Britain Got Talent Judges Breaks Golden Buzzer Rules
by Sona
Updated May 29, 2023
Britain Got Talent
Britain's Got Talent, often referred to as BGT, is a popular British talent show competition that forms part of the global Got Talent franchise created by Simon Cowell. The show is presented by the renowned duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, affectionately known as Ant & Dec.
Produced by Thames (formerly Talkback Thames) and Syco Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle, it airs on ITV annually during the late Spring to early Summer period, excluding 2021. Originally scheduled for production in 2005 but delayed due to a dispute between ITV and the planned host, filming eventually commenced in 2007 following the success of America's Got Talent.
Contestants from all age groups have the opportunity to audition for the televised competition, showcasing their diverse talents. During the auditions, participants aim to impress the panel of judges, which currently includes Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli, in order to secure a spot in the live rounds.
In the live rounds, contestants strive to captivate both the public and the judges, garnering votes to advance to the final. The ultimate prize includes a cash reward and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of members of the British Royal Family. Over the years, winners have ranged from musicians, singers, and dancers to magicians, variety acts, and comedians. The show is contracted to continue entertaining audiences until 2025.
Britain Got Talent Judges Breaks Golden Buzzer Rules
The panel of judges on Britain's Got Talent, including Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon, caused quite a stir when they made an unexpected decision to break the Golden Buzzer rules. Instead of the usual five Golden Buzzers allowed per series, they granted a total of eight, leaving the audience bewildered and questioning the reasoning behind the surplus.
Simon Cowell openly admitted to bending the rules in order to award an "astonishing" act with a Golden Buzzer. The emotional performance by dance group Unity deeply moved both the judges and the audience during the episode that aired on May 20th.
Despite all the Golden Buzzers already being used up, Cowell, aged 63, was compelled to send Unity directly to the live shows by pressing the Golden Buzzer. The group concluded their audition with a poignant routine to 'The Village' by Wrabel.
Later in the same competition episode, the judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli once again deviated from the Golden Buzzer rules. Although they were only permitted to grant five Golden Buzzers throughout the series, they ended up awarding an eighth. This left fans puzzled, prompting them to question why the golden paper had seemingly been "loaded up."
Musa Motha took to the stage and captivated the audience by showcasing his incredible dancing skills using crutches, after explaining that he had lost one of his legs to cancer in his youth. Despite the judges insisting they couldn't give out any more Golden Buzzers, the crowd fervently chanted for it. Eventually, all four judges succumbed to the pleas and pressed the Golden Buzzer simultaneously, resulting in a cascade of confetti.
Following this unexpected turn of events, viewers swiftly took to Twitter, expressing their suspicions that the emotional moment may not have been as genuine as it appeared. Nevertheless, Musa Motha's performance left a lasting impression on both the judges and the audience, showcasing his resilience and talent through his crutch-based dance routine.
Britain Got Talent Golden Buzzer
The Golden Buzzer is a special feature on the Judges' Panel of Britain's Got Talent. When pressed by a judge or the hosts Ant & Dec, it grants an act an automatic place in the Semi-Finals. Introduced in Series 8 and present in every series since, each judge and Ant & Dec have one opportunity per season to use the Golden Buzzer for any act they choose.
When the Golden Buzzer is pressed, the judge's X symbol illuminates in gold instead of red, and the stage background turns gold as well. Notably, Ant & Dec's Golden Buzzer does not have an X symbol.
To date, the Golden Buzzer has been used a total of five times. Notable instances include David Walliams using his first two Golden Buzzers on Christian Spridon and Lorraine Bowen, both seen as comical acts. In Series 16, both Bruno Tonioli and Simon Cowell used the Golden Buzzer twice, and the series introduced the Group Golden Buzzer.
In terms of finalists, the number of Golden Buzzer acts has varied across seasons, with Series 11 making history as all five Golden Buzzer acts reached the final. In The Champions spin-off show, the Golden Buzzer allowed acts to advance straight to the final, with Twist and Pulse becoming the first Golden Buzzer act to win a Britain's Got Talent Show.
The Golden Buzzer adds excitement and surprise to the competition, offering acts a unique opportunity to progress directly to the next stage and potentially make a lasting impact on the show.
Britain Got Talent Judges
Simon Cowell is a renowned British music executive, television producer, and judge. He is best known as the creator of the Got Talent franchise, including Britain's Got Talent. With his sharp wit and straightforward approach, Cowell has been a fixture on the judging panel since the show's inception in 2007.
Bruno Tonioli, originally from Italy, is a highly respected dancer, choreographer, and television personality. He joined the Britain's Got Talent judging panel in 2013, adding his infectious energy and expertise in dance to the mix. Tonioli's flamboyant and animated personality often makes for entertaining and insightful critiques.
Amanda Holden, an accomplished English actress and television presenter, has been an integral part of the Britain's Got Talent judging panel since the show's inception. Known for her charm and warmth, Holden brings a positive and supportive energy to the panel.
Alesha Dixon, a versatile British singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality, joined the judging panel in 2012. Her experience as a former contestant and winner of a talent competition brings a unique perspective to the show. Dixon's vibrant personality, combined with her musical knowledge and performance expertise, allows her to connect deeply with the contestants and offer constructive criticism.
Together, Cowell, Tonioli, Holden, and Dixon form a diverse and dynamic judging panel. Their combined expertise in the music, dance, and entertainment industries brings a wealth of knowledge to the show. With their distinct personalities and perspectives, they contribute to the success and excitement of Britain's Got Talent, helping to discover and elevate exceptional talent.
Britain Got Talent Judges Breaks Golden Buzzer Rules: FAQs
Britain's Got Talent is a popular British talent show competition that showcases a wide range of talents, including singing, dancing, magic, comedy, and more.
The current judges on Britain's Got Talent are Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon.
The Golden Buzzer is a special feature that allows a judge or the hosts, Ant & Dec, to send an act straight to the semi-finals. Each judge and Ant & Dec have one opportunity per season to use the Golden Buzzer for any act they choose.
Some notable acts that received the Golden Buzzer include Ghetto Kids, Malakai Bayoh, Unity, and Musa Motha.
Usually, five Golden Buzzers are allowed per series. However, in a recent season, the judges broke the rules and granted eight Golden Buzzers.