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Arts & Culture
11 May 2025

Bruno Tonioli Sparks Debate With Golden Buzzer Choice

As talent shines on stage, viewers voice mixed reactions to the latest BGT semi-final performances.

Another weekend is here, which means another exciting live semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) 2025. On Saturday night, May 10, eight diverse acts took to the stage, performing in front of the judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli, along with a live audience and viewers at home. Each contestant has their eyes set on winning the coveted £250,000 cash prize and a spot at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance.

This year's format has changed significantly, with the show airing weekly rather than daily, creating a more suspenseful viewing experience. The evening opened with a performance by the cast of Just For One Day, a musical that explores the backstage story of Live Aid, one of the biggest global music events in history.

The acts competing for a place in the final included gymnast Albert Amores, danger act Bao, singing group Electric Umbrella, dance duo Harry & Lewis, singer Jasmine Rice, singer Mickey Callisto, ping pong dancers Ping Pong Pang, and musician Rumac. Each performer brought their unique talents to the stage, hoping to impress both the judges and the voting public.

Among the highlights of the night was Jasmine Rice, an opera singer from New York, who delivered a stunning rendition of "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman. Her performance was so captivating that it earned her the golden buzzer from Bruno Tonioli, who was visibly moved and declared, "I feel like I’m dreaming!" This decision, however, sparked a mixed reaction from fans, with some expressing their discontent over yet another singer making it through to the final.

On social media, viewers voiced their frustrations, with one user commenting, "Another singer getting the golden buzzer is unbelievable—so boring!" Others echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the abundance of singers in the competition. Yet, there were also fans who praised Jasmine's talent, with one viewer stating, "Definitely deserved the golden buzzer!"

The voting results for the evening revealed that Ping Pong Pang secured the top spot, followed by Electric Umbrella in second place, while Bao, Rumac, Harry & Lewis, and Mickey Callisto finished in the lower ranks. This outcome further solidified the ongoing debate among fans about the diversity of acts in the competition.

As the competition heats up, the next semi-final is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2025, where even more acts will vie for a chance to perform in the grand final set for May 31. The anticipation is building as viewers eagerly await to see which contestants will join the ranks of the finalists.

Additionally, the reigning BGT champion, Sydnie Christmas, made a spectacular return to the stage, performing alongside former star Loren Allred, who expressed her excitement about being back on the show after her own successful stint in 2022. "There’s this beautiful mix of nostalgia and excitement. It’s such a warm, full-circle feeling to be back," Allred said.

Despite the format changes and the ongoing debates among fans, the essence of BGT remains intact—showcasing extraordinary talent and offering a platform for aspiring performers to shine. As the semi-finals continue, the stakes are higher than ever, and the journey to the final promises to be filled with unforgettable moments.

With the grand final approaching, the question on everyone's mind is: who will emerge victorious and take home the coveted prize? As the competition progresses, fans will undoubtedly continue to voice their opinions, making this year's BGT one of the most talked-about seasons yet.