Britain’s Got Talent viewers call for immediate rule change after Amanda Holden decision

The first two contestants have been confirmed for the final next month

Britain’s Got Talent viewers had to wait until the final act of the semi-final to see who would be granted a direct pass to the final by receiving a golden buzzer from one of the judges. Amanda Holden was chosen by Ant and Dec to be in charge of the buzzer this evening.

After a number of performances without Amanda using the buzzer, other judges and the studio audience started to ask questions about when it would be hit. Ant and Dec were quick to point out it hadn’t been used after each act finished.

The Heart Breakfast presenter eventually slammed the buzzer when Filipino singer Matty Juniosa performed Dream On by Aerosmith. The 27-year-old, who currently lives in Glasgow and works as a waiter, received all positive comments from the judges.

Alesha Dixon said: “I don’t know what to say, you are just effortlessly sensational. Those high notes are so sweet, it is lovely to sit back and relax and enjoy. That was a masterclass. Well done.”

Amanda Holden said to the audience: “You might need to hear this. I asked the producers if I do not press my golden buzzer what happens and they said ‘it goes to the audience’, but I am not going to let that happen.”

The golden confetti came down as Amanda sent the first act of the series through to May’s live final. However, some fans of the talent show have called for the buzzer to be scrapped or used differently.

On X, one user said: “Don’t agree with this allocated Golden Buzzer system. If there’s nothing worth buzzing for a judge shouldn’t be forced to press for the last act of the day or lose their chance to buzz.”

Another complaint said: “Should be no golden buzzer on live shows. Predictable as usual, we all knew what was coming.” Other viewers agreed “Do think they need to scrap the golden buzzer for the live shows.”

A similar post was: “They need to remove that golden buzzer from the show, so much better without it, if nothing else it’ll shut the stupid crowd up to press it after every act.”

Joining Matty Juniosa in the final is Anastasiia and her dog Salsa, after the public vote saw the other contestants head home. Christy Coysh was runner-up for his comedy performance. Two acts can get into the final from each of the five semi-finals, either by winning the public vote or receiving the singular golden buzzer.

The winner of BGT will take home a prize of £250,000 and will also be given the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the royal family.