Tonight’s live semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent (May 23) ignited a storm of debate, leaving fans sharply divided over the show’s latest opening act. Once again, the spotlight fell on musical theatre — and the internet erupted.
Hosts Ant and Dec returned to guide the evening, joined by judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI, as the remaining acts battled for a coveted spot in the grand final on May 30. With £250,000 and a chance to perform at the Royal Variety Show up for grabs, tensions were high — but all eyes were on the opening act.
The cast of Matilda the Musical took to the stage first, continuing a recent pattern: four of the last five live shows have begun with a musical theatre number. Past episodes showcased the casts of I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical, Avenue Q’s Westlife medley, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
The cast of Matilda the Musical opened tonight’s show (Credit: ITV)
Predictably, social media exploded with reactions. Some viewers were quick to vent:
- “Please stop it with the cute kids stuff.”
- “Why is Simon Cowell always plugging crap musicals on #BGT?”
- “GOD I HATE THIS.”
One fan even questioned the repetitiveness: “I feel like every year they have a performance from Matilda… or have I made that up? Lol.”
Viewers were divided over the performance (Credit: ITV)
Yet not everyone was in the backlash camp. Others raved about the performance, calling it “phenomenal” and “FAB.” Comments poured in:
- “Wow, what an opening! Those kids are phenomenal.”
- “I recently saw @MatildaMusical at the Cambridge Theatre — spectacular! Great to see it featured tonight.”
- “Golden buzzer material right there!”
The debate over Simon Cowell’s musical tastes is officially back — with fans once again split between admiration and eye-rolling frustration. Will the magic of Matilda win over skeptics next week, or will the backlash intensify? Only the final performance will decide.
