Simon Cowell left Britain's Got Talent viewers horrified when he made a comment about the Queen. The ITV talent show's final aired on Sunday night (June 5) just hours after the 96-year-old monarch made a surprise appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to round off a weekend of Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Her Majesty made the special appearance alongside Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall as well as the Cambridge's - Prince William, Kate, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis following a performance by Ed Sheeran outside the gates of the London landmark after an extravagant pageant.
The Queen, who dazzled in green as her family and the crowds sang the national anthem, then issued a poignant statement in which she said she remains “committed to serving” the nation to “the best of my ability” after being absent from a few events over the long weekend.
Later, as the BGT 2022 final got underway as the royal Jubilee celebrations had come to an end, Simon stunned viewers with his comments about the reigning monarch. The 62-year-old was commented on comedian and impressionist Ben Nickless' performance on the ITV show at the time.
He said: "Thank you, by the way, for reminding us what - I know the money's important and the bragging rights of winning are important but actually this year, more than any, anyone who gets the chance to perform... please god it is the Queen [at the Royal Variety]!"
And viewers were quick to flock to social media to react to the music mogul's comment. @jlb26_ tweeted: "The awkward silence after simon basically implied the queen is on her way out … yeah that went down like a lead balloon #bgt." @MarkySciFi1980 commented: "#BGT Crikey I don’t think you should be saying that about the #Queen please god what the hell."
@dan_winter_92 wrote: "Whoaaaa what did Simon mean by that? Is the queen on death's door or something." @stuart2c wrote: "Simon's remark about The Queen is awfully #BGT #BGTFinal #BritainsGotTalent."
Others, however, were pointing out that it may not be a surprise for the Queen not to attend. @Bigmanpfc said: "Why do they keep saying the Queen would love to watch you!? The Queen hasn’t been to the RVP in about 10 years!!! Lol #BGT #BritainsGotTalent." @rozlaws echoed: "Has Cowell ever been to a Royal Variety? The Queen hasn’t been for years and certainly won’t be this year! #bgt."
@a___w89 commented: "As if the Queen is gonna go and watch the royal variety when she’s missed half of her jubilee celebrations #BGT."
It was comedian Axel Blake who was 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, has scooped the £250,000 prize, as well as a spot on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance.
He said “words can’t even explain” his emotions after being made the show's latest winner while ventriloquist Jamie Leahey and his puppet Chuck the chicken came in second, while singer Tom Ball took third place.
