BRITAIN’S Got Talent has been plunged into a new ‘fix’ row, with viewers fuming over two international acts making it through the auditions.
Sunday night’s episode featured Filipino dance troupe Obsequious and Japanese comedian Akira Ohashi, both of whom wowed the judges and audience.
Japanese comedian Akira performed various tricks with just a tray to cover his modesty[/caption]
Filipino dance troupe Obsequious wowed the judges[/caption]
Akira, who performed various tricks with just a tray to cover his modesty, has already found fame in Japan – clocking up millions of YouTube engagements for his racy videos.
Meanwhile, Obsequious boast 66,000 Facebook followers and have won championships including the World Supremacy Battlegrounds, WSB Asia PH, Battlegrounds PH Luzon, WSB Asia International and Champions Tour Cell championships.
While many fans praised their performances, others took to social media to question why the acts weren’t from the UK.
The show has never hidden the fact that auditions are open to everyone, regardless of experience or nationality, with all contestants given the same chance to impress the judges and viewers.
However, some fans were less than pleased, with one writing under a post on the show’s official Instagram: “What’s the point in calling it ‘Britain’s’ Got Talent?”
Another added: “BRITAIN’S Got Talent???!!” while a third quipped: “Welcome to Global Got talent.”
Over on X, formerly Twitter, one viewer fumed: “Once again it should be called worlds got talent ! Keep it British.”
Another echoed: “BGT another year of effing dog dancing, dance troops, bloke that can sing a bit, some scary shit and the dumbest studio audience ever.”
But not everyone was unhappy, with plenty of fans defending the international contestants.
One posted: “They were incredible! Who cares where they’re from? Talent is talent.”
Another said: “BGT has always had worldwide acts – this isn’t new. Let’s just enjoy great performances.”
A third added: “The best acts should go through no matter where they come from. End of.”
Despite the backlash, the show has a long history of welcoming talent from across the globe, with past winners including Canadian magician Eric Chien and American comedian Viggo Venn.
A source said: “BGT has amassed a global fanbase with over 24 billion views of content across their social media channels, so it naturally attracts talent from across the world, who use the show as a platform to showcase their act to a massive audience.
“BGT is and has always been an inclusive show and it welcomes acts to take part from around the world.”
- Britain’s Got Talent continues next weekend on ITV.
Viewers are fuming at the judges for sending the two international acts through auditions[/caption]
