BGT winner says 'unfair' part of show is like 'mental torture' as he slams decision

Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts has slammed red buzzers being used during the live shows.

Last week, musician RuMac, whose real name is Ruairidh MacLean, received three red buzzers during his performance in the third live semi-final.The 32-year-old previously impressed the judges during the auditions with his rendition of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie.During the semi-final, he performed his version of A-ha's Take On Me by and had the audience on their feet.

Despite his best efforts however, RuMac received three red buzzers from Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Bruno Tonioli, while Simon Cowell allowed the performance to continue.

Paul, who was the show's first winner in 2007, has called for producers to have a rethink about red buzzers being used during the live shows.

In association with Sky Vegas, he said: “There shouldn’t be any red buzzers at this stage of the competition.

 

"We should be focusing on the positives and celebrating the talent that’s made it this far.

"The golden buzzer is a great idea for highlighting standout acts – but the red buzzers?

"If we’ve chosen the finalists based on their ability, there really shouldn’t be a need for them.

"And if there is a need for red buzzers in the live shows, then it raises the question, why are those acts in the final to begin with?".

The 54-year-old went on to say: “There’s a risk that if you include acts just for comedy or shock value, and then use the buzzers on them, it becomes mental torture – that’s not fair.

"If something genuinely falls flat, the voting audience will make that clear without the need for red crosses. So, in my view, they’re unnecessary at this stage.”

While three of the judges buzzed RuMac during his performance, they counteracted by giving him a standing ovation.

Predicting a successful future for him, Simon said: “I think you and your agent are going to get a billion phone calls tomorrow for New Year’s Eve to book you, because that is exactly the type of performance people love at a party.

 

“I’m not a huge fan of that instrument, however, you played it really well and I loved it.

Addressing his fellow judges' reaction, he went on to say: “When they buzzed you, you just got faster and faster.

“Most people’s heads would go down, but you just went for it. You did great.”

Alesha joked: “In the history of being on this show, that’s the first time I have given someone a red buzzer and a standing ovation at the same time.”

RuMac's time on the show came to an end when he finished in sixth place on the public vote.

Dance group Ping Pong Pang were the winners of the night after receiving the most votes, while singer Jasmine Rice was given the golden buzzer by Bruno.

The two acts join Stacey Leadbeatter, Vinnie McKee, Olly Pearson and The Blackouts in the final.

Britain's Got Talent continues tonight at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.