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Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
'It was electrifying': 10 Britain's Got Talent finalists on making to to the end
From an 11-year-old rocker to the first-ever drag finalist, Britain's Got Talent 2025 is ready to showcase incredible talent on reality TV's biggest stage for the grand finale. This year's judges – Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, KSI, Bruno Tonioli and Alesha Dixon – and the voting public have dished out Golden Buzzers, raucous applause and shed plenty of tears for the 10 acts who have made it to the final live show. Blood and sweat have gone into weeks of auditions and meticulous preparation, all leading up to this moment. Now we're finally here, as the Britain's Got Talent 2025 finalists – with the exception of a potential wildcard, who's expected to be revealed during Saturday night's final – tell Metro what it means to make it this far. Our first lot of finalists are made up of groups The Blackouts, Ping Pong Pang and Hear Our Voice, as well as drag queen Jasmine Rice, and singers Vinnie McKee and Stacey Leadbetter. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. They're joined by guitarist Olly Pearson, dancer Binita Chetry, magician Harry Moulding and comedian Joseph Charm, as each of the 10 finalists vie for the chance to win £250,000 and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance. Here's what they all had to say about competing in the Britain's Got Talent final when they spoke to Metro ahead of Saturday night's big show. New York-based drag artist Jasmine landed a coveted Golden Buzzer at the live semi-finals, which she described as an 'electrifying' moment. 'I went numb. I am kind of still in shock. The only word that I could use to describe that feeling is just 'bright',' she said. As an opera singer looking for her 'last chance' to make a mark on the industry, Britain's Got Talent has come at the perfect time to bolster her hopes of a flourishing career. And as the first ever drag queen to make it to the final, she doesn't underestimate the importance of this moment. 'I feel a heavy responsibility to really bring on the fabulosity and show what a real queen is like on stage,' the drag queen reflected. She added: 'It is just so special and so heartwarming. Especially in the US, I think it's a little bit more intense than the UK. When everyone just opens up their arms and says, 'You are here. We see you. Your existence is valid, and we appreciate you', it feels incredible. 'I think to show that on one of the biggest platforms in the world – love is empathy, tolerance and what music does for people and that we are all connected – it's really amazing.' Jasmine is certainly not the only person platforming a powerful social message at this year's competition. In fact, fellow finalists Hear Our Voice have received overwhelming public support as a choir made up of those impacted by the Post Office scandal. 'It's the best. Lots of us spent years not being believed, or feeling we had the world against us. It's so good to have the wave of public support behind us,' one of the group's members, Tim Bretnall, shared, adding they 'never dreamed we'd get this far'. They all shared a joyous moment together after discovering they had made it through. 'We were all gathered round the piano in the hotel, we might have got a little bit loud (sorry to anyone that we disturbed) but it was such a beautiful moment, singing our hearts out to each other in that moment of joy,' a singer in the group said. Britain's Got Talent is known for sharing incredibly moving backstories for the contestants, and that couldn't be more true for bingo caller-turned-stage singer Vinnie McKee, who wowed with his performance of The Proclaimers' song I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles). Vinnie was motivated to sign up in honour of his late brother and is filled with gratitude for how much this experience has changed his life. He explained: 'It was something that he always told me to do. And when I went on, I thought the words of the song really resonated with everything that we were all going through as a family as well. 'This has been a turning point for us as a family and for myself, because I thought this could be my last chance to prove myself, and I've worked so hard for it. It feels like a light at the end of a really dark tunnel.' Social media comedian turned Hammersmith Apollo stand-up Joseph Charm had his own reasons for getting emotional during his latest Britain's Got Talent performance when his mother was brought on stage to help push the Golden Buzzer. 'Genuinely, there's no one that deserves more in the world than that woman,'Joseph said of his mum. 'She's done so much to build up a life for us. She said to me if she passes away then just know that she would be happy. 'Just knowing what she's been through and experienced in life to give her that moment is magical. I've already won, to be honest with you,' he shared. Joseph is heading into the final with an optimistic ethos, explaining that he's 'had a lot of trolls' to deal with in the lead-up. 'I've had people who have been really upset and angry with the decision and [to that I say] they're okay to not necessarily rock with my humour. The most important thing is to just go out there and do what I do best, try my hardest to put a smile on people's faces.' There's been plenty of magical moments throughout this season – not least created by Blackpool magician Harry Moulding, who left the audience spellbound by ending his live show with a proposal between audience members Harry and Jess. The performer, who has been watching the show since he was seven, has truly made some lifetime memories after such a moving display – and takes the risk of something going wrong in his stride. '[The engaged couple] were just absolutely over the moon, majorly buzzing. Couldn't really believe what was happening. I was chatting to them yesterday [and] they've sent me an invite for the wedding, which is amazing news. 'With magic there's so many things that can go wrong. Especially doing it live on that scale. For me that all plays a big part in it. '[It] creates fun for me as a performer knowing that if one small element of this doesn't exactly go to plan then the whole payoff will be ruined.' No one understands the risks of live performances better than Italian group Ping Pong Pang, whose entire ping-pong-themed act relies on immense coordination. 'Our performances demand hours of practice and intense focus. One split second of distraction, and the ball doesn't go where it's supposed to,' member Patrizio Ratto explained. 'When we're on stage, we imagine it's just us, the ball, and the racket, and we try to stay 100% focused. But we're only human, so mistakes do happen. When they do, we always try to smile and keep going – that's part of the game.' The group, who pride themselves on being 'authentic and original' previously appeared in Italy's Got Talent but were ready to test their skill on an international stage. 'Britain's Got Talent was a leap into the unknown: we wanted to challenge ourselves beyond Italy's borders and see if our kind of craziness could resonate with an international audience. The response we received was absolutely amazing!' Rachel Ratto added. The LED light performance group from Switzerland, The Blackouts, are ready to bring their all for an awe-inspiring experience in the final. 'We're always going bigger, faster, better. We have a pile of ideas that we have had over the years, and now we are finally ready to give them a go, and we're very excited. There's a lot of surprises, of course, and new stuff that we're building for the show,' The Blackouts' Rafael shared. As former Switzerland's Got Talent and Germany's Got Talent contestants, now felt like the perfect time to bring all they have learnt to the Britain's Got Talent stage. 'It took a lot of years until we had all the technical things ready. Now it feels like this is the moment where we have a really great team. It's like a family. Now is our time,' Elias said. Superstore cafeworker and powerhouse vocalist Stacey Leadbeatter had to battle a nearly show-ending sore throat and push back against online trolls earlier in the series. Looking back on her journey, she has nothing but gratitude for those who have stood by her. '[I just thought] it's now or never. And obviously I just pushed loads of antibiotics. I just had to get myself sorted, religiously taking different sprays and lemon teas and stuff to try and soothe it a bit,' she said about her strategy to make it through the semi-final. In a message to her fans, she added: 'Obviously some of the comments were really hurtful and that was affecting me. 'Then, seeing all of the support and everyone backing me up, it was nice. It gave me that boost again from feeling low, because the comments I was receiving did take its toll on me at the time, and it managed to bring me out of it again.' Britain's Got Talent has been a life-changing experience for the contestants, especially for the younger finalists. Olly Pearson, 11, has wowed judges with his rock guitar skills playing Queen, AC/DC and Bon Jovi to name a few – with 'epic rock songs that everyone can play air guitar to' in the works for the finale. With ambitions to start his own band in the future, he is honoured to be inspiring other kids to pick up their instruments. 'Some kids have said they saw me on Britain's Got Talent and have started to play an instrument,' he shared. 'That is the best compliment someone could give – inspiring others. I think every kid should have the opportunity to play an instrument. Music makes everyone happy.' Elsewhere, dancer and gymnast Binita Chetry, 9, from Assam shared: 'I feel so strong and amazing. I'm so proud of myself. After being on the show I have learned nothing is too big or small, everything depends on your confidence.' The performer from Northeast India wowed judges with her acrobatic skills and was voted through to the final by the public. More Trending She has promised her finale performance will be '10 times stronger' than her last ones with hopes of 'performing around the world' one day. Former contestants like last year's winner, Sydnie Christmas, have inundated the finalists with heartwarming support and advice as they all prepare for life post-BGT. From grand ambitions to perform in Las Vegas or around the world to duetting with Susan Boyle and Celine Dion to just seeing where the future takes them – it looks as though they are all ready for whatever comes their way. View More » Britain's Got Talent airs the finals on ITV on Saturday, May 31 at 7pm. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Princess Andre, 17, fires back at critics after buying £25,000 car for herself MORE: 'Harrowing' crime drama boasting one of best British performances ever storms Netflix charts MORE: Full list of Coronation Street cast returns and exits coming in 2025
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
America's Got Talent Almost Didn't Air? Simon Cowell Explains Why
Since its debut in 2006, America's Got Talent has grown into a global brand. America's Got Talent (AGT) is one of the longest-running reality shows in television history. It became a stage where people from around the world could showcase their unique and sometimes unbelievable talents. Now, the show has kicked off its 20th season on NBC from May 27. But did you know it almost didn't make it to television at all? In a conversation with People to mark the show's milestone, Simon Cowell, who created and launched the show in 2006 and is also one of its judges, shared how AGT was close to being shelved before it even began. 'It was a very difficult show to sell actually, to be honest with you. Because we made a pilot and the pilot was dreadful, I mean really, really bad. So, it was dead," Cowell admitted. At the time, NBC called Cowell to ask about the new show. He had only seven minutes of footage which he described as 'just about watchable." Still, he took a chance. 'They called me and they said, 'What's this new show like?' And I went, 'Oh, it's brilliant.'" When they asked to see it, he invited them over. 'I just showed two minutes or three minutes of this show. And they loved it. They bought it. And that was it," Cowell said. He added, 'If they hadn't made that call or come to my house that day, we wouldn't be having this conversation today because the show, honestly, it was over." Since its debut in 2006, AGT has grown into a global brand. NBC went on to produce 20 seasons in the US while several spin-offs were launched in different parts of the world. For Cowell, AGT was more than just another show, it was something he had dreamt of for years. Growing up in the UK, he used to watch early versions of talent competitions. After being a judge on American Idol in the early 2000s, Cowell started thinking about something bigger. He enjoyed the experience but felt there could be a show that featured not just singers but all kinds of performers. 'It was a light bulb moment… and it evolved into what it is now," he said of AGT. Since then, AGT has gone through many changes. Golden Buzzers were introduced, and social media became a key part of the show. Most recently, season 20 will focus more on what happens behind the scenes. 'I've seen this sort of evolution over the years of how things have just gotten bigger and better, more creative. And that is a really, really good feeling when you see that. We always say it is the best job in the world doing this," Cowell said. America's Got Talent Season 20 airs every Tuesday at 8 PM ET/PT on NBC. First Published:
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Britain's Got Talent's full list of finalists revealed after tense last semi-final and Golden Buzzer fix row
Who will you be rooting for? ROYAL VARIETY Britain's Got Talent's full list of finalists revealed after tense last semi-final and Golden Buzzer fix row Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE FULL list of finalists on Britain's Got Talent has finally been revealed after a tense semi-final. The last live show before the forthcoming ITV grand finale of the talent variety competition was filled with controversies. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 Binita Chetry was the last finalist to be revealed for Britain's Got Talent Credit: ITV 8 Magician Harry Moulding caused controversy with his recent performance Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Hear Our Voice is a choir made up of victims of the Post Office Scandal Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Ten acts have made it through to the highly-anticipated final show of Britain's Got Talent. For the first time, all of the performers will face the public vote after a number of Golden Buzzers sent contestants straight through. The Blackouts, Olly Pearson, Jasmine Rice, Joseph Charm, and magician Harry Moulding were the acts to receive the five golden buzzers. The acts who won each of the semi-final shows were Vinnie McKee, Stacey Leadbeatter, Ping Pong Pang and Hear Our Voice. Eight-year-old singer Binita Chetry was the last artist announced to win the public vote. This comes as the long-running variety competition was engulfed with controversy over the 'biggest set up ever.' Harry Moulding claimed that he was "going to create a special moment of real magic for one person" at the start of his act. The performance was full of incredible tricks which involved pop star references and predictions before the live show. One contributor - who was also named Harry - appeared in a pre-recorded VT that was filmed in Paris. His girlfriend Jess was sat in the audience and she was 'randomly' chosen by the magician to come onto the stage. Britain's Got Talent fix row erupts as magic act is called 'biggest set up ever' after live marriage proposal At the end of the clip, Harry miraculously appeared in front of Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden and KSI. He got down on one knee and popped the question to his partner, who tearfully accepted. After KSI chose to send the act straight through to the final with his Golden Buzzer, droves of viewers took to social media as they claimed the show was 'rigged'. Writing on X - formerly known as Twitter - one fan fumed: "Cowell said this boring idiot is the frontrunner - so if he wins (despite everyone watching losing the will to live) you'll know that this trashy, s***** programme is fixed." Full list of BGT 2025 finalists THIS is the full list of finalists who will perform at the grand finale of the 2025 series of Britain's Got Talent Vinnie McKee The Blackouts Stacey Leadbeatter Olly Pearson Ping Pong Pang Jasmine Rice Joseph Charm Hear Our Voice Harry Moulding Binita Chetry A second claimed: "That was either an amazing magic trick or there was some absolute collusion going on there. Decent act but had to have been set up somehow." "What the f*** do they expect him to do for the final now?? Biggest fix ever, magic my bloody a***," furiously wrote someone else. As a fourth added: "Utterly rigged and the trick itself was too grand and ridiculous it shouldn't even be called magic. I know exactly how he did it, it was rigged." 8 Stacey Leadbeatter will battle to win the 18th series of Britain's Got Talent Credit: Rex 8 The winner will get to perform at the forthcoming Royal Variety Performance Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Joseph Charm was one of the acts to receive one of the judges Golden Buzzers Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Simon Cowell chose Olly Pearson to go straight through to the grand final Credit: Rex 8 The Blackouts were the first act to receive the Golden Buzzer in this year's semi-final Credit: Splash The final of Britain's Got Talent will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, May 31.
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Britain's Got Talent's full list of finalists revealed after tense last semi-final and Golden Buzzer fix row
THE FULL list of finalists on Britain's Got Talent has finally been revealed after a tense semi-final. The last live show before the forthcoming ITV grand finale of the talent variety competition was filled with controversies. Advertisement 8 Binita Chetry was the last finalist to be revealed for Britain's Got Talent Credit: ITV 8 Magician Harry Moulding caused controversy with his recent performance Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Hear Our Voice is a choir made up of victims of the Post Office Scandal Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Ten acts have made it through to the highly-anticipated final show of Britain's Got Talent. For the first time, all of the performers will face the public vote after a number of Golden Buzzers sent contestants straight through. The acts who won each of the semi-final shows were Advertisement READ MORE ON BGT Eight-year-old singer This comes as the long-running variety competition was engulfed with Harry Moulding claimed that he was "going to create a special moment of real magic for one person" at the start of his act. The performance was full of incredible tricks which involved pop star references and predictions before the live show. Advertisement Most read in News TV One contributor - who was also named Harry - appeared in a pre-recorded VT that was filmed in Paris. His girlfriend Jess was sat in the audience and she was 'randomly' chosen by the magician to come onto the stage. Britain's Got Talent fix row erupts as magic act is called 'biggest set up ever' after live marriage proposal At the end of the clip, Harry miraculously appeared in front of Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden and KSI. He got down on one knee and popped the question to his partner, who tearfully accepted. Advertisement After Writing on X - formerly known as Twitter - one fan fumed: "Cowell said this boring idiot is the frontrunner - so if he wins (despite everyone watching losing the will to live) you'll know that this trashy, s***** programme is fixed." Full list of BGT 2025 finalists THIS is the full list of finalists who will perform at the grand finale of the 2025 series of Britain's Got Talent Vinnie McKee The Blackouts Stacey Leadbeatter Olly Pearson Ping Pong Pang Jasmine Rice Joseph Charm Hear Our Voice Harry Moulding Binita Chetry A second claimed: "That was either an amazing magic trick or there was some absolute collusion going on there. Decent act but had to have been set up somehow." "What the f*** do they expect him to do for the final now?? Biggest fix ever, magic my bloody a***," furiously wrote someone else. Advertisement As a fourth added: "Utterly rigged and the trick itself was too grand and ridiculous it shouldn't even be called magic. I know exactly how he did it, it was rigged." 8 Stacey Leadbeatter will battle to win the 18th series of Britain's Got Talent Credit: Rex 8 The winner will get to perform at the forthcoming Royal Variety Performance Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Joseph Charm was one of the acts to receive one of the judges Golden Buzzers Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Advertisement 8 Simon Cowell chose Olly Pearson to go straight through to the grand final Credit: Rex 8 The Blackouts were the first act to receive the Golden Buzzer in this year's semi-final Credit: Splash The final of Britain's Got Talent will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, May 31.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Britain's Got Talent's most controversial golden buzzer acts of all time as fans beg ‘get rid of them!'
GOLDEN Buzzers on Britain's Got Talent have been a staple for over a decade - but some choices have proved controversial. 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. " 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."
