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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Amanda Holden claps back at ITV Britain's Got Talent 'fix' claims

Amanda Holden addressed claims of a 'fix' even before some complaints were even made about her Golden Buzzer decision. There was an emotional moment during the latest instalment of the Britain's Got Talent auditions when the talent show judge let the golden confetti fall on a young theatre singer.

Olivia Lynes was given the surprise of her life after her mum and gran nominated her to be surprised with an audition. The family trio were seen during Saturday night's episode (April 29) heading to the theatre to see a performance of Matilda the Musical when her tickets were intercepted by Amanda.

The stunned 11-year-old agreed and was later seen performing a rendition of Defying Gravity from the musical Wicked! with her mum Melissa and Olivia's gran Sarah providing support in the wings, while the young singer's emotional dad Paul watched on from the audience.

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After wowing the judges, including Amanda, Bruno Tonioli, Simon Cowell, and Alesha Dixon, and receiving a standing ovation from the entire auditorium, Amanda pressed the Golden Buzzer. Former Strictly star Bruno could be seen wiping tears from his eyes as Amanda congratulated an overwhelmed Olivia on stage.

She told the young singer: "You were my golden moment, you were the golden moment. You were absolutely amazing, you nailed that." Alesha Dixon added: "The whole time you were up there I was thinking, 'Look how effortlessly you sing.' It just flows and pours out of you. That was an incredible performance," while Simon Cowell said: "Perfect Golden Buzzer, you were amazing."

Despite the touching moment, some described it as a 'fix' as Amanda had already surprised Olivia with the audition. However, the Heart Radio presenter already denied that this was the case and had to check that she was even allowed to give her the golden ticket straight through to the live semi-finals.

Olivia was sent straight through to the live shows after her incredible performance (ITV)

Speaking about the moment to MailOnline, 52-year-old Amanda said: "So I didn't know if I was allowed to press it for her because I’d actually met her the day before as part of our golden moments and encouraged her to come down and audition. But when I met her I had no idea if she could sing, and then was absolutely blown away by her performance."

Amanda explained Olivia was the sort of act she often presses her Golden Buzzer for and she couldn't resist giving the youngster the special recognition.

The mum-of-two added: "And it's just so typical of what I would press my buzzer for. I was almost like, "Oh my god. It's going to have to be this because I love it. She is amazing."

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