BGT star says 'it becomes mental torture' as he calls for U-turn on 'unfair' part of show

Edinburgh Live

18-05-2025

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Britain's Got Talent's first ever winner, Paul Potts, wants to see the back of red buzzers being used during the show's live performances.
Last week, musician RuMac didn't get the reaction he hoped for during his semi-final performance, after previously impressing judges with his rendition of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.
Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and Bruno Tonioli all pressed their red buzzers, as he performed his version of A-ha's Take On Me.
The 32-year-old managed to finish his performance, thanks to head judge Simon Cowell, who said he "loved it".
Sharing his thoughts on red buzzers being used during live shows, Paul, who won the show in 2007, believes it's time for producers to have a rethink.
Speaking in association with Sky Vegas, he argued: "There shouldn't be any red buzzers at this stage of the competition.
"We should be focusing on the positives and celebrating the talent that's made it this far."
He went on to question: "The golden buzzer is a great idea for highlighting standout acts – but the red buzzers?
"If we've chosen the finalists based on their ability, there really shouldn't be a need for them.
"And if there is a need for red buzzers in the live shows, then it raises the question, why are those acts in the final to begin with?".
The 54-year-old added: "There's a risk that if you include acts just for comedy or shock value, and then use the buzzers on them, it becomes mental torture – that's not fair.
"If something genuinely falls flat, the voting audience will make that clear without the need for red crosses. So, in my view, they're unnecessary at this stage."
Although RuMac didn't impress three of the judges, all four ended up giving him a standing ovation at the end.
Sharing his thoughts, Simon said "I think you and your agent are going to get a billion phone calls tomorrow for New Year's Eve to book you, because that is exactly the type of performance people love at a party.
(Image: ITV)
"I'm not a huge fan of that instrument, however, you played it really well and I loved it."
Reflecting on the judges' use of buzzers during the performance, Simon continued: "When they buzzed you, you just got faster and faster.
"Most people's heads would go down, but you just went for it. You did great."
Alesha added: "In the history of being on this show, that's the first time I have given someone a red buzzer and a standing ovation at the same time."
Despite earning applause from the audience, RuMac's journey on the show came to an end when he secured sixth place in the public vote.
(Image: ITV)
Dance group Ping Pong Pang were the winners of the night after receiving the highest public vote, while singer Jasmine Rice was awarded Bruno's golden buzzer.
These two acts will now compete for the overall win in the final, alongside Stacey Leadbeater, Vinnie McKee, Olly Pearson and The Blackouts, as well as the next two winners of tonight's semi-final.
Britain's Got Talent continues tonight at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.