Tonight’s broadcast of Britain’s Got Talent’s final performance will feature the final contestants who will make an impression on the judges, the judges, and the viewers. Here, the Mirror has taken a look back at the most shocking moments from the long-running ITV talent show
After weeks of acts from across the nation taking to the stage with their vocals, dance moves and peculiar skills, the final of Britain’s Got Talent airs tonight.
The judges, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli, and guest judge KSI, certainly had their hands full as a myriad of acts rallied for a place in the final on Saturday, May 31. The victorious act will walk away with a hefty £250,000 cash prize and a slot to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.
The grand final on Saturday will showcase semi-final golden buzzer winners The Blackouts, Olly Pearson, Jasmine Rice, Joseph Charm, and, most recently, Harry Moulding. Vinnie McKee, Stacey Leadbeatter, Ping Pong Pang, Hear Our Voice, and nine-year-old dancing sensation Binita join them in the semi-finals thanks to winning the public vote.
READ MORE: Britain’s Got Talent judge taking to stage for first time to perform in live final
We’ve taken a trip back in time and revisited some of the show’s most shocking moments as we watch the 2025 BGT final…
Final withdrawal
One of the most memorable BGT moments ever occurred is Susan Boyle’s 2009 audition. Simon did, however, reveal that he had offered to make the singer a comeback.
After capturing the nation’s hearts with her rendition of Les Misérables ‘ classic, ‘ I Dreamed a Dream, ‘ Susan attracted massive media attention, leading music mogul Simon to have a candid chat with the singer.
Simon explained to Simon on Lorraine, “We sat down with her and her friends the week before the final. We advised people to “Look, if it’s too stressful, because it’s all over the media.”
” She said it was fine, she’s going to do it. And I’m anticipating that she will prevail. And I’ll never forget [when they said [Diversity is the winner.
“I was on that stage under 20 seconds saying into her]ear], ‘ We’ve got an album deal. from that moment on in literary terms.
Simon assured her that she was “part of the family” now that she had made an album and that it was up to her from that point forward.
Tearful breakdown
It was heartbreaking to watch the ten-year-old Hollie Steel completely vanish when she first appeared on the 2009 episode because she had forgotten the lyrics to her song. Visibly trembling and crying, Hollie ran off the stage to her mother, leaving viewers questioning whether the pressure of the show was simply too much for someone so young.
Hollie was moved to tears as producers initially declined her request for a second performance, but she eventually pleaded for another chance. At the conclusion of the show, she was eventually permitted to give her performance another chance, but the audience was still furious and made up accusations that she was being abused.
‘Fixing’
Irate viewers who claimed the show was “setting up” singer Jessica Hobson in 2011 were against BGT.
After Simon and David Hasselhoff harshly criticized Jessica’s rendition of Beyonce’s Single Ladies, she was reduced to tears. Simon dismissed the piano performance as “dated” and scoffed at her “silly dress”.
When asked about her song, she admitted: “I didn’t choose what I wanted to sing.. It turns out to be someone. “. but before she could finish, her microphone was abruptly cut off, leading her to break down in tears.
Viewers speculated as to whether the young singer had been purposefully harmed by the producers’ choice of songs. Contestants have been headhunted, which raises questions about the show’s fixes, and there have even been reports of unintentional auditions.
After Kojo Anim secured his spot in the 2019 final, some pointed fingers at judge Alesha Dixon for favouritism, given their friendship. After it was revealed that Aleksha had performed with her former band, Mis-Teeq, Aleksha had to defend her Golden Buzzer choice for Lifford Shillingford, which added to the rumor of insider trading.
Sad defeat
The dog and owner duo Ashleigh and Pudsey won the show’s sixth season in 2012, becoming the first canine act to do so. The pooch even appeared in his own movie Pudsey: The Movie, telling the nation’s hearts.
Sadly, Pudsey passed away in July 2017, and while Ashleigh now performs with another dog named Sully, she stated he would “never become Pudsey”.
Famous smooch
The unforgettable moment in 2013 when Simon audaciously kissed fellow judge Amanda’s bottom is forever imprinted in our memories.
Amanda couldn’t resist shaking her hips during a performance by 71-year-old Kelly Fox, who performed the song “Kiss My Ass, Baby” by The All Purpose Blues Band, which reportedly caused Simon to kiss her posterior.
I kissed your ass, Simon jokingly asked Amanda after the kiss. Did you like that”? which she responded with “It was a first,” expressing her gratitude and amusement.
Raunchy behaviors
During her audition in 2013, Keri Graham stripped to a scant outfit and presented Simon with an erotic lap dance, sparking complaints. One angry parent tweeted, “Nice family viewing as your child asks “Mummy, why has that lady got hardly any clothes on, and what is she doing with those men? ” after the performance.
The dance, which was deemed too racy in 2012, was performed by burlesque artist Beatrix Von Bourbon, which received more negative feedback. Over 70 viewers lodged complaints to Ofcom, disapproving of its suitability for a family audience.
Stunt a double dog
In 2015, Jules O’Dwyer graced the stage with her dog Matisse and triumphantly won the show. However, when viewers learned that a stunt double dog was used for a tightrope trick rather than Matisse, it sparked a frightful outcry.
Jules explained that the real Matisse was scared of heights, which necessitated the use of a stand-in. But viewers were not convinced, as the dogs were identical and the act had been promoted as just Jules and Matisse.
Ofcom was inundated with over 200 complaints following the controversial incident, which even led to death threats being sent to the pair. It was ruled that ITV had misled the public, though Jules was not stripped of her £250,00 prize money.
Risqué gown
Amanda Holden chose a racy, transparent gown, which left the audience enthralled during BGT’s grand finale in 2019. The judge turned heads as she dazzled the crowd in her revealing ensemble decorated with floral patterns.
Her bold fashion choice came after Ofcom received complaints the previous week about her provocative wardrobe choices. Twitter, now X, was set ablaze with comments regarding Amanda’s attire for the night.
One viewer wrote: “Amanda loves to show a bit of t** don’t she #BGT”. Another remarked, “Glad you’ve ignored the obstinate critics”!
Winner boos
Comedian Viggo Venn was left stunned when he was announced as the winner in 2023, following his act of jumping around the stage in a giant balloon and dancing in his iconic hi-vis jackets. He sprinted around the stage in celebration, even knocking over host Ant McPartlin, as he scooped up the £250,000 prize and a spot on the Royal Variety Show.
However, the audience’s reaction was marred by boos, prompting viewers to share their thoughts on X, formerly Twitter. Very surprised, one user declared. However, Viggo was very funny. Very distasteful for anyone to boo Viggo. People voted for him, not anyone else, so it’s not his fault that he won. Resulted in a sour conclusion as a result of the audience’s support. Well done, Viggo!! “! “
When #ViggoVenn was announced as the winner of #BritainsGotTalent, there were a lot of boos, according to another user. I thought he was great, but a shock omission from the final 3, and I think everyone thought the young lad would win. The series’ ending is somewhat deflated and downbeat, #BGT2023 #BGT.
One disgruntled viewer remarked: “Did you hear them boo’s on @BGT? Absolutely correct, and ridiculous. There will be so many more talent tonight in the final. #BGT2023 should not have made the live shows. a poor winner.
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Source: Mirror
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