Britain's Got Talent kicks off with two golden buzzers in exciting first show
Britain’s Got Talent has returned with an explosive launch episode which saw an incredible singer and a South Korean martial arts troupe given the golden buzzer and fast tracked to the semi-finals.
Bubbly brunette Sydnie Christmas, 28, dazzled the judges with her voice, while Ssaulabi Performance Troupe impressed with their taekwondo skills during the first episode of the ITV’s show 17th series, which aired on Saturday, April 20.
Performing dogs and an impressive cheerleading squad were among the acts to take to the stage in a bid to impress the judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli, who replaces David Walliams.
Singer Sydnie, from Kent, grabbed the judges’ and audience’s attention immediately with her cheerful attitude and quick humour.
She revealed she had moved to London and currently works at a gym, but her dream was to perform on the West End.
However, she faced an uphill battle when it was revealed that Simon was not a fan of her song choice – Tomorrow from the musical Annie.
But following a powerful and emotional performance of the ballad, she received applause from the audience and all the judges gave her a standing ovation.
Amanda praised her saying: “What struck me so much about you is just how naturally funny, how warm, how brilliant your presence was the minute you walked on the stage.
“How you were entertaining everyone but then you brought us the most heartfelt, beautiful version of that song.”
She added that it was the “best version” of the song she had ever heard before awarding her a golden buzzer, causing a delighted Sydnie to fall to her knees.
Former X Factor host Simon also confirmed she had won him over as he said: “That reaction we just had in the room is rare…
“Everyone’s aware it’s tough to get that break for something which you really love. You so deserve what you just got. Your control was amazing.
“I used to hate that song and now I absolutely love it.”
Later in the episode, Ssaulabi Performance Troupe revealed they had travelled all the way from South Korea to show off their martial arts skills.
The lively taekwondo routine by the group, aged 19 to 23, saw them perform dramatic somersaults and flips as they broke planks of wood with their hands and feet.
In a surprise move, Ant and Dec were so amazed by the routine that they rushed to the judging panel to award the troupe their golden buzzer.
Judge Bruno said the “power, the beauty and the artistry” of their performance blew everything he had seen before “out of the water”, while Alesha praised their “discipline hard work and dedication”.
The judges previously revealed that nine golden buzzers will be awarded this series, breaking their usual one-per-person limit.
Britain’s Got Talent returns on Saturday and continues on Sunday.
