ITV Britain's Got Talent fans dub show 'frustrating' after Innocent Masuku's performance

A nail-biting episode of Britain's Got Talent left ITV viewers up in arms after performer Innocent Masuku didn't receive the coveted Golden Buzzer.

The South African operatic tenor graced the stage with his rousing rendition of Lucio Dalla's Casuro, receiving unanimous praises from the judging panel and granting him passage to the next level of the competition.

Yet, much to everyone's surprise, Innocent was allowed to walk away without a direct ticket to the final.

This decision sparked a wave of backlash from viewers of the longstanding show, who quickly flooded social media with their dissenting opinions.

In particular, the selection of Sydnie Christmas, as the first Golden Buzzer act of the 17th series, attracted ire.

One grumbled viewer remarked: "How didn't he get a golden buzzer! This show is so backwards", while another fan echoed the sentiment stating: "That was powerful! Should have been a golden buzzer! ! ! " Their frustrations were only amplified as more TV enthusiasts joined the discussion, one sharing: "He amazing still crying #BGT he deserves the golden buzzer."

Additionally, another agreed: "should've been a golden buzzer if we're being honest.", reports the Mirror.

One then chimed: "How "the best opera singer we've ever had" doesn't get a golden buzzer, but Sidney Christmas, a trained professional who is already successful does... this is why #BGT is forever frustrating."

Another echoed: "If anyone deserved a golden buzzer, it was him. Absolutely brilliant voice, finally a decent act."

But as judge Amanda Holden branded Innocent the "best opera singer" of the history of the competition after his audition, fans of BGT couldn't help but interpret her words as a kick to the teeth of former contestant and Welsh tenor Paul Potts.

One amused watcher remarked: "A smack in the face for Paul Potts from Amanda right there."

And another quickly agreed: "Amanda throwing casual shade at Paul Potts there, "best opera singer they've ever had."

The 17th season of Britain's Got Talent kicked off on Saturday, April 20, with Amanda Holden gifting the first Golden Buzzer of the season to Sydnie Christmas, who has had a hefty amount of experience on the West End stage.

The revelation was enough to send viewers into a frenzy at the time but many of them will be surprised to know that Innocent has also had his fair share of success before his Britain's Got Talent gig.

A swift search on Google reveals that the Mpumalanga-born singer features as a talent on the English National Opera's website.

The site details that the 34-year-old is recognised as an "ENO Harewood artist" and boasts a string of honours including a Merit award in the 2019 SAMRO competition, a Drake Calleja Trust award, support from the Tillett Trust fund, the Oppenheimer International Scholarship, and The Countess of Munster Musical Trust Study Award.

Innocent has recently taken to the stage in Jonathan Miller's Barber of Seville playing Count Almaviva at the London Coliseum.

His repertoire extends to numerous other roles, having performed in productions such as Carmen, The Dead City, The Yeomen of the Guard, and Gloriana.

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