Bruno Tonioli breaks down in tears as he smashes Golden Buzzer on Britain's Got Talent
Britain’s Got Talent made for an emotional watch on Saturday night as judge Bruno Tonioli broke down in tears after watching young male dance troupe, Phoenix, perform.
The group, which was made up of many youngsters in a range of ages, put on a spectacular performance on Saturday, 18 May, after revealing that they had only practised the routine together three times before taking to the Britain's Got Talent stage.
The reaction from the crowds and the judges, including, Bruno, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon, was incredible, but it was Bruno's emotional response that really tugged at the heart strings.
Bruno, a choreographer and dancer and former judge on Strictly Come Dancing, admitted that he saw himself in the young dance group - and the boys were beside themselves as he slammed his hand down on the Golden Buzzer.
But he had so much enthusiasm that he broke the Golden Buzzer, leaving a huge crack down the middle of it.
Bruno joined Phoenix dance group onstage as he delivered a heartfelt speech, saying: "People don't understand how hard it is to succeed as a dancer.
"The work that goes into it, and the passion.
"Literally, you do it for nothing - you do it for love.
"And I felt that".
As he headed back to the judging panel, a tearful Bruno got a hug from his longtime pal, Simon Cowell, as Bruno said: "I had to [press the Golden Buzzer]."
Simon gave him a kiss on the head and replied: "I get it, I understand."
Britain's Got Talent fans rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to praise Bruno's choice, with one writing: "Bruno has 2 strong Golden Buzzer acts this year. Good to see him taking the Golden Buzzer seriously and using them on good acts."
Another said: "Bruno is so genuine. One of the best judges they have had #BGT."
It's not the first time Bruno has broken a Golden Buzzer, as he also broke it last year in April 2023, after being impressed by Ugandan dance group, Ghetto Kids.
Part way through the performance, Bruno slammed his hand down on the golden buzzer and boldly declared “I have to do it now!” In the middle of the act.
Simon then informed Bruno that normally the golden buzzer is pushed at the end of the performance, not during in it, prompting the larger than life character to suddenly realise his gaffe.
Fans at home were loving the surprising mistake, with many taking to twitter to share their thoughts immediately after the scenes had aired as they agreed with Bruno's decision to put the group through.
