Britain's Got Talent viewers have flooded social media with comments about the 'real winner' of the show as the 2022 champion was crowned. After a week of semi-finals it was time for the grand final of the ITV talent show on Sunday night (June 5) with Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly returning as hosts.
Several acts took to the stage throughout the two-hour show to impress the judges - Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, and David Walliams and viewers with their last bid to be made winner of BGT 2022, as well as bag £250,000 in prize money and get a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance later this year.
Among the finalists was rapper and pianist duo Flintz and T4ylor who delivered a moving original song about their journey of connecting on social media and getting to the final of the talent show. The rapper Flintz, 22, was offered words of support from the judges after he got emotional and lost his lyrics momentarily.
Singer Loren Allred also battled for the crown with a powerful rendition of an original song that she wrote after her audition, titled Last Thing I’ll Ever Need, as well as comedian Eva Abley, 14, who has cerebral palsy, kept the crowd laughing with her stand-up routine, Amber and The Dancing Collies make a strong comeback after they were chosen by the judges to return as the “wildcard act” and 5 Star Boys also delivered an emotional contemporary dance routine to David Bowie’s Heroes.
Meanwhile, seven-year-old Aneeshwar Kunchala, from Warrington, continued his passionate message to protect the environment with another inspiring poem, Ben Nickless, 40, entertained with his uncanny impersonations of famous faces which included poking fun at hosts Ant and Dec and their many presenting gigs and busker Maxwell Thorpe, 32, gave a powerful rendition of the classic operatic song Caruso, which Walliams said he was “hypnotised” by.
But it was comedian Axel Blake has said “words can’t even explain” his emotions after being crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2022. The 33-year-old property maintenance manager from west London, who was Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer choice, scooped the title as ventriloquist Jamie Leahey and his puppet Chuck the chicken came in second, while singer Tom Ball took third place.
His win has caused a divide among BGT viewers after it emerged after his stand-up audition that he was already a 'professional' that he had his own show on Amazon Prime Video. While many have their say, others have taken to social media to name the 'real winner' of the series.
@Maryam54975493 tweeted: "#BGTFinal #Tomball #bgt the best personality and voice the real winner." @cydneyx0x said: "Re tweet to show some love for Tom Ball, the real winner of #BGTFinal #bgt #bgt2022." @Schofss__7 echoed: "The real winner. I won’t have it any other way. No thank you, Axel. #BGT," alongside a photo of the teacher and singer.
Others also claimed that Jamie and Chuck, who came runner-up, should have bagged the top prize. @itsallgonemad said: "@JamieLeahey01 - well done to you & #Chuck you both did a great job tonight & were real #BGT winners in my opinion, a world-class act! I hope we see a lot more of you both in the future!!!" @dizzyellena added: "Who thinks we should get #JamieIsOurWinner trending for @JamieLeahey01 as he is the real winner in my eyes? #bgt."
And the latest BGT winner and other finalists have got fans calling for a change. @StormyT06260730 tweeted: "#BGT CAN the rules be changed and the contestants checked BEFORE they audition and ANYONE with a record deal, or signed to Amazon (like Axel) or NOT ALLOWED to audition." @lNSIDENO9 said: "Can we ban professional, famous singers from the show? #bgt."
@julianhiliare commented "I feel sorry for non professional acts who were good enough for semi place didn’t get one and now might give up" @ScottParkes16 wrote: "Well done Axle, very funny guy and a great set. At least we know what to expect next year. Signed professionals and seasoned pros, @BGT has lost its soul and it’s way."
@MUFCWWEEXRAF added: "Worst BGT final/series. Something needs to change quickly, new judges, new rules the whole thing needs a fresh change. @AshleyBanjo made a difference last time tbh, this years one was just bleh. Wrong winner to #BGT."
