‘BGT’ Kicks Off Auditions With New Judge Bruno Tonioli Pressing The Golden Buzzer
Adam Khan (@Adam_Khan100) via Twitter, Reading Time: 3 minutes
Filming for a brand new series of Britain’s Got Talent is underway and the judges are given a warm welcome as they join hosts Ant & Dec. The newcomer judge of the show who recently left Strictly Come Dancing, Bruno Tonioli already pressed his Golden Buzzer.
BGT Kick’s Off The Filming For The Auditions
Fans of Britain’s Got Talent were treated to a glimpse of their favorite contestants as production for the new series began. At the first auditions on tuesday at The London Palladium, judges Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell, and Amanda Holden as well as new judge Tonioli appeared.
Cowell was the first to arrive at the venue, he seemed to be in good spirits as he exited the car to make his way to the auditions. Holden arrived in stylish fashion right after Cowell, wearing only a denim blazer dress, turning heads at the venue.
Tonioli Already Pressed His Golden Buzzer, Beating Out Other Judges
The newest BGT judge Tonioli left his mark on the show by hitting his Golden Buzzer before any other judges could. Fans were left with mixed opinions however. As it was revealed that Tonioli pressed his Golden Buzzer while the contestants were performing on stage.
An audience member posted on Twitter about the moment when Tonioli reportedly got over-excited when a dance troupe entered the stage. The excitement caused him to quickly press the Golden Buzzer even as the contestants are performing.
“That’s never actually happened, you’ve made BGT history. Usually, the golden buzzer is pressed after you’ve performed,” Cowell said. “But Bruno was too excited and decided to press it while you were performing.”
The unknown contestants continued to perform as confetti was falling on them and the BGT theme playing as background music. Tonioli then apologized for his mistake after the performance.
“I’m sorry, it just felt right. You have to follow your heart. I was literally exploding,” Tonioli said. “You’ve started this show with a triumph. I can’t wait to see you again.”
So… I just witnessed #BGT history!!! An act came on… it was pretty clear Alesha and Simon both wanted to press the #GoldenBuzzer… so Bruno beat them to it and pressed it *during the act*! They were performing with confetti falling on them and the BGT theme playing in the back! pic.twitter.com/viWf9FYeoL
— Adam Khan (@Adam_Khan100) January 24, 2023
The New Judge’s Arrival Caused Backstage Drama
Tonioli’s arrival may have caused a bit of tension behind the scenes. Cowell who’s a friend of the dancer, overruled ITV bosses for him to replace David Walliams. After offensive remarks he made towards a woman and an elderly while filming for the program in 2020 were revealed. Walliams departed from the show.
“Alesha and Amanda were deeply upset, understandably, by reports that Bruno was being signed up for more money than them,” an insider said. “Both were fully prepared to walk if, as women, they were paid less than the men.”
It was stated that judges Dixon and Holden were unhappy with the rumor that the new judge Tonioli received a similar pay row as them at £850,000. The female judges were rumored to not want to sign a deal for the show hours before filming. They were persuaded by frantic ITV officials to stay.
