Viewers made a complaint about the studio audience at the first Blackpool auditions
Britain's Got Talent viewers have pointed out an issue with the latest series of the show as the first episode aired on Saturday night.
The ITV talent show returned to screens this weekend, with Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli back on the judging panel, along with new addition YouTuber KSI.
But while watching along at home, viewers made a complaint about the studio audience at the first Blackpool auditions.
It came as head judge Simon made a controversial decision about one of the first acts to perform.
Scottish singer Vinnie McKee's audition was the third to be shown during the opening episode. The hopeful musician performed a slowed-down version of The Proclaimers' hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), which the audience appeared to love, with some nearly moved to tears.
After wowing the crowd, Vinnie, a holiday park entertainer, looked emotional as the audience urged the judges to hit the golden buzzer - which puts an act straight through to the semi final when pressed.
As the audience continued to chant, Simon seemed to be persuaded by their calls and lunged forwards to press the buzzer, making 29-year-old Vinnie the first act to get through to the semis this series.
Alesha said the performance left her "quite speechless", while Simon told Vinnie he thought it was "an absolutely spectacular version" of the song.
But viewers at home suggested it was far too early to be putting an act straight through to the semi finals, with many calling out the studio audience for pushing the judges to press the buzzer.
Fans seemed to think the audience were too eager and noticed that they were chanting for the buzzer to be pressed for several acts, which many deemed to be unworthy.
Reacting on social media after Simon pressed the buzzer, one viewer wrote on X: "Way too early, and clearly not a Golden buzzer level act." Another said: "Not a gold it’s too early!!!!!"
A third commented: "I hate it when they use the golden buzzer so early on... don’t be daft," while a fourth said: "Oh please. He sang quite well but we've seen and heard it all before. Not worth a golden buzzer."
Some suggested the audience had too much control over who gets buzzed through, while one claimed Simon had "gone soft" for letting Vinnie into the semi final.
"The golden buzzer has become a joke," one fan fumed. "The randomness of it has stopped, now the audience decide. It's taken the surprise element out." Another wrote: "I hate britain’s got talent audiences members - I'm sorry that performance was NOT golden buzzer worthy."
Another commented: "I haaaaate when the crowd chants for the golden buzzer on every act.. he’s amazing but not golden buzzer amazing."
But others disagreed suggesting Simon was right to use the golden buzzer on the Scot. "I got quite emotional listening to Vinnie’s version," one fan said. "I’m so glad he got Simon’s golden buzzer."
Another wrote: "I agree with the audience that was there. What a voice and what a lovely reprise of the 500 miles song by The Proclaimers, it was sung so beautifully."
Another fan, who saw the performance live, said: "Great job Vinnie. I was in the audience when he had his audition and the atmosphere was electric. Can’t wait to see him in the semi-finals."
Later on in the show, another act got the golden buzzer meaning two acts are already in the semi final after just one week of auditions.
Comedian and impressionist Will Burns was buzzed through by presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who stormed the stage after his act finished to press the buzzer.
The 24-year-old performed impressions of the voiceovers from The X Factor, Gogglebox and Big Brother, as well as stars such as TV presenter Sir David Attenborough and Take That singer Gary Barlow.
A format change this year will see the live semi-finals air weekly, rather than nightly across one week as they had done previously, meaning the series will last longer than usual.
Britain's Got Talent has run since 2007 and has produced winners including tenor Paul Potts and dance troupe Diversity. Last year’s series was won by singer Sydnie Christmas, who sung Somewhere Over The Rainbow in the final.
The series champion receives £250,000 in prize money and the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.
