The Britain’s Got Talent star dishes the goss on backstage secrets, her fellow judges and more…
This 18th series of Britain’s Got Talent has captivated audiences once again with thrills, tears and shocks. This year’s Golden Buzzer acts – supermarket singer Stacey Leadbeatter; soulful bingo caller Vinnie McKee; Swedish dance group The Blackouts; aspiring rock guitarist Olly Pearson; table tennis troupe Ping Pang Pong; operatic drag diva Jasmine Rice and comedian Joseph Charm – are hoping for glory to be crowned the show’s 18th winner and walk away with the top prize of £250K, getting to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.
Ahead of the ITV’s show finale this weekend, judge Amanda Holden, 54, spills the tea on what happens behind-the-scenes with her fellow judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli…
Are you ready for the finals?
Absolutely! I’ve loved this series. The ratings have been through the roof with the new weekly live shows. It’s always exciting to see whose life will change and who will get to perform at The Royal Variety Performance each year. I’d love a group of people to win this year so the money can go a long way and more people get to experience everything that comes with winning the show.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing again?
It was wonderful to see Sydnie Christmas [2024 winner] back on the show a year later performing during the third live semi-final. She’s incredible, our golden girl, who is really shining brightly not only in the UK but in America too. I can’t wait to see Olly Pearson perform once more. He was my Golden Buzzer during the auditions and Simon’s Golden Buzzer during the semi-finals. That boy has raw talent and I know he’s hard at work practicing for his performance. I’m also very excited to see what my semi-final Golden Buzzer act The Blackouts have up their sleeve after their standout semi-final light display.
How do you wind down after the live shows?
Normally the party is in my room after the show! Bruno is the first in for a glass of red before the producers and perhaps my Golden Buzzer act pops in. The door is always open and the bubbles are always flowing. My husband and girls have been down to the show most weeks too which has been super special.
Do you do anything special to prepare before going on air?
Not really, perhaps a spray tan! Glam normally starts mid-afternoon at home before travelling to the studio to get ready and mic’ed up. I’ll catch up with all the judges just before the show goes live and absorb the atmosphere from the studio audience before we go live. It doesn’t feel like work doing the show on a Saturday night because Alesha and I said the other day it just feels like we are going out on a Saturday night for a good time!
What’s YOUR party trick or talent?
If I was auditioning for BGT I’d do the splits while singing something from The Greatest Showman! You can tell I haven’t thought about that before, clearly! It is nerve-racking performing on BGT. I remember singing a song from my album during lockdown and I was so grateful for a virtual audience, because I had butterflies, but even then I was still super nervous so we are always aware as judges just what a big deal coming out on stage and performing is.
Who is the biggest joker on the judging panel?
I’d say Simon, especially now that Eric comes down to auditions and the live shows. He’s much more emotional now and loves to see Eric laughing. Simon will quite often look to Eric to see how he is reacting to an act. We joke that all our kids will replace us on the panel in years to come!
What do you talk about when the cameras aren’t on you?
That’s a secret that I will take to my grave!
How would you feel if your daughters Lexi and Hollie wanted to go on BGT?
Hollie is always threatening to audition and asks me if I would press my Golden Buzzer for her! I have to say to her, "I couldn’t judge you because there would be a national outrage as it would be totally unfair!"
Do you have a favourite outfit from this season? Is there anything you refuse to wear?
I know it’s a boring answer, but I love all the outfits from every season of BGT because it’s a collaboration with my stylist. Some dresses never make the final cut! So, what you see on TV, I really love. I’m always asked about the Ofcom complaints but every outfit on the show is checked before I leave my dressing room, so I’m never worried. I think people should have fun with fashion!
