KSI sparks outrage on ITV Britain’s Got Talent as ‘staged’ magic trick proposal receives golden buzzer
Rapper and boxer KSI has sparked controversy after using his golden buzzer to send magician Harry Moulding straight to the Britain’s Got Talent final following a performance that culminated in a surprise proposal.
The 24-year-old magician wowed the judges during Saturday night’s last semi-final of the 2025 series with a mind-bending act that left the audience speechless.
KSI, who was given the final golden buzzer of the season, chose to use it on Harry after his performance involving audience predictions and a romantic proposal between two audience members.
However, the decision has divided viewers, with many taking to social media to criticise the act as “staged” and “nonsense”, whilst others defended the magical performance.
Harry’s act began with judges choosing three seat numbers, with audience members then selecting a celebrity (Bruno Mars), a three-digit number (178), and a location (Paris).
The magician then invited audience member Jess to the stage and played a pre-recorded video filmed days earlier, in which he correctly predicted all three choices.
In the video, Harry was shown in Paris in front of the Eiffel Tower, where he spoke to a passerby who turned out to be Jess’s boyfriend.
The act reached its emotional climax when Jess’s boyfriend appeared on stage at the live semi-final and proposed to her on national television.
Simon Cowell was so impressed that he warned other finalists: “Everyone else should be worried.”
The backlash on social media was swift and harsh, with many viewers questioning KSI’s decision to award the golden buzzer to Harry.
One X user wrote: “That was so staged and totally not deserving of a Golden Buzzer. Staged and utterly nonsense.”
Another added: “WTAF… Seriously KSI? the golden buzzer for the worst set-up staged magic trick ever.”
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“I don’t normally watch #bgt but how is a completely staged wedding proposal set up going through as a magician act?!” questioned another viewer.
The criticism continued with one fan commenting: “That wasn’t magic, it was obviously set up. He doesn’t deserve the golden buzzer!”
Some were particularly upset that other acts were overlooked, with one viewer lamenting: “Congrats ksi wasting your golden buzzer on a s*** staged magician when that talented girl IS RIGHT THERE.”
Despite the criticism, many viewers defended the act and praised Harry’s performance.
One X user wrote: “Everyone saying that Harry’s act was a fix, staged, a set up and that Jess and her boyfriend are actors etc. – you have absolutely no idea how illusions work. Just enjoy it for what it is and be happy for the talented guy who delivered it.”
Another agreed: “Them calling Harry’s performance ‘staged’ seem to forget magic isn’t real.”
On Instagram, one fan commented: “Wow! I’m absolutely gobsmacked! That was one of the best magic performances I have ever seen on this show, full stop! Great choice KSI, he thoroughly deserved that golden buzzer.”
Some viewers were simply moved by the performance, with one writing: “Not me crying at Harry’s performance.”
The live final of Britain’s Got Talent will air next Saturday (May 31) at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX, where Harry will compete against the other finalists for the chance to perform at the Royal Varieties Show.