Bookies are suggesting that this year's Britain's Got Talent is a 'two horse race,' after there was more controversy about the final Golden Buzzer act at the weekend.
After the ITV show was scrapped in its entirety last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, viewers have loved having it back in serious style this year, with Ant and Dec back at the helm as hosts and Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon back on the panel. A huge audience tuned into the double header of launch episodes over Easter weekend, and, just as they have done in the past, the Golden Buzzers quickly became a subject of contention.
It didn't take Amanda long at at all to hit hers. In the closing moments of episode one, the Heart Breakfast host sent Loren Allred, the voice of Greatest Showman a nthem, Never Enough, straight through to the semi finals. Amanda's decision did not go down too well with some Britain's Got Talent viewers, given Loren's voice has already been heard the world over, she's had a record deal and performed with music greats like Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli and David Foster.
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There was similar controversy just a day later when Simon hit the magic button for comedian Axel Blake, as viewers found out he'd already had his own TV show. David was third to hit the Golden Buzzer this year, with his choice being Born to Perform, before Ant and Dec left magician Keiichi Iwasaki as they chose him.
Alesha was the last judge to hit the Golden Buzzer this year, but her choice on Saturday, led to her sparking similar anger to Amanda and Simon. The ex Strictly star send gold confetti falling for musical duo Flintz & Taylor, as unimpressed viewers felt South Korean magician Junwoo was more deserving of a ticket through to the live shows.
Well, in the aftermath of Saturday's episode, bookies have updated their BGT winner odds and there are currently two acts neck and neck at the top of the betting, one of whom isn't even a Golden Buzzer act. Both dancers Born to Perform and singer Tom Ball, described as 'the male Susan Boyle,' by fans are on odds of 7/2 to triumph this year.
Britain's Got Talent winner odds
Born to Perform 7/2
Tom Ball 7/2
The Freaks 11/2
Loren Allred 6/1
Voices of Armed Forces Children Choir 9/1
Dante Marvin 16/1
Axel Blake 18/1
The Phantom 20/1
Jamie Leahey 20/1
Suzi Wild 22/1
BetVictor ’s spokesperson Sam Boswell gave the lowdown on who’s tipped to win, saying: "“This year has seen an impressive amount of talent auditioned for the much loved family talent show. We have seen many people audition with what they have learnt during lockdown."
“Born to Perform are favourites to win coming in at 7/2, they were awarded David Walliams’ golden buzzer of the series after he fell in love with the dance troupe following their inspired performance of Hairspray’s ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’. Their incredible performance has earned praise far and wide as they cemented their place amongst the favourites for this year.”
“Second favourite is 23-year-old teacher Tom Ball from West Sussex. Tom received four "yeses" and remains in with a shot at gaining a place in the live semi-finals. Since his impressive audition he has been compared to Susan Boyle so he’s definitely one to watch. He is currently second favourite to win as the odds are coming in at 7/2.”
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