ITV Britain's Got Talent fans say 'well deserved' as singer gets first golden buzzer of series

Britain’s Got Talent viewers were delighted when a singer was awarded the season's first golden buzzer.

The ITV show returned on Saturday night (April 20) with a fresh series, fronted once again by Ant and Dec. Simon Cowell, Alisha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Bruno Tonioli also returned in hopes of whittling down the country's top talent.

An unusual AI music group, a goldfish comedian and a cheerleading team were among those auditioning in the opening episode. But it was a 28-year-old vocalist who was given the coveted golden buzzer by Holden.

READ MORE: ITV Britain's Got Talent viewers slam 'weird' opening act as judges praise 'genius'

Each judge is allowed to use the golden buzzer just once per season. The gesture automatically sends the act to the live shows.

Singer Sydnie Christmas, 28, dazzled the judges with her voice when she sang a cover of Tomorrow from the musical Annie. Christmas, from Kent, grabbed the judges’ and audience’s attention immediately with her cheerful attitude and quick humour.

She revealed she had moved to London and currently works at a gym, but her dream was to perform on the West End. However, she had an uphill battle on her hands as it was revealed that Cowell was not a fan of her song choice.

But following a powerful and emotional rendition of the ballad, she received uproarious applause from the audience and all the judges gave her a standing ovation. Holden praised her saying: “What struck me so much about you is just how naturally funny, how warm, how brilliant your presence was the minute you walked on the stage.

“How you were entertaining everyone but then you brought us the most heartfelt, beautiful version of that song.” She added that it was the “best version” of the song she had ever heard before awarding her a golden buzzer, causing Christmas to fall to her knees.

Cowell also confirmed she had won him over as he said: “That reaction we just had in the room is rare… Everyone’s aware it’s tough to get that break for something which you really love. You so deserve what you just got. Your control was amazing.

He added: “I used to hate that song and now I absolutely love it.”

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers reckoned Sydnie was a worthy golden buzzer recipient. @AlexClaridge cheered: "Yes! Well deserved Sydnie! Absolute goosebumps and never heard that song performed better than that. #Goldenbuzzer #BritainsGotTalent #BGT".

@ThomasF24943789 enthused: "WE HAVE A GOLDEN BUZZER!!!!!!! Get in, Sydnie!!!!!! That was great. Amazing singing. Great personality. Great job. You deserve it. Let’s ‘ave it. #BGT".

@LoveRealityTV4 reckoned: "She’s got a career in the future for sure, a talented and pure person inside and out #BGT" as @niccijane_cfc wrote: "Absolutely deserving of the golden buzzer, that voice was incredible #BGT".

Britain's Got Talent returns on Sunday April 21 at the later time of 7.40pm on ITV1 and ITVX.