The first live semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent 2025 kicked off with a dramatic twist on Saturday night, April 26, as the show revealed its first two finalists amidst a backdrop of confusion and technical difficulties. Hosted by the beloved duo Ant and Dec, the event took place at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, marking the start of a new format for this year’s competition. Instead of the usual nightly semi-finals, the show will air live every Saturday for six weeks, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.
Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli returned to provide feedback and support to the contestants, with Cowell appearing particularly animated throughout the evening. The absence of YouTube star KSI, who had served as a guest judge during auditions, was noted, although Ant and Dec confirmed he would return later in the series.
Seven semi-finalists took to the stage to showcase their talents, including Akira, Auzzy Blood, Eden Choi, Heavysaurus, Linda Mudzenda, The Blackouts, and Vinnie McKee. The night, however, was marred by the unexpected absence of eight-year-old magician Teddy Magic, who was scheduled to perform but failed to make it to the stage due to unspecified reasons.
Ant McPartlin announced early in the show that Teddy was "not quite ready backstage yet," prompting speculation among the audience and viewers at home. Declan Donnelly added that there would be a "little change of plan" while Teddy composed himself, which some interpreted as the young performer experiencing nerves.
Simon Cowell, visibly perplexed, questioned, "Wait, so the act's not ready?" Ant quickly defended Teddy, reminding Cowell that he was just eight years old. Despite the hosts’ reassurances, the show continued without Teddy, leading to disappointment among fans who took to social media to voice their concerns. One viewer tweeted, "Where’s the kid magician, isn’t he going to perform?" while another expressed sympathy, saying, "Hugs for Teddy, hope to see him at the next live show."
In Teddy's absence, Vinnie McKee performed an operatic rendition of "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol, earning the most public votes of the night and securing his place in the final. Meanwhile, The Blackouts, a Swiss dance troupe, dazzled the audience with their acrobatic performance, which featured LED-created shapes and a dramatic lift that left the judges in awe. Amanda Holden awarded them the coveted Golden Buzzer, a new feature this year that allows judges to send one act straight to the final each week.
"Your audition took our breath away, and this evening, it was even better, honestly. My heart soared for you," Holden exclaimed, pressing the gold button and showering the stage with confetti. Cowell praised the act, stating, "That is exactly the kind of act that I believe can win the entire series this year. It’s different, it’s original, it’s creative, amazing, seriously." Despite a technical glitch that delayed their performance, The Blackouts received a standing ovation from the judges and the audience.
As the night progressed, the atmosphere was charged with excitement, but not without its hiccups. The show's format change and the chaos surrounding Teddy's absence led to mixed reactions online, with some fans expressing frustration. One viewer remarked, "This show ran 5 nights a week seamlessly for years, now it’s a Saturday night and it’s all gone to pot."
Despite the setbacks, Ant and Dec handled the situation with professionalism, quickly filling the gaps in the schedule and keeping the audience engaged. "I hope Teddy is okay. Ant & Dec yet again prove their professionalism, knowing how to fill up the void and get the show going when things don’t go to plan," commented another viewer.
Although Teddy Magic's performance was postponed due to a last-minute issue, the BGT team remains hopeful that he will return for a later semi-final. "But we hope to see him later on in the series," Dec assured the audience, leaving the door open for the young magician's comeback.
With the first two finalists now confirmed, the competition is heating up as Britain’s Got Talent continues to showcase a diverse array of acts. Vinnie McKee and The Blackouts will join the other finalists in the race for the £250,000 cash prize and a coveted slot on the Royal Variety Show. As the semi-finals unfold, viewers can expect more surprises, talent, and perhaps a few more unexpected twists along the way.
The next live semi-final is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, at 7 PM on ITV1 and ITVX, promising another evening of thrilling performances and emotional moments. Fans of the show are encouraged to tune in and support their favorite acts as the competition progresses.
