Full Breakdown
Britain’s Got Talent 2026: Third Semi-Final Highlights Golden Buzzer Drama and Fan Backlash
5/10/2026, 6:21:42 PM
Semi-Final Outcome and Golden Buzzer
On 9 May 2026, the third live semi-final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent featured eight acts. KSI, the new judge, pressed his episode-only golden buzzer for fire-juggler Liwei Yang, guaranteeing her a place in the live final on 30 May. The public vote later sent comedian Ted Hill to the final as the semi-final’s winner; harpist-singer Niamh Noade placed second. Two finalists per semi-final are chosen from 40 acts; the winner receives £250,000 and a Royal Variety Performance slot.
Judges, Acts, and Contestants
Judges were Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI, who replaced Bruno Tonioli. The eight semi-final performers were Liwei Yang (fire-juggler), Ted Hill (comedian), Niamh Noade (harpist/singer), Antigravity, The Lux City Choir, Mega Unity, Mizuki Shinagawa and Playground. Confirmed finalists from earlier semi-finals include singer Matty Juniosa, dog act Anastasiia & Salsa, dance group LMA, magician Fabian Fox, Liwei Yang and Ted Hill.
Official Reactions
KSI called Liwei Yang’s fire-juggling “phenomenal” and noted its emotional impact. Alesha Dixon described the act “exhilarating” and praised the performer’s bravery. Simon Cowell highlighted the technical difficulty, especially the prop’s weight, calling the performance “spectacular.” Ted Hill thanked supporters after winning the public vote.
Fan Criticism of the Golden Buzzer
X users argue the golden buzzer skews competition by letting judges bypass audience voting, urging its removal or restriction to the final.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Oh my god, that was phenomenal. That was phenomenal. Doing that with our husband by your side, that must have been magical. I saw the size of that thing and when I saw what you were going to do with it, I couldn’t believe it.” — KSI, BGT judge
- “Congratulations, very well deserved. I was in awe, I was hypnosited by it. What a brave woman you are… it was exhilarating. Audition was great, this was next level.” — Alesha Dixon, BGT judge
- “Everything about that performance was spectacular, being close to it you realise apart from the fire how heavy that thing was… This was a huge improvement… You are a superstar.” — Simon Cowell, BGT judge
- “I feel pretty good. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. This means the world to me. I’m lost for words, thank you so much.” — Ted Hill, BGT contestant
Why It Matters
The golden buzzer’s use in the semi-final reignites debate over its influence on competition fairness, prompting producers to consider format tweaks to balance judge authority with audience voting.
Upcoming Final
The live final on 30 May 2026 will feature six finalists, including Liwei Yang and Ted Hill, competing for the £250,000 prize and a Royal Variety Performance slot.
