Simon had the power to send one act straight through to the final
Britain’s Got Talent’s Simon Cowell said he was ‘sorry’ after pressing the semi-final golden buzzer in the second semi-final of the ITV show.
After Amanda Holden pressed her golden buzzer for LED dance group The Blackouts last week, it was Simon’s turn to choose who to send into the final on Saturday night (May 3).
Despite loving the Lil M’s routine and praising Alexandra Burgio’s magic routine, Simon held off on pressing the button he could only press once.
That all changed when 11-year-old guitarist Olly Pearson came out to show off his rock skills in a thrilling performance.
Olly reached the semi-finals after Amanda pressed her golden buzzer during his audition, where he played hits from Queen and Van Halen.
This time playing tunes from Guns N’ Roses and Bon Jovi, Olly had backing dancers and was lifted to the sky on a platform as his guitar shot out flames.
Simon couldn’t hold his excitement as he pressed the buzzer immediately after Olly was done playing, with the buzzer meant to be pressed after the judges’ comments.
“You got the golden buzzer, you didn’t even have to wait for the judge’s comments,” Ant said to Olly.
Becoming teary-eyed, a stunned Olly said: “I feel like that was the greatest golden buzzer of my life.”
Asked why he pressed the button so early, Simon said: “Why, because he was bloody brilliantly, seriously. He’s so small, talented and charismatic.
“I went a little early, I’m sorry but I was so excited. You’re just so brilliant and talented. Really, really, really talented.”
Amanda was just as excited as Simon, joking that the head judge wasn’t ‘taking’ Olly away from her as she pressed her golden buzzer first for him.
Those watching at home were delighted with the decision, taking to X, previously known as Twitter, to congratulate Olly on his big achievement.
@2001joe_mendy said: “I can hardly play a melody for the…..WHAT THE HECK??? That occurred unexpectedly. Before we even got to hear from the judges, Simon has utilised tonight’s live show golden buzzer! #BGT.” @elliecolton_ added: “Olly the rockstar on #BGT has got me in tears, he is amazing!!!”
@jemmabondc wrote: “Well deserved golden buzzer! How good was Olly Pearson? First person in #BGT history to achieve not one but TWO golden buzzers. And imagine having a grandad as cool as his. This kid needs to go far!” @briggs_han31838 posted: “Olly is so lovely. He’s going places!”
@RyanSoapKing25 commented: “SIMON HAS PUSHED THE GOLDEN BUZZER FOR OLLY I KNEW IT! So well deserved!” @CaraghElla stated: “If Olly doesn’t win #BGT I’m never watching this show again! That kid has TALENT.”
Britain’s Got Talent airs at 7pm on Saturday nights at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX
