Britain's Got Talent fans fume over Alesha Dixon's rouge golden buzzer decision

Daily Mirror

19-05-2025

Britain's Got Talent fans were left divided as judge Alesha Dixon gave the golden buzzer to semi-finalist Joseph Charm, with some taking to Twitter to say they were 'upset'
Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon left fans with mixed feelings after she awarded the golden buzzer to semi-finalist Joseph Charm. This year's semi-finals saw a significant shift as they introduced the golden buzzer into the live shows for the first time ever - allowing an act to be sent directly to the final.
The golden buzzer was first introduced in 2014, and two of the acts that year made it to the final. Now, judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli will have another chance to see their favourite acts in the final stages of the competition, hoping to secure them the win.
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During Sunday's (May 18) semi-final, which aired a day later due to the Eurovision final, it was judge Alesha Dixon who had the power. As acts Hear Our Voice, Idolls, Joseph Charm, Max Fox, Maya Giotea, Obsequious, Papi and TK Magic took to the stage, any one of them could have received the buzzer.
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While Papi received the red buzzers, it was comedian Joseph Charm who won Alesha over with his hilarious and relatable routine. In an emotional moment for the comedian, Alesha led his mum over to the golden buzzer as they pressed it together.
Joseph's routine was definitely worthy of the fast-track to the final, but some viewers felt as though an act earlier on missed out on a potential place in the final.
Idolls are a Japanese dance troupe whose performance scared but simultaneously impressed the judges and viewers. Fans of the show took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their disappointment that Idolls didn't receive the golden buzzer from Alisha. One tweeted: "Idolls deserved that golden buzzer. What a cool act".
Another shared a similar sentiment, saying: "Alicia should have idolls golden buzzer. No way they will get through otherwise". Meanwhile, someone else posted: "mping out in front of the judges was genius! I love #Idolls ! ! They should of got golden buzzer!".
On the other hand, some viewers were thrilled for the comedian, with one commenting: "OMG, that was such a heartwarming moment! Alesha hitting the Golden Buzzer for Joseph Charm with his mum's help had me tearing up!".
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Another also celebrated, tweeting: "My guy Joseph Charm got the golden buzzer".
Elsewhere on Sunday night's show, the Britain's Got Talent judges slammed politicians for failing the Post Office subpostmasters that were wrongfully penalised after faulty technology was introduced to track and monitor books.
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On Sunday night, the Hear Our Voice choir, made up of people affected by the Post Office scandal, took to the stage. The group performed to huge cheers from the live studio audience, and impressed judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Amanda Holden. Following the emotional performance, the judges hit out at politicians both from the past and present day for failing the subpostmasters.
Bruno addressed the Hear Our Voice choir and said: "It comes from my heart, the ordeal, the injustice you've been subjected to is unimaginable. The power that be, whoever they are, make it right, right now, it cannot go on forever, it's totally ridiculous."
Alesha called for Bruno to be made Prime Minister following his comments and added she was "thrilled" that the group had one another for support. While Amanda said: "You turn something so awful, such a traumatic experience, into something so joyful. If Keir Starmer wants to do something and make a difference as a Prime Minister, do it now!"
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Head judge Cowell then shared his own anger over the scandal - and suggested politicians of the past have a lot to answer for. He said: "I'm not being political here. I think the people (in power) at the time were disgusting to you. And the fact is, this is still an ongoing story, and I really hope that this performance reminds people that there are still thousands of people out there who need justice.
"And actually, seriously, they should watch the drama, which I did again, because this story is horrendous, and I have so much admiration for all of you, every one of you, for coming out here and turning something genuinely miserable into something, I suppose, positive, and is keeping your story alive, which is really, really important."
The group were then voted through to the live final following votes from the public - with the group leaping for joy on stage as the result was revealed. One member of the group told host Ant McPartlin: "Thank you judges. Thank you to the families. And thank you to the public."