BGT 2025 updates: Simon Cowell wowed by Post Office scandal choir as KSI presses his golden buzzer for singer
SIMON Cowell couldn't hide his emotion as Hear Our Voice, a group made of people directly affected by the Post Office scandal, belted their hearts out and earned four big yeses from the judges.
The Britain’s Got Talent judges were left emotional this Saturday evening as they met the group, with lead judge Simon calling what had happened to them as "disgusting".
Taking to the stage, choir member Tim told the judges: “We only meet up when we were going through terrible times, and we wanted to put something together that gave us some joy.”
Looking very sympathetic, Simon commented: “What happened I think was just shocking and I really hope that you win this battle because it was disgusting how you were all treated, I mean seriously, disgusting.”
Another member, Jess said: “We're just a very big family that have got together to let our voices out and let the world know that we're all going to get through this fight.”
Simon added: “And win.”
It was an incredible night for the show, as part-time judge KSI hit the Golden Buzzer for singer Stacey Leadbetter. The supermarket worker wowed the crowd with her rendition of Run, originally by Snow Patrol.
With the audience practically demanding a judge press the Golden Buzzer for her, KSI decided to give in and reward the mum-of-one, taking her straight through to the semi-finals.
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‘KSI was like a rabbit out of a trap’
BGT’s long-standing judge Amanda Holden has shared her impression of new panelist KSI.
Amanda believes the new face will attract more attention to the show on social media.
She said: “KSI was like a rabbit out of a trap.
“He was brilliant and just ran up on stage to take part in some of the acts and it took the pressure off us.
“There are a couple of moments with him that I think will go viral, and Simon seems to volunteer quite often now too.”
Simon no longer finds ‘superstars’ on BGT
Simon Cowell’s search for Britain’s Got Talent superstars has fallen down his pecking order in favour of acts such as pole-dancing seagulls.
Now, Simon says ahead of the new series he is looking for weird talent that can create high-flying moments for YouTube.
The head judge, 65, explained: “My outlook on things has changed since series one. When I first started it was like, ‘You’ve got to find a superstar.’
“And, of course, we always hope we will find someone who’s going to have a mega, mega, mega career.
“At the same time, whether you’re in magic, comedy or dance, where else are you going to showcase yourself to a huge audience and have that kind of, what I call, a ‘moment’? No other TV show does that.”
Simon’s near-death experience
Simon Cowell has revealed the terrifying moment he feared he would DIE during a Britain’s Got Talent audition.
The 65-year-old music mogul will lay on the floor in the upcoming series while a BGT hopeful smashes watermelons with a mallet just inches from his head.
In a trailer for the new series, Amanda and Alesha looked very worried as they screamed while Simon lay on the floor.
A member of the health and safety team then rushed onto the stage to stop the act.
When Simon stood up, he exclaimed: “Are you f***ing crazy?”
Simon faces abuse from audience
Simon Cowell has had a fair bit of flak over the years, but it reached new levels at the Britain’s Got Talent auditions in Blackpool.
The production team found the recording of the show at the Winter Gardens was constantly interrupted by rowdy hecklers.
Despite being booed and called “an old fart”, the media mogul remained unfazed in the face of abuse.
An insider said: “Simon isn’t vain in that way and found the heckling absolutely hilarious — even when they were calling him an old fart.
“He loves having BGT in Blackpool precisely because the crowds are so raucous and enthusiastic.
“And he knows that sometimes he might be on the receiving end of their passion.”
Viewers fume over international acts
BRITAIN’S Got Talent has been plunged into a new ‘fix’ row, with viewers fuming over another international act making it through the auditions.
Saturday night’s episode featured the Japanese dance troupe Cheers Re Man making it through after wowing the judges and audience.
While many fans praised their performances, others took to social media to question why the acts weren’t from the UK.
The show has never hidden the fact that auditions are open to everyone, regardless of experience or nationality, with all contestants given the same chance to impress the judges and viewers.
However, some fans were less than pleased, with one writing under a post on the show’s official Instagram: “What’s the point in calling it ‘Britain’s’ Got Talent?”
Another added: “BRITAIN’S Got Talent???!!” while a third quipped: “Welcome to Global Got talent.”
Over on X, formerly Twitter, one viewer fumed: “Once again it should be called worlds got talent ! Keep it British.”
KSI on joining BGT
Although for a short while, KSI will be judging BGT contestants during the auditions.
The YouTube sensation talked about his excitement to be joining the fan-favourite show.
He said: “I’m so excited to be a guest judge for BGT. When I got the call up, I couldn’t believe it. I remember watching old BGT episodes and going from being amazed to laughing my a**e off. I’m buzzing to see all the fresh new talent, and I’ll be sure to leave a mark.”
Where’s David?
Longstanding fans of BGT might remember David Walliams on the judging panel.
He was a mainstay on BGT for a decade but unexpectedly quit the show in 2022.
His decision to quit the ITV show came after a transcript of comments he made about contestants during a break in filming were made public.
After David stepped down, former Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli landed the ITV prime-time job.
Away from BGT, David reunited with his Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas for a new comedy project.
ITV faces Ofcom complaints
Last weekend the ITV competition returned to television screens up and down the country – but despite the family-friendly show thrilling viewers on Saturday night, it also infuriated some.
It has now been revealed that more than 700 viewers logged complaints to the regulator about the show overall.
The vast majority of complaints were about Auzzy Blood’s routine – with the number published as 680.
Meanwhile, around 90 of the complainants were about nudity in Akira Ohashi’s routine.
Akira left viewers open-jawed as he showcased his naked act on Saturday night – although not everyone was impressed.
Amanda Holden blasted by viewers
YouTuber and part-time BGT judge hit the Golden Buzzer for supermarket worker Stacey Leadwater during Saturday night's show.
However, fellow judge Amanda Holden came under fire from viewers over a comment she made to the contestant.
As the mum-of-one explained that she worked at a supermarket selling cooked chickens, Amanda replied: "Oh do you, brilliant. Oh my goodness, Stacey, so this is very different from cooking chickens."
After scoring her Golden Buzzer and leaving the stage, Amanda was heard chatting to her fellow judges and said: "Isn't that amazing that she just works on a counter. You don't expect that."
Viewers watching at home took to X, formerly Twitter, to moan about Amanda's words. One person wrote: "Isn’t that amazing that she just works on the counter.” Amanda pitying people for having normal jobs."
Britain’s Got Talent’s biggest ‘fix’ rows
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 act…and put him through to the next round.
Loren Allred – 2022: The 2022 series of BGT was hit with another controversy when singer Loren Allred also received a Golden Buzzer. She performed Never Enough from the smash hit musical movie The Greatest Showman and got a standing ovation. It later transpired Loren was actually the original voice behind the track.
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.
BRIT AWARDS is next! Don't go anywhere...
Celebrate the best of British musical talent next on ITV1 with the legendary Brit Awards. With performance from former Little Mix member JADE, American singers Shaboozey and Teddy Swims, British singer Myles Smith and British group The Last Dinner Party.
Keeping the cause alive with joy
Four and a half thousand yeses from Simon, Alesha, Amanda and Bruno and the audience!
The choir are through. What a moving and emotional performance!
Post Office choir
Well, this is something different. All the people in the choir were directly affected by the Post Office scandal. These people have already been through so much. It must have been so supportive and rewarding to have a network like this to lean on.
Simon is obviously horrified by the case and is fully on their side. He wants them to win their legal case.
The two lead vocalists had great voices; it was a shame the rest of them couldn't be heard quite as well. Still, it was a very moving performance.
WOW!
These guys are incredible! What's going on? There are so many of them, too. Those flips, they're like very smartly dressed cheerleaders.
The crowd LOVE them! Only Simon doesn't look completely convinced. Will he love them too? Yes, hands up!
That was extraordinary. Wow indeed! Amanda says she's never seen anything like it and Bruno says it was 'sensational'.
'As close to perfection' - what high praise from Simon! WOW, WOW, WOW! Cheer Re Mans is through to the next round.
'Nuts but brilliant'
Alesha thinks it's 'genius,' calling it 'right up [her] street'. Bruno can't believe he was laughing at it. Must be a riot at his house.
With four yeses from the judges, the audience seems happy, but viewers at home aren't convinced. Will Lazy Generation have to pull out all the stops to win people over next time?
Something different
Hello Lazy Generation, early 00s called, wants its Jacka** back. What is going on!? Surely this hasn't been seen on BGT before.
The judges seem to like it, the audience likes it. Everyone at home seems torn. Do they have what it takes to get through?
You know it will be good when they say 'don't try this at home'. Ant says he's 'invigorated'.
Blindfolded treadmill action. This isn't like your usual gym workout. It won't be long before this is a trendy celeb workout.
What in the Blackpool is this?
This is a family show, Sea Gull! It's giving scraps.
Four nos from the judges, see you later, birdie!
Bruno is back...
Fred from SE London, what's he going to do?
Oh. Simon isn't impressed. Straight with the buzzer. Was that the quickest 'no' in the history of BGT? Ant and Dec seem to think so.
'Like a cat horror film soundtrack' - Simon Cowell.
Four nos, sorry, Fred!
GOLDEN BUZZER FOR STACEY!!
WOW!! Stacey got the Golden Buzzer from KSI! The audience wanted it, chanting and demanding, the audience got it.
KSI calls her incredible. What a night for Stacey. Simon says she 'nailed it'. Hopefully, this will be a confidence boost for Stacey like Simon says, because she absolutely smashed it.
See you at the Semi Finals, Stacey! You deserve it!!
Sing for your supper
Stacey might be more used to cooking chickens in a supermarket than singing in front of a live audience but she is killing it!
Her family is so proud! Her voice is stunning, what a pitch! G'waaaan, Stacey!
'The Chicken lady She defo has the voice' YESSSS! The Chicken Lady, that's going to stick.
Stacey is hitting all of the right notes. What a vocalist! Even Simon looks impressed. KSI is dumbstruck.
She absolutely smashed it! This is what BGT is all about.
What a pudding!
Does anyone else have a dream that they're made entirely of Yorkshire Puddings?
How long did it take to make the puddings for the costume? What is going on?
I would let KSI eat my Yorkshire Pudding. The audience seemed to like him.
Did Dec just have that gravy ready?
KSI is baaaaack!
Yeahhhh! The YouTuber was such a breath of fresh air last week. Can he stay for every show? Viewers certainly seem to want him to.
Binita left Alesha Dixon 'speechless'
Four yeses! Her family must be so proud. What an incredible little girl! She's going to the final for sure!
Viewers on social media are wondering why she didn't get the Golden Buzzer. What's a girl got to do?
Pink princess house
Eight-years-old? Speaking in front of an audience? Bineta is already amazing.
As Ant says, she's really good! Binita is INCREDIBLE! Someone give the girl the golden buzzer, surely?
Someone on X just commented: "An amazing dance routine! Think we have an early contender for the winner in this little girl!"
Binita is amazing! Are we seeing the winner already?
Roar-some!
I mean, it was different! Kids will like it, Simon, you're right.
Plus, they're making a Barney live-action this year, so dinosaurs are not extinct as one might think. Four yeses! Wahoooo!
