Amanda Holden, 54, sparks outrage with ‘derogatory’ comments to ‘working-class’ ITV BGT contestant: ‘So condescending!’
Amanda Holden has found herself on the receiving end of some rather upset criticism from Britain’s Got Talent fans following Saturday’s show.
The fury stems from remarks made by the 54-year-old judge about singer Stacey from Yorkshire, who wowed the judging panel and audience alike with her rendition of Snow Patrol’s Run.
The budding singer was visibly nervous as she took to the stage where she explained to Holden, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, and guest judge KSI that she worked in a supermarket “cooking chickens”.
“Okay, Stacey, so this is very different from cooking chickens,” Holden replied before she offered some reassurance: “Don’t be nervous, it’s just us… Have you ever performed anywhere before?”
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Stacey confirmed she’d only performed in pubs before, and moments later, she had the BGT crowd on their feet after belting out the track.
“I felt every single word of that. You’re just amazing. I can’t believe it,” Holden said as she began her verdict.
Holden was soon drowned out by pleas from the audience calling for Stacey to receive the Golden Buzzer, prompting KSI to oblige.
“Fine, I’ll do it,” KSI said as he smashed the buzzer, and golden confetti fell from the ceiling.
Cowell then weighed in to applaud Stacey but encourage her to have more confidence before her mum and daughter joined her on stage.
Stacey then headed off to see Ant and Dec while Holden debriefed with her fellow judges and made the remark that irked several at home.
“Isn’t that amazing, that she just works on a counter?” Holden said to KSI, prompting him to reply: “Yeah, and then to have a voice like that? Just chilling.”
While the judges were unanimous in their praise, viewers at home took issue with Holden’s seemingly “condescending” and “derogatory” comments about Stacey’s line of work.
On X, one furious viewer typed: “‘Isn’t it amazing she *just* works on a counter?’ Derogatory and snobby way of speaking from Amanda Holden there. Not nice at all. #bgt #britainsgottalent.”
A second agreed: “Amanda just said ‘and she only works on a counter’ only that would come from someone who isn’t working class or doesn’t know what real work actually means #BGT #BritainsGotTalent.”
“Amazing she ‘just’ works on the counter,” a third began. “Rude… Holden. Like normal people can’t have talent… #BGT #BritainsGotTalent.”
Elsewhere, a fourth remarked: “‘Isn’t that amazing that she just works on the counter.’ Amanda pitying people for having normal jobs. #Bgt #BritainsGotTalent.”
“You could sound less condescending, Amanda! #BGT,” a fifth hit out while over on Instagram, another criticised Holden’s remark: “Why did @noholdenback have to say ‘she just works on a counter’ how condescending.” (sic)
Stacey clearly didn’t let the remark get to her as in a behind the scenes clip shared to Instagram, the BGT star admitted she was “overwhelmed”.
KSI also added in the footage: “I had to press the Golden Buzzer, man. She was amazing.
“She’s been singing in a pub… she absolutely smashed it, and I had to press the Golden Buzzer. She was a lovely woman as well, fair play. You smashed it, Stacey.”