Britain’s Got Talent Series 18 returned over the weekend with a new episode of auditions. During the show, judge Simon Cowell hit his second Golden Buzzer of the season for an inspiring group of musicians.
Simon Cowell Hits Second Golden Buzzer on BGT
During this week’s show, a group auditioned called Electric Umbrella, which uses music to “make the world a more inclusive place.” The UK charity seeks to empower learning disabled and neurodivergent people.
The group performed an original song called “Acceptance,” with some members singing and others playing instruments. The performance had the audience on their feet, and the judges were smiling and clapping along.
The panel gave Electric Umbrella a standing ovation, with judge Simon Cowell calling the performance “brilliant.” Bruno Tonioli said it was “so heartwarming” and “so inspiring.” Amanda Holden said she could feel “the friendship and the joy.”
Cowell called their audition “a wave of goodness.” He said that he didn’t have any Golden Buzzers left, having already pressed it for singer Vinnie McKee earlier in the season. But as we’ve seen in recent years, the show has pretty much thrown out the rulebook on Golden Buzzers.
Therefore, Cowell took it upon himself to hit the Golden Buzzer for the group, sending them straight to the live shows. He then hopped on stage to celebrate with them in a touching moment.
This week’s new episode of BGT also featured an audition from 28-year-old Mickey Callisto, who performed “Who Wants to Live Forever” by Queen. Mickey showed off a powerhouse voice and a great stage presence.
The crowd went wild for Mickey’s performance, which prompted judge Alesha Dixon to ask, “Is this Freddie [Mercury]? Is this Mickey?” She called his voice “absolutely stunning.” Amanda Holden said that Mickey is “hugely talented.”
Bruno Tonioli called the performance “so moving, so touching,” telling Mickey that he “could listen to you all night.” He shared that he had known and worked with Mercury, saying that Mickey channeled his mannerisms on stage.
Mickey received four “yes” votes from the judges to move on in the competition. The singer commented on BGT‘s video of his audition, explaining that he doesn’t seek to impersonate Mercury, but rather to become “an original artist” who brings “joy and happiness” to people’s lives.
Unique Acts from Around the World Audition
This week’s new episode also featured some unique acts from around the world, including a group from Italy called Ping Pong Pang. They combined dance with ping pong in an acrobatic routine that shocked the judges.
The panel gave the group a standing ovation for the energetic audition, with Tonioli calling it “insanely good,” adding that it was “a flawless diamond of a performance.” Dixon said they “did Italy proud” with their routine. They earned four “yes” votes to move on.
This week’s episode also included an audition from a Chinese performer called Red Panda. She performed an acrobatic routine on a tall unicycle, balancing bowls on her feet and head with a little help from hosts Ant & Dec. The judges were shocked by the precarious performance.
Tonioli said Red Panda is “the best at what you do,” while Dixon called her performance “one of the best things we’ve seen on the show.” Guest judge KSI agreed, saying it was “one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen.” Red Panda earned four “yes” votes to move on.
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
