Britain’s Got Talent’s most controversial golden buzzer acts of all time as fans beg ‘get rid of them!’
GOLDEN Buzzers on Britain’s Got Talent have been a staple for over a decade – but some choices have proved controversial.
The prestigious prize sends audition hopefuls straight through to the live semi-finals.
Over the years, various Golden Buzzer acts have come under scrutiny – including for being recognisable before Britain’s Got Talent.
From the 2025 series, a new twist saw Golden Buzzers introduced for the live semi-finals.
Although one finalist per semi final qualifies by public vote, the second is selected via a Golden Buzzer.
Writing online, viewers have hit out at both the new twist and the Golden Buzzer format as a whole.
One penned: “Can they get rid of this golden buzzer thing its unfair #BGT,”
Another added: “Please get rid of that golden buzzer. It’s lost it’s purpose and it’s just stupid now.”
While a third chimed in: “they need to get rid of the golden buzzer in the semi finals.”
Listed below are some examples of Golden Buzzer acts who have proven to be controversial choices for the prize.
Max Fox
Singer Max Fox took part in Britain’s Got Talent 2025 – and secured a Golden Buzzer from Amanda Holden.
Max’s audition went viral as he was originally an audience member but begged Simon Cowell to let him perform.
espite Simon’s surprised reaction, some fans weren’t buying it.
One penned on Reddit: “I know that in episode 8 Simon went to great lengths about the fact that Max was not a set up.
“But somebody getting up from the audience and going on to get a Golden Buzzer seems too contrived or am I being too cynical?”
Another said: “Then I’m sorry but you’re wrong, that was the most painfully setup thing I’ve seen on that show, and that’s saying something.”
While a third offered some context: “I’ve actually been a producer for several decades – so my take on this is that probably Simon and the panel did not know about this, but the production team had to.
“Any thing like this needs rehearsal and production on the sound/mix.
“That level of production could not be spontaneous.”
Maya Giotea
Aged just 14, Maya Giotea received Bruno Tonioli‘s Golden Buzzer in 2025 after wowing with Beyoncé hit “Listen”.
Former Strictly judge Bruno was so impressed that he awarded her the Golden Buzzer within a second of her finishing her final note.
But viewers soon unearthed Maya’s TV past – having auditioned for Romania‘s Got Talent in her home country.
The teen received a standing ovation after belting out another power ballad, this time Whitney Houston‘s I Have Nothing, and it was even been claimed she was awarded the Golden Buzzer.
Taking to X following her audition, one viewer said: “Maya Giotea who got the golden buzzer on #bgt tonight was on Romania Got Talent & got through to the live show.”
Another added: “Yet again been on Romania’s got talent and got the golden buzzer even though there is none left!!”
Sydnie Christmas
Sydnie Christmas was crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent in 2024.
She received Amanda Holden‘s Golden Buzzer at her audition after performing “Tomorrow” from Annie.
At the time, she was 28 years old and had been working as the receptionist at a gym.
However, viewers criticised Sydnie receiving the Golden Buzzer after her background as a stage performer was revealed.
Some claimed her performing experience gave her an advantage over other acts.
One fan wrote on X: “Why did Sydnie get a Golden Buzzer. She’s a professional for goodness sake.”
Another remarked: “No way. She’s either got an album out already or has been signed somewhere. Sydnie is pro already I reckon.”
Although others felt Sydnie deserved the honour, as one wrote: “I cried through her amazing performance.
“Wow…and she even converted Simon! She’s got the charm to go with that spectacular voice. Good for her. Sydnie Christmas is a star.”
Axel Blake
Viewers watched comedian Axel Blake win Britain’s Got Talent in 2022.
Axel impressed the judges with his audition routine – earning Simon’s coveted Golden Buzzer.
Fans were fuming when they learned the comedian already had a show on worldwide streaming platform Amazon Prime.
Speaking in an interview after his win, Axel said: “I understand that you can’t always win everybody over and that everyone is entitled to their opinion.
“The word “fix” is a strong one, I don’t think somebody trying to become a household name and take their career to the next step should be punished for exploring every avenue possible to be able to showcase their love and craft.”
He added: “Whilst some people will know of me, there are a lot of people out there who don’t and it’s about trying to make sure I am chasing all those opportunities out there, to help me stand out amongst all the amazing comedians and entertainers in what is a very competitive industry.”
MB14
French beatboxer MB14 entered Britain’s Got Talent in 2023 – receiving Ant and Dec‘s Golden Buzzer at his audition.
However, viewers branded it “a fix” after learning about the star’s prior success.
He finished second on The Voice France in 2016 and subsequently signed a record deal with Polydor, which he later left.
MB14 was formerly part of beatboxing group Berywam and was said to have 35,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
One viewer wrote online: “Just googled him. He has been on The voice France as a runner up. Obviously scouted.”
Another agreed: “Just an ordinary lad with 95m views on YouTube.”
While a third commented: “Another well known person auditioning for #BGT.”
Akshat Singh
Schoolboy Akshat Singh from Mumbai, India, pumped up the crowd with his energetic dance routine and feel good catch-phrase.
He received Ant and Dec‘s Golden Buzzer for 2019 – but fans weren’t happy after learning of his TV fame.
Akshat was already a well-known dancer, having first come into the spotlight in Bengali dance reality show: Dance Bangla Dance.
Following this, he participated in India‘s Got Talent where he became an overnight sensation.
Further appearances included India‘s Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 and the Ellen DeGeneres show in America.
One viewer wrote: “The kids b****y already famous! Recognise him as soon as I see him wasn’t even that good to be given the golden buzzer”.
Another shared: “What a waste of Ant and Decs Golden Buzzer. A movie star etc saw him do same routine on Ellen last year.
“As usual the seem to think the great viewing public are dim and can’t spot a plant act.”
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Jasmine Elcock – 2016: Teenage singer Jasmine Elcock stunned the nation with her version of Cher’s Believe. But it then transpired she had already performed professionally in London’s West End. Jasmine, 14, admitted: “I’ve performed in Annie in the West End at about the age of nine or 10, but I really get nervous.”
IrShad Shaikh – 2017: BGT fans were left questioning the rule book when IrShad Shaikh auditioned. He got four red buzzers from the judges, which would usually mean an instant dismissal. Yet in a strange turn of events, they let him continue with his act…and put him through to the next round.
Colin Thackery – 2019: Elderly war veteran Colin won BGT in 2019, but there was an outcry over the final. He warbled his place to win with a version of We’ll Meet Again but fans were furious that escapologist Jonathan Goodwin didn’t even rank in the top three. Viewers felt Jonathan – who almost suffocated while being buried alive in a gravel pit – should have won.
Axel Blake – 2022: Comedian Axel Blake was given a Golden Buzzer in 2022 after making the judges laugh. But fans were fuming when they discovered Axel already had a show on worldwide streaming platform Amazon Prime. Despite this, Axel still went on to win the series.
Taryn Charles – 2024: Singer Taryn Charles is one of this year’s hopefuls lucky enough to receive the Golden Buzzer. Bruno Tonilio put her straight through to the semi-finals following her performance of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin, but it has now come to light that she is no stranger to TV. Viewers recognised Taryn from an episode of ITV1’s Starstruck, where she impersonated Whitney Houston for judges Olly Murs, Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert and Beverley Knight.
