for her. Sydnie Christmas is a star."
Axel Blake
8
Comedian Axel Blake took home the crown in 2022
Credit: Rex
Viewers watched comedian Axel Blake win Britain's Got Talent in 2022.
Axel impressed the judges with his audition routine - earning Simon's coveted Golden Buzzer.
Fans were fuming when they learned the comedian already had a show on worldwide streaming platform Amazon Prime.
Speaking in an interview after his win, Axel said: "I understand that you can't always win everybody over and that everyone is entitled to their opinion.
"The word 'fix' is a strong one, I don't think somebody trying to become a household name and take their career to the next step should be punished for exploring every avenue possible to be able to showcase their love and craft."
He added: "Whilst some people will know of me, there are a lot of people out there who don't and it's about trying to make sure I am chasing all those opportunities out there, to help me stand out amongst all the amazing comedians and entertainers in what is a very competitive industry."
MB14
8
Fans branded MB14's Golden Buzzer "a fix" after discovering his past success
Credit: Rex
French beatboxer MB14 entered Britain's Got Talent in 2023 - receiving Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer at his audition.
However, viewers branded it "a fix" after learning about the star's prior success.
He finished second on The Voice France in 2016 and subsequently signed a record deal with Polydor, which he later left.
MB14 was formerly part of beatboxing group Berywam and was said to have 35,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
One viewer wrote online: "Just googled him. He has been on The voice France as a runner up. Obviously scouted."
Another agreed: "Just an ordinary lad with 95m views on YouTube."
While a third commented: "Another well known person auditioning for #BGT."
Akshat Singh
8
Akshat Singh had already made a name for himself before joining BGT
Credit: Rex Features
Schoolboy Akshat Singh from Mumbai, India, pumped up the crowd with his energetic dance routine and feel good catch-phrase.
He received Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer for 2019 - but fans weren't happy after learning of his TV fame.
Akshat was already a well-known dancer, having first come into the spotlight in Bengali dance reality show: Dance Bangla Dance.
Following this, he participated in India's Got Talent where he became an overnight sensation.
Further appearances included India's Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and the Ellen DeGeneres show in America.
One viewer wrote: "The kids b****y already famous! Recognise him as soon as I see him wasn't even that good to be given the golden buzzer".
Another shared: "What a waste of Ant and Decs Golden Buzzer. A movie star etc saw him do same routine on Ellen last year.
"As usual the seem to think the great viewing public are dim and can't spot a plant act."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
I hope Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac saw what I did in Wrexham loss – they must spend again
I hope Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac saw what I did in Wrexham loss – they must spend again Wrexham's frailties were there for their Hollywood owners to see in person as they slumped to a 3-2 defeat at home to West Brom - and it will require them to spend again Our Wrexham man Liam had a similar expression to Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds as Wrexham shipped three at home (Image: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock) Wrexham's defensive frailties were laid bare for all to see as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at home to West Brom in the Championship on Saturday. As I caught a glimpse at the frustrated expression on the players' faces from my seat in the Macron Stand after the final whistle, it was hard not to wonder what the club's celebrity co-owners made of it all. Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac jetted in for Wrexham's first home game in the second tier for 43 years and the pair were all smiles as they walked round the pitch before kick off. After notching an impressive three promotions in a row, manager Phil Parkinson has been well-backed by the two actors during the summer transfer window. High profile signings like Welsh international trio Danny Ward, Kieffer Moore and Nathan Broadhead have been made to help Wrexham compete in the Championship. Broadhead became the latest player to break the club's transfer record when his arrival from Ipswich Town was announced on Thursday in a deal reportedly worth up £10million. Most of the talk I heard in the city centre pubs in the build-up to the match was about the quality the 27-year-old forward would bring to the table. In fact, such was the buzz surrounding the move that even Deadpool star Reynolds admitted to ITV that he felt nervous before meeting him. Despite Wrexham suffering a late collapse in their opening tie away at Southampton last week, the co-owners must therefore have been excited to see what their money had bought. The early signs were promising as the Red Dragons looked like a team capable of giving an established Championship side a decent contest. Moore's performances have been an early highlight for Wrexham since the striker joined from Sheffield United for £2m, with his physical presence suiting Parkinson's system down the ground. Article continues below Kieffer Moore's performances have been an early season highlight for Wrexham (Image: Adam Fradgley/West Brom via Getty) He was lively in the early stages against West Brom, with former Sheffield Wednesday man Josh Windass providing the perfect foil alongside him up front. However, Wrexham were dealt a blow in the 20th minute as Isaac Price put the away side in front after Tom Fellows beat James McClean for pace on the wing. Ten minutes later, they suffered another setback as Windass had to be taken off with a hamstring injury. It meant Reynolds and Mac got the chance to catch a proper glimpse of Broadhead in action after he was brought on to replace him. Wrexham equalised shortly before half time as Lewis O'Brien netted his first goal for the club after the Baggies failed to clear their lines. And Broadhead came agonisingly close to scoring on his debut just after the restart as he fired a chance wide. That was as good as it got for Parkinson's side as mistakes at the back marred the occasion. There were groans around me as former Leicester goalkeeper Ward was beaten at his near post by Jed Wallace, who restored West Brom's advantage in the 74th minute. Wrexham were left to rue some poor defending against West Brom (Image: Adam Fradgley/West Brom via Getty) Ward was a surprise inclusion for the league opener against Southampton as many supporters expected Wrexham's established No. 1, Arthur Okonkwo, to start in goal. The ex-Arsenal youngster enjoyed a record-breaking campaign last season, managing 19 league clean sheets as his team gained promotion from League One. Ward, meanwhile, came with less than rave reviews from his time at Leicester. Wrexham were undone again seven minutes later following some suspect defending, as Price grabbed his second, heading home a cross from Mikey Johnston. There were gleeful chants of "F*** Hollywood" from the away supporters as they savoured the moment. Substitute Sam Smith grabbed a late consolation, but Wrexham are without a point on the board after their opening two games. For all the owners' spending, one area their team is lacking experience is at the heart of defence. Summer signing Conor Coady is the one exception, given his Premier League pedigree. Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. But neither of the other two starting centre-backs on Saturday, Lewis Brunt and Max Cleworth, had played a single minute in the Championship before this season. Of course, it's still early days for Wrexham and with nine new faces, it was always going to take time for them to gel. Article continues below There have been flashes of their potential, particularly in attack, meaning there's no need to press the panic button. Parkinson has plenty of credit in the bank and switching Ward for Okonkwo may solve some issues. However, the biggest worry is in defence, and I hope Reynolds and Mac flew home realising the need to shore up that backline. The West Brom defeat was a harsh reminder that errors will be punished heavily in the Championship. This is by far the biggest step up that Wrexham have made on their meteoric rise. Despite their significant outlay to date, the Tinseltown duo will still need to fork out more, especially if they want to turn their long-term ambition of reaching the Premier League into a reality.
Western Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Servants' bells and car from Downton Abbey among props and costumes at auction
Fans will be able to purchase a dress worn by the late Dame Maggie Smith, who starred in the ITV programme's six series and two of its films as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham. Other lots include the wedding dress Michelle Dockery wore as Lady Mary Crawley when she married Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), the distinctive bell wall from the servants' hall, and the Grantham family car, a 1925 Sunbeam Saloon. Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery Laura Carmichael and Allen Leech starred in Downton Abbey on TV and film (PA) The car, which auction house Bonhams say is one of about 45 of the vehicles which survive, has an estimated sale price of £25,000 to £35,000. A script from series one, episode one, signed by cast members including Dame Maggie, Hugh Bonneville and Samantha Bond, is listed for an estimated £600 to £800. The set pieces, props and costumes will be on display at a free exhibition at Bonhams sale room in New Bond Street, central London, frin Monday until September 16. Highclere Castle in Hampshire, where Downton Abbey was filmed (PA) Proceeds from the auction will go to Together for Short Lives, a charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. 'The world of Downton Abbey is beloved around the globe for its rich, timeless storytelling,' Gareth Neame, the show's executive producer said. 'These iconic set items hold a special place in that history, and we are proud to see them help support the vital work of Together for Short Lives.' The auction is available for bidding online from Monday at
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Live and Kicking's Emma Forbes now from surprise new career to health transformation
After bagging a job in the cooking slot on the BBC 's hit children's series Going Live!, Emma Forbes had secured her place on the nation's TV screens and in its heart. Finding fame on the popular show, presented by Phillip Schofield and Sarah Greene, she then went on to co-host the replacement Saturday morning kids' programme Live & Kicking for three years with John Barrowman and TV stalwart Andi Peters, who has just floored This Morning fans by revealing his real age. It was a huge hit thanks to its entertainment sections, big-name celebrity interviews and games the presenters joined in on. As well as her hosting talent, fresh-faced Emma was known for her beauty. She was represented by Storm Models - the agency which discovered supermodels Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne. It comes after one huge TV star looks completely unrecognisable as she reveals latest facelift ITV makes major decision on I'm A Celebrity's future after talks with officials Richard Osman reveals axed Ant and Dec show was 'expensive car crash' In 1996 she was voted number 64 in FHM mag's 100 Sexiest Women poll. Famed for being well-groomed with lusciously thick locks, Emma became the face of shampoo brand Head & Shoulders. She followed in her mother - actress Nannette Newman's - footsteps when she hosted a revival of panel show What's My Line. Nannette had been a regular panelist on the 70s version. Emma also voiced Mummy Hippo in animated infant favourite, Peppa Pig. As well as her TV credits, Emma has worked extensively on radio. She co-hosted the Heart Breakfast Show alongside Jonathan Coleman and presented BBC Radio 2 shows with Mark Radcliffe and Alan Carr as well as having her own Sunday morning show. In 2018 the broadcaster and her banker husband Graham Clempson sold their £25 million home in Chelsea, London, and moved to New York. The couple, who married in 1987, have two children together, which is why Emma stepped away from her TV career. They are now grown up and have moved out of their parents' house in East Hampton. Emma previously spoke about the family's move to the US and said she'd always loved America. "We've always had a connection with it," she told Hello!. "I find it an exciting place to live, it ignites my feeling of anything is possible, and it felt right for part two of life with my two children, one on each coast, to be nearer them. So with my own family here that makes it feel like home, and we've created a life that works for us all here." These days Emma works alongside her fashion designer daughter Lily Clempson and is obsessed with improving her own lifestyle as well as that of others. On her Instagram page she describes herself as a, "trained holistic wellness & nutrition coach with a passion for cooking & healthy lifestyle". It's something she became personally invested in around 2011 as she noticed her body change and wanted to lose stubborn belly, back and bottom fat. She spent the next 18 months turning herself around with an exercise and diet programme. In 2013 when she was snapped looking incredible in a swimsuit on the beach in Barbados, she spoke about her new regime. Emma revealed she was following the 'clean and lean' advice of celebrity trainer James Duigan, whose clients included Elle Macpherson. "I've always been a healthy eater - I used to start the morning with a big bowl of muesli, and snack on bananas and crackers," she told the Mail."I didn't know what I was doing wrong, or why I was flabby. "James explained that my diet was actually too healthy. I was eating so much fruit and so many vegetables that I got hungry easily - and was tempted to reach for a muffin or some biscuits to stave off the hunger pangs." James told her to cut back on the sugary fruit and carbohydrates and eat more protein. Emma believes it reshaped her body and changed the way she ate forever. She also introduced an exercise programme, despite loathing it. "With the help of a personal trainer, I started a regime. My aim was to work my core muscles and tone my legs and arms. I'm very disciplined. I have three, one-hour sessions a week when I do everything from stomach crunches to weight lifting," she said. Speaking on the Lorraine show in 2019, she assured the public she hadn't ever had any tweakments or work done to maintain her youthful appearance: "There's no plastic surgery going on here! I'm not judgmental of people that do it, but I am that person that it would go horribly wrong on, so I'm too frightened and I just don't do it," she said. During the interview she also discussed how the menopause had affected her, saying it had made her worry irrationally. "It's caused terrible anxiety and a loss of confidence. And anxiety over ridiculous things," she said. She revealed that she was on body identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help with her symptoms. Just after Covid, in 2021, Emma launched a lifestyle podcast, Life and Soul, in which she spoke to celebrities and professionals about how they coped with the pandemic and what they did to make themselves feel good. Guests included people she admired, such as cooking legend Prue Leith, former Loose Women host Andrea McClean and This Morning 's Dr Zoe Williams.
