Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell was blasted by viewers for his critique of young singer Tina Connolly's performance. After 15-year-old Tia belted out Katy Perry's hit Firework in the second live semi-final on Tuesday (May 30), Simon bluntly told her she was put through from the audition stage "not because you're the best singer in the competition, but because you've got guts."
Fans thought Simon had reverted back to his days on The X Factor as he then went on to tell her that she should join a group instead. Amazed viewers took to Twitter to have their say on his remarks.
@bugisnotonfire said: "Not over Simon saying ur not the best singer u jus have guts as if she’s not stood right there #bgt." And @WhoPotterVian tweeted: "'Not because you're the best singer in the competition...' - Erm, you do realise she's stood right there, Simon?"
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@AshleyTMN asked: "Seems unduly negative feedback to this very young lady from the panel. Why put them in the semi finals just to knock them down?" And @bugisnotonfire yelled: "SIMON WAS SO SHADY 'not the best singer just got guts' LMFAOOO."
Fellow judge Alesha Dixon voiced that she wasn't keen on the choice of song. @Ariadne_Reviews commented: "Alesha saying 'I wish you were singing something younger and more contemporary' to a girl singing Firework has aged me to dust." And @jackryanmiller said: "Simon crushing the girl’s hopes and dreams on live tv."
But @FcbRobbie wrote: "#BGT #BritainsGotTalent Simon Cowell is the only judge that gives his honest true opinion." And @Yousaf_S_1987 defended: "The old Simon Cowell has come out...Thank goodness. He basically said she's not good enough. Well done Simon we need honesty in these competitions."
And @liv_liv_livs said: "Why do people boo simon when he’s giving actual advice. I think he knows more about the industry than the average audience member."
There were moving scenes in Tia's audition screened last month as her mum Claire stepped up onto the stage in front of judges Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Bruno Tonioli and Simon Cowell. At first it appeared that Claire was going to audition.
But then the mum explained she was giving up her chance to audition on the long-running ITV talent show to give her daughter Tia the opportunity to shine. Tia was gobsmacked as she joined her proud mum on stage after she sacrificed her chance in the spotlight to the daughter who she credits with changing her life.
After giving Tia the chance to digest what had just happened, the talented teen returned to the stage. She then floored the judges, the audience and viewers watching at home as she confidently belted out Whitney Houston's I Didn't Know My Own Strength. Sadly after her semi-final performance she was sent home, with Olivia Lynes and comedian Viggo Venn heading through to Sunday's final.
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