Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell has sent young guitarist Olly Pearson through to the show’s final with his golden buzzer.
Cowell reached for the buzzer after Pearson performed a medley of songs including AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, Guns And Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine and Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer, with the guitarist saying being sent to the final of the ITV show was the “coolest thing in my life”.
Speaking after sending Pearson through on Saturday’s live semi-final, Cowell said: “He was bloody brilliant, seriously, and he’s so small and talented, and carries magic.
“I probably went a little bit early, but I was so excited, and it was just so brilliant. You’re so talented, really.”
It comes after Pearson previously received the gold buzzer from Amanda Holden during the audition stage.
The golden buzzer is being used at the semi-final stage for the first time in the show’s history, with each judge being given the opportunity to send an act directly to the final.
The public vote saw singer Stacey Leadbeatter join the rocker in the final.
Leadbeatter sang Anyone by Demi Lovato, with judge Holden remarking: “I thought you nailed that, I just don’t know where you find the courage.
“I love your whole story, your little girl, your mum, they were so proud of you that day (of her audition).
“I’m sure they are again tonight, because that audition was another level, and you look gorgeous.”
After being sent through, Leadbeatter said: “I can’t even explain it, thank you so much, thank you.
“Oh my god, thank you so much for believing in me, it means everything to me, this is my dream.”
And the WINNER of tonight's public vote is... Stacey Leadbeatter!!! Huge congrats on filling the fourth spot in the #BGT Final! 🥳#BritainsGotTalent pic.twitter.com/52ZMXpAI4o
— BGT (@BGT) May 3, 2025
It came after children’s dance group Lil Ms opened the show, with the performers, who dress as Minions, covering Cowell in yellow and blue streamers.
After the performance, Cowell said: “I really liked your first audition, and I was a bit concerned, could it get a bit boring the second time?
“Well, I’ll tell you, it didn’t, because I think this was better than your first audition.”
Magician Alexandra Burgio shocked the judges as she performed a routine which saw her take a picture of the judges, before duct taping co-presenter Ant McPartlin’s mouth and put a mask on his presenting partner Declan Donnelly.
The contestant, who says she wants to be the “Rihanna of magic”, then got McPartlin to pick a playing card, with the same card then appearing in the picture she took of the judges at the start.
Judge Alesha Dixon said of the performance: “The way you move seductively around the stage is enticing and, sorry, hypnotising.
“The way you use the audience and everyone, and you bring us all on this journey with you is incredible.
“You’re such a star, genuine magic.”
Where's the blue flame emoji, because Alexandra was fire! #BGT #BritainsGotTalent
— BGT (@BGT) May 3, 2025
Impressionist Will Burns impressed the judges with a routine that saw him impersonate the likes of Love Island presenter Iain Stirling, Paddy McGuinness and comedian Billy Connolly.
Speaking about the performance, Cowell said: “That was seriously, seriously good, and you’re going to do well, the audience at home are going to absolutely, and in here, love you.”
Elsewhere, singer John Pierce performed an operatic version of the Rolling Stones’ Wild Horses, dancing magician Jannick Holste performed a routine to Dixon’s song The Boy Does Nothing, and Japanese all-male cheerleading troop, Cheer Re-Mans performed.
Britain’s Got Talent’s 18th season began earlier this year, with the show seeing a number of different styles of performers compete for a chance to star in the Royal Variety Performance and win a cash prize.
Previous winners have included singer Susan Boyle, dance act Diversity and dog act Ashleigh And Pudsey.
The show will return to ITV and ITVX next Saturday at 7pm.
