ITV Britain’s Got Talent fury after Bruno Tonioli’s ‘quickest ever Golden Buzzer’ with secret TV past revealed
Britain’s Got Talent viewers have expressed outrage after 14-year-old Maya Giotea received what Amanda Holden called “the quickest Golden Buzzer in BGT history” from judge Bruno Tonioli.
The Romanian schoolgirl wowed the judges with her powerful rendition of Beyoncé’s ‘Listen’ during Saturday’s show, however, fans were quick to discover that Giotea had previously competed on Romania’s Got Talent last year.
She also received a Golden Buzzer for her performance of Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing, with the revelation sparking debate about recycled talent on the popular ITV show.
Tonioli hit the Golden Buzzer before Giotea had even finished her performance, sending her straight through to the semi-finals and receiving a standing ovation from the audience as she crouched on stage, covering her face with her hands in disbelief.
Her tearful parents watched from the crowd as the former Strictly Come Dancing star rushed onto the stage to embrace her before noting: “This was the most mature, accomplished version of this song that I’ve heard from someone so young.
“The depth of tone, the control of your voice, the feeling was totally real. You killed it,” with KSI adding: “With confidence like that, you just blew me and everyone here away, honestly.”
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Holden was equally impressed and said: “From the minute you walked on stage I just knew it. You’re super lovely. Your parents must be so proud of you at this moment.”
The youngster responded gratefully: “Thank you so so much, it’s the biggest dream. Thank you so much,” however, viewers soon discovered that this wasn’t Maya’s first time on a Got Talent stage.
According to her Facebook page, Maya had previously appeared on Romania’s Got Talent, with the revelation sparking controversy among viewers who questioned whether it was fair for contestants with previous talent show success to compete on BGT.
Maya has also reportedly performed at other competitions and festivals prior to her BGT appearance, leaving viewers to take to their social media platform X to express their frustration at the situation.
“She also got the Golden Buzzer on Romania’s Got Talent, last year… go figure,” one viewer fumed before another complained: “Yet again been on Romania’s Got Talent and got the Golden Buzzer even though there is none left.”
Others pointed out: “Maya Giotea who got the Golden Buzzer on BGT tonight was on Romania’s Got Talent and got through to the live shows.”
Some fans felt betrayed by what they perceived as an unfair advantage, but Giotea wasn’t the only contestant with a hidden TV past on Saturday’s show.
Magician Alexandra Burgio also impressed the judges with her act, receiving four yeses, but had previously appeared on Canada’s Got Talent, making it to the semi-finals in 2024.
She also competed on American illusionists Penn and Teller’s US show “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” in 2023.
In 2022, it was claimed that one in four Britain’s Got Talent acts are ‘recycled’ from other shows or have links to Simon Cowell and other show talent.
Despite the controversy, Maya’s Golden Buzzer moment has secured her place in the semi-finals of the competition.
The judges’ decision stands, with Tonioli using his one opportunity per series to send Giotea straight through.