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Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BGT star fuels fix claims as he reveals he was told what to perform in devastating semi-final loss
A BRITAIN'S Got Talent star has fuelled fix claims after suggesting he was told what to perform in the semi-final - before failing to progress to the next round. It comes after he teased he could well still secure a spot in the ITV show final in a shock return after teasing a "wildcard" place. 6 Britain's Got Talent's Max Fox has sparked speculation of a show 'fix' Credit: Instagram / @bgt 6 He failed to get through to the final after performing My Way for a second time Credit: ITV 6 The Blackpool lad suggested he was told what to sing in the semi final stage Credit: Instagram / @maxfoxuk Vocalist Max Fox has been at the centre of attention on BGT this season after he was given the chance to audition when he begged head judge Simon Cowell to let him get up on stage. He cheekily shouted to him from his seat in the audience when he jumped up during a break in auditions. After he attracted Simon's attention, the crowd demanded a Golden Buzzer moment when he performed Frank Sinatra hit My Way, and it was judge Amanda Holden who obliged. Yet he missed out on a place in the final, coming second in the public vote, after belting out My Way for a second time, but adding a twist. His near miss came despite the fact his tune had Simon and Amanda on their feet for a standing ovation. Now Max has taken to his Instagram grid to hint he was given advice on what to belt out. In a text post, he wrote: "I took the advice ... but haven't shown you the best of me yet. "After 19 years of trying I finally had my moment. I got the Golden Buzzer, the public rallied behind me, and I had stepped into the semi final ready to show something new. "But I was advised - by people who know this industry inside out - to revisit My Way. Britain's Got Talent fans left fuming as Golden Buzzer twist is revealed "And of course, I took their expert advice. "After all, they've shaped careers and know what works on a stage like that. But deep down I knew I had much more to give. I still do." Max continued: "All I've ever wanted is to show people the very best version of me - and I don't feel like I've done that yet. Not fully. "If the wildcard's still up for grabs I'm ready. No safety nets this time - just the performance I've been waiting my whole life to give. "I'm ready to double 160million views and give the performance of my life." BGT's Best Golden Buzzer Moments BGT have handed out many Golden Buzzer's over the years, can you remember some of the most famous Loren Allred - Loren Allred, 32, from Brooklyn, New York jetted to London to audition after recording the vocals for The Greatest Showman. The stunning singer got a standing ovation and a Golden Buzzer from the judges as she delivered a stirring rendition of Never Enough from the popular film. Loren came out on stage and revealed to the judges they would have heard her voice many times before that moment. "I was hired to record the vocals for The Greatest Showman as a guide for the actors to know how to sing the songs," she explained. Loren then revealed actress Rebecca Ferguson was so stunned by her singing that she decided to let her vocals be heard in the movie. "So she lip-synced," Loren said. - Loren Allred, 32, from Brooklyn, New York jetted to London to audition after recording the vocals for The Greatest Showman. The stunning singer got a standing ovation and a Golden Buzzer from the judges as she delivered a stirring rendition of Never Enough from the popular film. Loren came out on stage and revealed to the judges they would have heard her voice many times before that moment. "I was hired to record the vocals for The Greatest Showman as a guide for the actors to know how to sing the songs," she explained. Loren then revealed actress Rebecca Ferguson was so stunned by her singing that she decided to let her vocals be heard in the movie. "So she lip-synced," Loren said. Chicken Shed Theatre Company - Comprised of individuals aged between 5 and 37, the group was set up to welcome anyone irrespective of background to get up on stage and perform and fulfil their dream. Chicken Shed prides itself on accepting anyone and does not hold auditions to make the group a safe and inclusive space. The group wowed as they performed Wonder by Naughty Boy featuring Emeli Sande. It meant that Alesha wasted no time as she decided to hit her golden buzzer for the young performers. She told them it was her "honour" to reward their inclusiveness with her golden buzzer. - Comprised of individuals aged between 5 and 37, the group was set up to welcome anyone irrespective of background to get up on stage and perform and fulfil their dream. Chicken Shed prides itself on accepting anyone and does not hold auditions to make the group a safe and inclusive space. The group wowed as they performed Wonder by Naughty Boy featuring Emeli Sande. It meant that Alesha wasted no time as she decided to hit her golden buzzer for the young performers. She told them it was her "honour" to reward their inclusiveness with her golden buzzer. The Dancing Granny - Granny Paddy Jones and her professional partner Niko Espinosa first hit headlines when they won the Spanish talent show Tú sí que vales in 2009, before going on to appear on Britain's Got Talent in 2014 where they came ninth. Amanda Holden was so impressed with Paddy that she gave her the Golden Buzzer, which sent them straight through to the semi-finals. But things took a worrying turn when Paddy cracked a rib while rehearsing a new move and her place on the show was under doubt. She was given the all-clear to perform in the end but didn't quite live up to expectations. - Granny Paddy Jones and her professional partner Niko Espinosa first hit headlines when they won the Spanish talent show Tú sí que vales in 2009, before going on to appear on Britain's Got Talent in 2014 where they came ninth. Amanda Holden was so impressed with Paddy that she gave her the Golden Buzzer, which sent them straight through to the semi-finals. But things took a worrying turn when Paddy cracked a rib while rehearsing a new move and her place on the show was under doubt. She was given the all-clear to perform in the end but didn't quite live up to expectations. Bars and Melody - They will forever be remembered for their anti-bullying song on the talent show. Bars and Melody were first seen on the 2014 series of Britain's Got Talent, getting shuttled into the semi-finals when Simon Cowell pressed his Golden Buzzer. They made it to the final thanks to a performance of I'll Be Missing You but lost out on the crown to Collabro. These days Charlie Lenehan - known as Melody - is covered in tattoos, with inkings on his neck, arms and chest. But he is as close as ever to co-star Leondre Devries - who is Bars - with the pair seen enjoying themselves in exotic locations all over the world. He finished off his message with a red Emoji love heart. The Sun has gone to BGT for comment. HUGE HINT? It isn't the first time the Blackpool lad has hinted he could feature in the final despite falling at the semi final hurdle. In another Instagram post he teased fans: "This might be the end of BGT for now… or maybe not - wildcard, anyone?' He finished by writing: 'But whatever happens next, I'm excited for the future and all the magic still to come. The dream's not over, it's only just beginning.' Reacting to his post, Britain's Got Talent fans told the act they'd vote for him as the Wild Card. One person wrote: 'If there was justice you would definitely the wildcard but overall you've come a long way this is just the beginning of something big for you Max.' A second penned: 'I'd defo vote for the wild card, you were absolutely amazing last night, so proud of you.' FAN FURY Max's post comes as BGT fans have called for a huge change to the programme after the show has been engulfed in 'fix' rows this season. The ITV programme has seen a schedule shake-up this year with semi-final shows airing on Saturday nights as opposed to stretched across one week. But that isn't the only format change to rock the talent contest. This year, during the live semi-finals, each judge has been given a golden buzzer which they are allowed to press once. Any act that receives the buzzer advances straight through to the final and does not face the public vote. In previous years, the act with the most viewer votes advances to the final with the acts in second and third place then standing before the judges as they each pick one of the two to send through to the final. However, the introduction of the live golden buzzer has not gone down well with fans - particularly after comedian Joseph Charm bagged the honour, with many fans suggesting he could be unworthy of it. Now, they are calling for the feature to be axed for next year in a stark move. 6 Max was initially given a Golden Buzzer by Amanda Holden Credit: Instagram / @bgt 6 Yet he told he was advised by 'people who know this industry inside out' to perform My Way for a second time at the semi stage Credit: Instagram / @maxfoxuk
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
BGT star fuels fix claims as he reveals he was told what to perform in devastating semi-final loss
A BRITAIN'S Got Talent star has fuelled fix claims after suggesting he was told what to perform in the semi-final - before failing to progress to the next round. It comes after he teased he could well still secure a spot in the ITV show final in a shock return after teasing a "wildcard" place. 6 6 Vocalist Max Fox has been at the centre of attention on BGT this season after he was given the chance to audition when he begged head judge Simon Cowell to let him get up on stage. He cheekily s houted to him from his seat in the audience when he jumped up during a break in auditions. After he attracted Simon 's attention, the crowd demanded a Golden Buzzer moment when he performed Frank Sinatra hit My Way, and it was judge Amanda Holden who obliged. Yet he missed out on a place in the final, coming second in the public vote, after belting out My Way for a second time, but adding a twist. His near miss came despite the fact his tune had Simon and Amanda on their feet for a standing ovation. Now Max has taken to his Instagram grid to hint he was given advice on what to belt out. In a text post, he wrote: "I took the advice ... but haven't shown you the best of me yet. "After 19 years of trying I finally had my moment. I got the Golden Buzzer, the public rallied behind me, and I had stepped into the semi final ready to show something new. "But I was advised - by people who know this industry inside out - to revisit My Way. Britain's Got Talent fans left fuming as Golden Buzzer twist is revealed "And of course, I took their expert advice. "After all, they've shaped careers and know what works on a stage like that. But deep down I knew I had much more to give. I still do." Max continued: "All I've ever wanted is to show people the very best version of me - and I don't feel like I've done that yet. Not fully. "If the wildcard's still up for grabs I'm ready. No safety nets this time - just the performance I've been waiting my whole life to give. "I'm ready to double 160million views and give the performance of my life." BGT's Best Golden Buzzer Moments BGT have handed out many Golden Buzzer's over the years, can you remember some of the most famous Loren Allred - Loren Allred, 32, from Brooklyn, New York jetted to London to audition after recording the vocals for The Greatest Showman. The stunning singer got a standing ovation and a Golden Buzzer from the judges as she delivered a stirring rendition of Never Enough from the popular film. Loren came out on stage and revealed to the judges they would have heard her voice many times before that moment. "I was hired to record the vocals for The Greatest Showman as a guide for the actors to know how to sing the songs," she explained. Loren then revealed actress Rebecca Ferguson was so stunned by her singing that she decided to let her vocals be heard in the movie. "So she lip-synced," Loren said. Chicken Shed Theatre Company - Comprised of individuals aged between 5 and 37, the group was set up to welcome anyone irrespective of background to get up on stage and perform and fulfil their dream. Chicken Shed prides itself on accepting anyone and does not hold auditions to make the group a safe and inclusive space. The group wowed as they performed Wonder by Naughty Boy featuring Emeli Sande. It meant that Alesha wasted no time as she decided to hit her golden buzzer for the young performers. She told them it was her "honour" to reward their inclusiveness with her golden buzzer. The Dancing Granny - Granny Paddy Jones and her professional partner Niko Espinosa first hit headlines when they won the Spanish talent show Tú sí que vales in 2009, before going on to appear on Britain's Got Talent in 2014 where they came ninth. Amanda Holden was so impressed with Paddy that she gave her the Golden Buzzer, which sent them straight through to the semi-finals. But things took a worrying turn when Paddy cracked a rib while rehearsing a new move and her place on the show was under doubt. She was given the all-clear to perform in the end but didn't quite live up to expectations. Bars and Melody - They will forever be remembered for their anti-bullying song on the talent show. Bars and Melody were first seen on the 2014 series of Britain's Got Talent, getting shuttled into the semi-finals when Simon Cowell pressed his Golden Buzzer. They made it to the final thanks to a performance of I'll Be Missing You but lost out on the crown to Collabro. These days Charlie Lenehan - known as Melody - is covered in tattoos, with inkings on his neck, arms and chest. But he is as close as ever to co-star Leondre Devries - who is Bars - with the pair seen enjoying themselves in exotic locations all over the world. He finished off his message with a red Emoji love heart. The Sun has gone to BGT for comment. HUGE HINT? It isn't the first time the Blackpool lad has hinted he could feature in the final despite falling at the semi final hurdle. In another Instagram post he teased fans: "This might be the end of BGT for now… or maybe not - wildcard, anyone?' He finished by writing: 'But whatever happens next, I'm excited for the future and all the magic still to come. The dream's not over, it's only just beginning.' Reacting to his post, Britain's Got Talent fans told the act they'd vote for him as the Wild Card. One person wrote: 'If there was justice you would definitely the wildcard but overall you've come a long way this is just the beginning of something big for you Max.' A second penned: 'I'd defo vote for the wild card, you were absolutely amazing last night, so proud of you.' FAN FURY Max's post comes as BGT fans have called for a huge change to the programme after the show has been engulfed in 'fix' rows this season. The ITV programme has seen a schedule shake-up this year with semi-final shows airing on Saturday nights as opposed to stretched across one week. But that isn't the only format change to rock the talent contest. This year, during the live semi-finals, each judge has been given a golden buzzer which they are allowed to press once. Any act that receives the buzzer advances straight through to the final and does not face the public vote. In previous years, the act with the most viewer votes advances to the final with the acts in second and third place then standing before the judges as they each pick one of the two to send through to the final. However, the introduction of the live golden buzzer has not gone down well with fans - particularly after comedian Joseph Charm bagged the honour, with many fans suggesting he could be unworthy of it. Now, they are calling for the feature to be axed for next year in a stark move. 6 6 6
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."
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The 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 8 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 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 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 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 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 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 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." Britain's Got Talent's biggest 'fix' rows Britain's Got Talent has been plagued with 'fix' rows over the years. How many of these do you remember? Jasmine Elcock - 2016: Teenage singer Jasmine Elcock stunned the nation with her version of Cher's Believe. But it then transpired she had already performed professionally in London's West End. Jasmine, 14, admitted: "I've performed in Annie in the West End at about the age of nine or 10, but I really get nervous." IrShad Shaikh - 2017: BGT fans were left questioning the rule book when IrShad Shaikh auditioned. He got four red buzzers from the judges, which would usually mean an instant dismissal. Yet in a strange turn of events, they let him continue with his put him through to the next round. Colin Thackery - 2019: Elderly war veteran Colin won BGT in 2019, but there was an outcry over the final. He warbled his place to win with a version of We'll Meet Again but fans were furious that escapologist Jonathan Goodwin didn't even rank in the top three. Viewers felt Jonathan - who almost suffocated while being buried alive in a gravel pit - should have won. Axel Blake - 2022: Comedian Axel Blake was given a Golden Buzzer in 2022 after making the judges laugh. But fans were fuming when they discovered Axel already had a show on worldwide streaming platform Amazon Prime. Despite this, Axel still went on to win the series. Taryn Charles - 2024: Singer Taryn Charles is one of this year's hopefuls lucky enough to receive the Golden Buzzer. Bruno Tonilio put her straight through to the semi-finals following her performance of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin, but it has now come to light that she is no stranger to TV. Viewers recognised Taryn from an episode of ITV1's Starstruck, where she impersonated Whitney Houston for judges Olly Murs, Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert and Beverley Knight.
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish 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 Advertisement 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 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. Advertisement Read more on BGT 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. Advertisement Most read in Reality Exclusive 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 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement "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, Advertisement 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 's Got Talent in her home country. The teen received a standing ovation after belting out another power ballad, this time 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." Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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." Advertisement 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 Advertisement Viewers watched comedian Axel Blake Axel impressed the judges with his audition routine - earning Simon's Fans were fuming when they learned the comedian 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 . Advertisement "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. Advertisement However, 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." Advertisement 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. Advertisement He 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. Advertisement 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." Britain's Got Talent's biggest 'fix' rows Britain's Got Talent has been plagued with 'fix' rows over the years. How many of these do you remember? Jasmine Elcock - 2016: Teenage singer Jasmine Elcock stunned the nation with her version of Cher's Believe. But it then transpired she had already performed professionally in London's West End. Jasmine, 14, admitted: "I've performed in Annie in the West End at about the age of nine or 10, but I really get nervous." IrShad Shaikh - 2017: BGT fans were left questioning the rule book when IrShad Shaikh auditioned. Colin Thackery - 2019: Elderly war veteran Colin won BGT in 2019, but Axel Blake - 2022: Comedian Axel Blake was given a Golden Buzzer in 2022 after making the judges laugh. But fans were fuming when they discovered Singer Taryn Charles is one of this year's hopefuls lucky enough to receive the Golden Buzzer. Bruno Tonilio put her straight through to the semi-finals following her performance of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by
