Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) returned in spectacular form on February 28, 2026, ushering in its 19th series with a showcase that left audiences and judges alike buzzing with excitement. The ITV talent competition, a staple of British television since 2007, once again invited performers from across the country—and beyond—to compete for a life-changing £250,000 prize and the coveted opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the royal family.
This year’s judging panel features familiar faces: Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon, joined by social media megastar KSI, who steps into the role as a permanent judge following Bruno Tonioli’s departure. Hosts Ant and Dec keep the energy high, guiding viewers through the twists and turns of each episode. As always, each judge—and the hosts—are armed with a golden buzzer, a powerful tool that sends a standout act straight to the live shows, bypassing the usual elimination rounds.
The opening episode, broadcast at 7pm on ITV and ITVX, wasted no time making an impression. Bournemouth-based alt-rock band SOS, led by Kingsbridge native Josh Vaughan (also known as JV), burst onto the stage with a hard rock rendition of the Backstreet Boys’ classic “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).” Their performance, a far cry from the typical boyband fare, electrified the Blackpool audience and earned them four emphatic yes votes from Cowell, Dixon, Holden, and KSI. According to Everything Gossip, viewers at home were equally enthusiastic, with social media lighting up in praise: “A great start to the show—this is right up my street. We don’t get many rock bands on #BGT and I love this version of the song they performed. I enjoyed the performance,” one fan wrote. Another exclaimed, “SOS—fantastic audition that’s how you do it!”
SOS, comprised of JV, Sparxx Jenkins, Ash Jenkins, and Josh Rose, describes itself as “not your average boyband.” Their first album, released in December 2024, signaled their intent to break the mold, and their BGT audition only cemented their reputation as genre-bending showmen. In a social media post ahead of the broadcast, the band declared, “We are buzzing to finally announce that your boys will be ON THE TELLY. Tune in to Britain’s Got Talent tonight at 7pm on @itv and @itvxofficial to see if we can rock the judges’ world.” Their fans responded in kind, flooding the post with messages of support and anticipation.
But SOS wasn’t the only act to capture the nation’s attention. Seventeen-year-old harpist and singer Niamh Noade from Lislea, Co Armagh, delivered a unique rendition of Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” blending traditional Celtic influences with contemporary flair. Niamh, no stranger to the spotlight, previously reached the final of ITV’s The Voice Kids in 2023—her performance of “The Winner Takes It All” amassed over 20 million views—and was crowned all-Ireland singing champion in 2025. As she took to the BGT stage, she shared her excitement on social media: “So excited to appear on Britain’s Got Talent, which will air on ITV1 and ITVX at 7pm on Saturday.” According to the Belfast Telegraph, Niamh describes Irish folk music as “more than just a sound, it’s a connection to the soul of Irish culture.” She plans to release original music in summer 2026, drawing inspiration from artists like Lizzy McAlpine and Phoebe Bridgers.
The night’s most jaw-dropping moment, however, belonged to 16-year-old magician Rafferty Coope. In a performance that seamlessly blended music and magic, Rafferty made a coin pass through solid glass, levitated a phone, and executed a card trick that culminated in him playing “Don’t Stop Believing” on the piano. As reported by The Sun, the act brought the audience and judges to their feet, with chants of “push the gold” echoing through the auditorium. KSI, visibly moved, stood atop the judges’ table before slamming the golden buzzer, sending Rafferty straight to the semi-finals. Joining the young magician on stage, KSI said, “That blew my mind. Oh my god, I’m proud of you. Cherish this moment, this is all you.” Head judge Simon Cowell added, “Your showmanship is spectacular and there’s something very charming about you.”
Rafferty’s triumph marks the second golden buzzer of the series. Simon Cowell pressed the first on February 21, 2026, for Australian para athlete Paul Nunnari. Paul’s act, involving breathtaking wheelchair silk stunts—including climbing up the silk in his wheelchair and swinging from it by his neck—left the judges awestruck. Cowell praised, “One of the most incredible things, I really do believe, that I’ve ever seen, and you’re so humble and so nice and so talented.” As of February 28, only Cowell and KSI have used their golden buzzers, with Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon still holding theirs in reserve.
The golden buzzer, introduced in 2014, has become a defining feature of BGT. Each judge and the hosts get one chance per series to send an act directly to the live shows, though this rule has been bent in the past. For the performers, it’s a ticket to instant stardom—and for viewers, it’s a moment of pure, unfiltered emotion.
Beyond the headline-grabbing moments, BGT 2026 continues to offer a platform for a dazzling array of talent. According to Talent Recap, early auditions featured freestyle rappers who impressed both judges and audiences, underscoring the show’s commitment to championing diverse forms of performance. The prize at stake remains as enticing as ever: £250,000 and a place at the Royal Variety Performance. Past winners have included magician Harry Moulding in 2025 and, in a memorable 2012 series, Ashleigh and Pudsey, who took home a record £500,000.
Yet, as with any long-running show, BGT faces its share of critics. Former guest judge Louis Walsh recently told The Sun, “Cowell was incredible in his prime, I just don’t think he’s got that same instinct now. He’s surrounded by people who won’t tell him the truth anymore. He’s surrounded by fakes. BGT, who cares?! It’s not what it was.” But 2016 winner Richard Jones, speaking to Champions Speakers, rejected the notion that the show’s best days are behind it, stating, “BGT isn’t dead. No way! It is still one of the best shows on TV, and it’s way too early to write it off and consign it to the TV dustbin. It helps give talented people a spotlight and the boost they need to showcase their passion, and I think it will continue for another 10 years and beyond.”
As the 19th series of Britain’s Got Talent unfolds, the blend of fresh faces, jaw-dropping acts, and the enduring drama of the golden buzzer ensures the show remains a Saturday night fixture. For many, the thrill of discovering the next big star—and watching dreams come true in real time—is as strong as ever.