Simon Cowell breaks Britain's Got Talent rules as 'astonishing' act gets Golden Buzzer
The judges were moved
Simon Cowell admitted to breaking Britain's Got Talent rules to award an 'astonishing' act a Golden Buzzer. Dance group Unity performed on the show on Saturday's (20th May) episode, where they moved the judges and the audience with an emotional performance.
The 63-year-old judge gave the act a Golden Buzzer to send them straight through to the live shows, despite all of the Golden Buzzers being used up. Unity concluded Saturday night's auditions by performing a routine to 'The Village' by Wrabel.
Made up of a group of college friends aged between 16 and 25, Unity's inspiring piece was about celebrating what makes people unique.
During the emotional performance, one of the group's members said: "I'm Junior, growing up I was bullied for my love of dance. Dancing makes me feel free, and allows me to act out my feelings in a safe place.
"Bullies ruined this, I was beaten up and called names, all because a boy loved to dance."
The routine had many audience members in tears, whilst judges Bruno Tonioli and Amanda Holden could also be seen to appear visibly emotional. The panel gave Unity a standing ovation at the end of the performance, as members of the crowd cheered for the judges to give them a Golden Buzzer.
Bruno said: "You can be anything you want and anyone you want to be. The message is loud and clear. The execution, artistically, your choreography was superb. It really is a fantastic performance at every level. I have goosebumps, that's all I can say."
Backstage, Declan Donnelly commented: "The audience want a gold but there aren't any golds left", whilst his co-host Ant McPartlin added: "Bruno will push it anyway."
Bruno then said: "I have already done it twice, I can't do it anymore."
Giving his thoughts on the performance, Simon added: "I actually thought that was astonishing, the way that you got your message across was so strong. It was an audition I will never forget. What you have done, you have done it your way. Look, we don't have any Golden Buzzers left."
As Simon reached over the desk and hit the buzzer, he said: "But sometimes I feel you should break the rules."
Unity were stunned as golden confetti fell to the floor and they secured a place in the live semi-finals.
Simon said: "Honestly you deserve that Golden Buzzer, that was absolutely beautiful."
Take a look at the past winners of Britain's Got Talent:
Paul Potts
Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.
George Sampson
Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.
Diversity
Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.
Spellbound
The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.
Jai McDowall
Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.
Ashleigh and Pudsey
Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.
Attraction
Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with actor Terry Crews.
Collabro
Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.
Jules and Matisse
Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.
Richard Jones
Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.
Tokio Myers
Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.
Lost Voice Guy
Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.
Colin Thackery
Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent 2019 with a heartwarming performance of 'Love Changes Everything'.
Jon Courtenay
Comedy singer Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the 2020 series! Jon was a favourite from his very first audition, picking up Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer!
Axel Blake
Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, comedian Axel Blake, was crowned the 2022 winner of Britain's Got Talent, beating the likes of ventriloquist Jamie Leahy and singer Tom Ball.
Viggo Venn
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket inspired routine. He said he was happy to have captured 'Simon's heart' as well as the nation's.
Britain's Got Talent airs on Saturday nights at 8pm on ITV1.
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