BRITAIN’S Got Talent viewers slammed a critical decision made by Amanda Holden during last night’s semi-final.
As per usual, the judges decide the second act to go through after the winner is announced.
Thursday’s live show found choir Northants Sings Out and dance group Phoenix Boys vying to join dance duo Abigail & Afronitaaa in Sunday’s final.
If the panel – consisting of Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli – are divided, the power shifts back to the voting public.
Fans noted that despite Amanda previously picking Phoenix Boys as her “highlight” of the evening, she instead opted to put through Northants Sings Out.
One viewer wrote: “what was your highlight of tonight’s show Amanda? Amanda: I loved the Phoenix Boys! Also Amanda: puts through the choir. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE #BGT #britainsgottalent.”
Another remarked: “Nice of the Choir act to clap the Phoenix Boys and shake their hands at the end.
“They were always going to go through, called it before any acts came on.. the minute Amanda said she is routing for a choir #BGT.”
While a third commented: “If they were the first act on they would not be remembered! And how many times have Amanda and Simon mentioned there were not a choir in the final… yet! #bgt.”
The crucial decision came down to the general public for the third night in a row.
In the end, Northants Sings Out had the second highest number of votes and therefore qualified for Sunday’s final.
Viewers still had a lot of love for Phoenix Boys, as one wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “There’s no denying that Phoenix Boys will be this year’s Wildcard Act ( if we get one) on Sunday.
“They are absolutely incredible and they should be so proud of the performance they delivered tonight.”
Another added: “It was another tense result again between Phoenix Boys and Northants Sings Out both such brilliant acts, but I am still happy that Northants Sings Out have made it. Maybe a wildcard for Phoenix Boys?”
Timeline of BGT Winners
Britain's Got Talent has been thrilling fans since it burst onto the scene in 2007.
Here we take a look at all the BGT winners– from the first ever one to the most recent:
2007: Paul Potts– The first ever winner of BGT was opera singer Paul Potts. He saw off competition from Connie Talbot, The Bar Wizards, Bessie Cursors, Damon Scott and Kombat Breakers to win.
2008: George Sampson – In series two of Britain’s Got Talent a young George Sampson wowed judges and viewers with his impressive dance moves.
2009: Diversity– Dance troupe Diversity scooped the BGT crown and beat of competition from singer Susan Boyle, who was strongly tipped to win the show.
2010 – Spellbound: Gymnastic troupe Spellbound really impressed judge Simon Cowell with their stunning routines and incredible stunts in 2010. At the time, the music mogul said: “I can only say on live television that was one of the most astonishing things I have ever seen.”
2011 – Jai McDowall: Viewers were stunned when Jai McDowall won the show in 2011, as young singer Ronan Parke was the favourite to win the series.
2012 – Ashleigh and Pudsy: Ashleigh Butler and her adorable pooch Pudsey stole hearts when they performed in series six of the talent show.
2013 – Attraction: Hungarian shadow artist group Attraction won the seventh series of Britain’s Got Talent. The squad had taken part in the German version of BGT in 2012, however, they had only placed seventh.
2014 – Collabro: Classical music band Collabro faced tough competition in the 2014 final as all the finalist were singers, but they went on to scoop the crown.
2015 – Jules O’Dwyer & Matisse: Dog lovers everywhere could’t get enough of Jules O’Dwyer and pet pup Matisse. The impressive duo even performed on a tightrope to secure their win.
2016 – Richard Jones: Army man Richard Jones became the first magician in the show’s history to win Britain’s Got Talent.
2017 – Tokio Myers: Pianist Tokio Myers impressed the judges with his blend of classical and electronic music.
2018 – Lost Voice Guy: Stand-up comedian Lost Voice Guy, who performs with a speech synthesiser, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was six months old. However, he defied the odds and is a BGT champ.
2019 – Colin Thackery: Veteran army officer Colin Thackery warmed the nations hearts with his singing voice. He was crowned winner of BGT after singing Michael Ball’s Love Changes Everything.
2020 – Jon Courtenay: Singer and pianist Jon Courtenay was Ant and Dec’s Golden Buzzer act. After he won the £250,000 prize he said: “”Just amazing, I can’t believe it.”
2022 – Axel Blake: Comedian Axel Blake scooped the crown after the show was off air for two years during Covid.
2023 – Viggo Venn: The reigning BGT champ is comedian Viggo Venn.
A third penned: “Was rooting for the #PhoenixBoys so sad they didn’t make it through so much talent. I hope they make the wildcard @BGT if there is one this year!”
The confirmed finalists so far are Innocent Masuku, Ssaulabi Performance Troupe, Jack Rhodes, Haribow, Syndie Christmas, Mike Woodhams, Abigail & Afronitaaa and Northants Sings Out.
Friday’s semi-final will see another pair of acts advance to join them.
Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV1 and is available on ITVX.
