Some Britain's Got Talent viewers have called for a ban after the show's return was filled with younger acts stealing the show. The hit ITV talent show returned for its 16th series on Saturday night (April 15) before a second helping of auditions aired on Sunday night in a bumper series premiere weekend.
The two episodes feature pre-recorded auditions after filming took place earlier in the year in Greater Manchester and London in front of Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell and the show's newest judge Bruno Tonioli. And the opening episode saw the former Strictly star give a children's dance group from Uganda the series’ first golden buzzer, which sends the act straight through to the competition’s live semi-final.
The episode also featured a 13-year-old magician from Ireland, a Japanese comedian who travelled with an interpreter to the competition, a Darth Vader-dressed keyboardist and a recorder player who used his nose to play his instrument.
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Meanwhile, on Sunday night the contestants, who are again competing for a prize of £250,000 and the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the royal family later this year, saw Nathan, a dancer with a learning disability, Nathan, wow the judges alongside his dance partner Joanne while the Pixiebelles brought joy with their own Beauty and the Beast-inspired performance.
And there was a second helping of gold confetti as 13-year-old singer Malakai became the star of the episode after his evocative, powerful performance of Requiem got him the second golden buzzer of the series from none other than music mogul Simon Cowell.
But despite many being overcome with emotion at many of the young acts, rushing to heap praise on their talent-filled auditions, others complained and suggested BGT have an age limit or a spin-off like The Voice Kids.
@MJ_JJ1061215 tweeted: "As usual...too many kids on #BGT. They all get through as the judges can't say no to them as it will upset them...can't have that. They have The Voice Kids...they should have BGT Kids and leave this to the adults. #BritainsGotTalent "
@mazzaleeds posted: "Kids singing and or dancing should be banned from #BGT." @mj_jj061215 fumed: "Here we go...another kid. GIVE THEM THEIR OWN SHOW!! There's too bloody many of them. #BGT." @caz11red noted: "Kids Got Talent this year #BGT."
But @GillThamesider3 suggested: "I wish there were categories especially one for kids then each category winner could go for the grand finale, all the kids have been brilliant. Hate that they go up against a variety, what a first weekend I love love love love it."
@CoralMckeown commented: "These kids are dam good this year #BGT." @TJScaverton added: "All the kids and acts on this show doing what I could never - amazing. The bravery and confidence is off the scale and the performances are just great!! #BGT."
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