In a dazzling display of fashion and talent, Amanda Holden, 54, left viewers of Britain's Got Talent (BGT) speechless during the show's first live semi-final on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Sporting a striking silver mini dress adorned with multiple cut-out details, Holden not only showcased her impressive figure but also reignited discussions about her daring sartorial choices on the family-friendly program.
As the evening kicked off at the Eventim Apollo in London, all eyes were on Holden as she took her seat alongside fellow judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli. The show's live semi-finals featured eight acts vying for a chance to perform at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance and win a £250,000 cash prize. However, it was Holden's bold outfit that dominated the conversation on social media, with fans praising her look. Comments ranged from "Stunning in sparkle" to "Perfect princess," highlighting the impact of her fashion choices on the audience.
Bruno Tonioli, who is known for his flamboyant personality, came to Holden's defense regarding her provocative outfits. Despite previous criticism for her skimpy clothing, Tonioli expressed his support, stating, "Well, you don’t want to be bland, do you? You know, it’s glamorous, it’s glitzy. They look fantastic. And people look forward to seeing what they’re wearing." He even joked about outdoing her, saying, "I’m going to measure Amanda’s decolletage and I’m going to make sure mine is deeper!"
Adding to the humor, Tonioli suggested that he and Holden could form a duo for a Vegas act, quipping, "Maybe Amanda and I should do a Vegas act. She can sing, I can sing, we’ll be kind of Renee and Renato. I should pass that on. We could actually do it for a laugh." In another lighthearted moment, he proposed that the judging panel should enter Eurovision together, likening their potential performance to that of the iconic group Bucks Fizz.
In a significant twist for this year's competition, the show introduced the Golden Buzzer to the live semi-finals for the first time. This buzzer allows any judge or host, including Ant and Dec, to send one act directly to the final, a move that has stirred excitement and anxiety among the judges. Tonioli admitted, "I’m petrified about this. I’m probably going to get it completely wrong," as he prepared for the new format.
Holden’s fashion choices have not been without controversy. In July 2017, she wore a daringly sheer Julien Macdonald dress that sparked 663 complaints to Ofcom, with some viewers deeming it inappropriate for a family show. Reflecting on that incident, Holden humorously remarked, "I had bits of fish wire underneath my breasts trying to hold that together... It's all quite laughable, but all everyone seems to talk about. It's been called another national crisis – but, oh no, I will not be covered up." Ofcom noted that while the dress had the potential to offend, it likely did not exceed most viewers' expectations.
As the semi-finals progressed, viewers were treated to a mix of talent, including acts like the Golden Buzzer recipients Linda Mudzenda and The Blackouts, along with the controversial performer Auzzy Blood. However, the night was not without its hiccups, as an eight-year-old magician named Teddy Magic was delayed backstage, causing confusion among the audience and judges. Ant and Dec had to announce the delay, leaving Simon Cowell visibly baffled.
Despite the setbacks, the excitement remained high as the competition continued. Each of the five semi-finals will air weekly on Saturdays, culminating in a grand finale where the public will also vote for their favorite act. The stakes are high, as the winner not only receives the cash prize but also the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.
Holden's fashion and the introduction of the Golden Buzzer have already set the tone for this season of BGT, promising a blend of thrilling performances and eye-catching outfits. As the show progresses, fans eagerly await to see how the judges will navigate the new format and what other surprises are in store. With Tonioli's playful banter and Holden's fearless fashion choices, this season is shaping up to be one for the books.
As the semi-finals unfold, viewers will be glued to their screens, not just for the talent but also for the spectacle that comes with it. With each passing week, the anticipation builds, making it clear that Britain's Got Talent remains a staple of British entertainment.
