Fans of Britain’s Got Talent were unhappy tonight after Alesha Dixon decided to use her golden buzzer for comedian Joseph Charm.

During Sunday (May 18) night’s show, eight more acts performed for a chance in this year’s final.

Tonight, the power of the Live Show Golden Buzzer was in panelist Alesha’s hands. Whoever she used her buzzer on received an immediate place in the final.

It was Alesha’s turn to use her golden buzzer tonight (Credit: ITV)
Britain’s Got Talent star Joseph Charm receives Live Show Golden Buzzer

After leaving the judges and studio audience laughing during his audition, comedy act Joseph returned in the hope that his jokes would be enough to impress the public.

However, he especially impressed Alesha, who had yet to use her golden buzzer in the show.

Although the former Mis-Teeq star had the responsibility of pressing the button tonight, she let Joseph’s mum hit the buzzer after fellow judge Simon Cowell invited her to join the panel.

As a result, Joseph became the next act to make it through to the final. The contestant was left stunned by her choice and reacted in tears.

That said, with so much talent displayed throughout tonight’s show, not everyone was sold on Alesha’s decision or Joseph’s act.

Alesha gave her golden buzzer to comedian Joseph Charm (Credit: ITV)
‘What a worthless golden buzzer’

“How in the [bleep] did that deserve a golden buzzer? God either I’m getting old or nothing is entertaining to me anymore,” one user wrote on X.

“What a worthless golden buzzer,” another person shared.

“Golden buzzer for no jokes,” a third remarked.

“Alesha is so predictable,” a fourth user stated.

“The biggest joke is the golden buzzer surely,” a fifth person said.

“That was beyond painful. If he wants me to laugh, he’ll be waiting a loooong time,” a sixth user wrote.

Viewers of Britain’s Got Talent were left with mixed feelings after judge Alesha Dixon pressed the golden buzzer for comedian Joseph Charm during the latest episode. While the golden buzzer is traditionally seen as a moment of surprise and excitement, many fans took to social media to label Alesha’s choice as “predictable,” sparking a lively debate about her judging style and the role of the buzzer itself.

Joseph Charm’s audition was filled with energetic humor and quick wit, which certainly entertained both the live audience and the judges. His jokes, delivered with confident timing and a personable stage presence, hit the mark with many viewers. However, despite the positive reception, a significant portion of the audience felt that Alesha’s decision to award him the golden buzzer was expected, and perhaps even routine. The golden buzzer moment, instead of being a shocking or spontaneous act, came across as something fans have seen many times before from the judge.

This sentiment of predictability stems from Alesha Dixon’s history on the show. Over the years, she has often favored performers in certain categories, such as singers or charismatic personalities, and her golden buzzer choices have reflected that trend. Fans argue that her picks follow a pattern, lacking the element of surprise that makes the golden buzzer moments so memorable. This latest buzzer moment did little to shake that perception, reigniting conversations about whether the buzzer’s power is being diminished by repetitive choices.

The golden buzzer, introduced to BGT to give judges a chance to send an act straight through to the live shows, carries significant weight. It’s a rare privilege, often reserved for acts that deliver something truly unique, heartwarming, or extraordinary. Fans expect these moments to stand out not just for the talent but for the unpredictability of the judge’s choice. When that element is missing, viewers can feel that the magic of the buzzer is diluted, turning it into a predictable plot device rather than a thrilling surprise.

Joseph Charm’s comedy style, while well-executed and engaging, did not strike some viewers as groundbreaking or original enough to warrant an immediate golden buzzer. Many felt other contestants in the same episode demonstrated more innovation or emotional impact but were passed over. This disparity fueled discussions on fairness and whether Alesha’s decision was influenced more by personal preference than objective standout talent.

Social media was quick to react, with hashtags related to BGT and Alesha trending as fans shared their opinions. Comments ranged from supportive to critical, reflecting the divisive nature of the moment. Some viewers defended Alesha, praising her for recognizing charm and humor in Joseph’s act, arguing that comedy is often underrated in talent shows and deserves more recognition. Others, however, expressed disappointment, saying they wanted to see more diversity in the types of acts that receive the golden buzzer and more spontaneity in the judges’ reactions.

This is not the first time Alesha Dixon has faced such criticism. Throughout her tenure as a judge, she has been both praised for her warmth and insight and criticized for being too safe or predictable in her choices. Her golden buzzer selections have sometimes aligned with what fans see as a formula: charismatic, likable acts who are crowd-pleasers but don’t necessarily push the boundaries of the competition.

The dynamic between judges and the audience is crucial for a show like Britain’s Got Talent, which thrives on suspense, emotional highs, and moments of surprise. When a judge’s choices become too anticipated, it risks reducing viewer engagement. The golden buzzer moments that go viral or become unforgettable tend to be those where the decision shocks or moves the audience deeply, often elevating lesser-known or unexpected acts.

Beyond the immediate reaction, this latest buzzer moment raises questions about how talent shows balance entertainment value with genuine discovery. Are judges choosing acts they personally connect with, or are they striving to find talent that challenges the norms and surprises the audience? The golden buzzer is a symbol of that tension, embodying both the judge’s personal taste and the show’s responsibility to keep the audience captivated.

Joseph Charm’s journey on Britain’s Got Talent will now continue, thanks to the golden buzzer, giving him a guaranteed spot in the live shows. This gives him a significant advantage and a bigger platform to showcase his comedic skills to a national audience. Whether he can maintain the momentum and impress beyond the initial audition will be key to his success in the competition.

In the broader context, the predictability of Alesha Dixon’s buzzer choices reflects a wider trend in talent shows where judges may rely on familiar formulas to play it safe. While this approach can ensure consistent entertainment, it may also stifle the excitement that comes from unexpected discoveries. Fans often crave the raw, unpolished moments that feel genuine and spontaneous—elements that have made talent shows a staple of live TV.

As Britain’s Got Talent progresses this season, all eyes will be on the judges to see if they can break from patterns and bring fresh surprises to the stage. Whether Alesha will respond to the criticism or continue in her current vein remains to be seen, but the conversation around the golden buzzer’s use is likely to continue.

Ultimately, the golden buzzer is more than just a button—it’s a powerful storytelling device that can change the trajectory of a contestant’s career. When wielded thoughtfully and with an element of unpredictability, it can create unforgettable television moments that resonate far beyond the show. Fans will be hoping future buzzer moments capture that magic once again, rekindling the excitement that keeps audiences tuning in week after week.