Viewers of ITV's Britain's Got Talent were sent online buzzing after the show's recent episode featured KSI, the popular musician and YouTube star, as its guest judge. His appearance on the critically-acclaimed talent show is creating discussions around both his judging choices and his meteoric rise to fame.
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, is not just known for his 24.1 million subscribers on YouTube and as one of the founding members of the YouTube collective the Sidemen, but also for his music and boxing career. The 31-year-old influencer stepped onto the judging panel alongside veteran judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon, filling the shoes of former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli, who was unavailable for the auditions.
On his guest appearance, KSI remarked, "I’m so excited to be a guest judge for BGT. When I got the call up, I couldn’t believe it. I began watching old BGT episodes, and I went from being amazed to laughing my [expletive] off. I’m buzzing to see all the fresh new talent, and I’ll be sure to leave my mark." This enthusiasm is reflected by the buzz KSI generated during the episode, where he pressed his Golden Buzzer for singer Stacey Leadbetter.
Leadbetter's performance of Leona Lewis's hit Run was labelled as heartwarming, earning her the coveted Golden Buzzer and praise from fellow judge Amanda Holden, who described her as amazing. The audience at Blackpool's venue erupted with chants urging KSI to press the buzzer—a response which seemed to play heavily on KSI's decision.
Viewers on social media were divided about the choice. Some felt Leadbetter truly deserved the accolade, praising her singing talent with comments such as, "Stacey is amazing, what a voice!" and "Imagine getting a golden buzzer from KSI, wow!" On the other hand, criticism arose with concerns about the authenticity of the decision, with one viewer commenting, "You know Britain’s Got Talent is failing when they need a non-talented YouTuber and a fake wannabe boxer on the show," indicating unease about KSI's role.
Following the buzz from KSI's Golden Buzzer moment, social media was alight with comments reflecting the spectrum of audience opinions—some calling Leadbetter's performance "average at best" and others reiteratively stating she was "a star in the making." The dynamic of KSI's celebrity status juxtaposed with viewers' expectations has turned his guest appearance under scrutiny, paving the way for discussions on the authenticity and value of talent showcased on the program.
Historically, Britain's Got Talent has been known for showcasing diverse talent and creating national sensations akin to Susan Boyle, who also captured the audience's heart after her memorable audition years ago. The comparison was made when fans likened Leadbetter's appearance to Boyle's, highlighting KSI's potential to influence the fame of aspiring talents.
Indeed, KSI's success is backed by solid accomplishments outside of television. He has amassed considerable wealth, with estimates of around $100 million—his fortune stemming from his extensive YouTube career, music releases, boxing events, and various entrepreneurial ventures such as the energy drink brand Prime, co-founded with fellow YouTuber Logan Paul. Prime achieved extraordinary sales figures of $1.2 billion last year, showcasing the potential of brands directed at young audiences influenced by social media stars.
Fans have been intrigued not only by KSI's presence on the show but also by his entertaining persona and charismatic approach to judging. His influence and background resurrect questions about the validity of celebrity judge roles within talent shows, as critics argue it could lead to diluted quality of talent evaluation.
Throughout the season, KSI's guest judging will be closely monitored—not only for the talent he helps showcase but also for how effectively he can merge traditional judging with modern celebrity guru expectations. The duality of his role as both a celebrity and judge creates fascinating dynamics and offers viewers insights not only about the contestants but about contemporary entertainment itself.
With each episode, the reality show will continue to shine as a platform for aspirants but also as a ground for KSI to cement his footing within mainstream television. The episode aired on March 1, 2025, and opportunities lie widespread as the audience awaits potential future appearances from KSI if the show's producers opt to extend his role beyond this guest judging stint.
Regardless of the divisive reactions, one can say this: KSI's vibe is entrancing the new generation, ensuring Britain's Got Talent stays relevant and continually breaks new ground as it embarks on its 18th season. His invitation might be all the more significant moving forward, not only because he has millions of followers but because he embodies aspirations for many young entertainers across the UK. How the show will navigate the challenges presented by celebrity judges, and how contestants respond to their decisions, remains to be seen—but it certainly does promise engaging entertainment.
Indeed, KSI's Golden Buzzer moment may be just the anomaly and peak of interest the program needed to breathe new life and speculation as this season rolls out.