Britain’s Got Talent kicked off its last semi-final show this weekend, and judge KSI was not happy with his Golden Buzzer pick
Kimberly Nhundu Under 35s Screen Time reporter
20:13, 23 May 2026
Britain’s Got Talent judge KSI issued an apology to the nation during the live semi-final (Image: ITV)
Britain’s Got Talent judge KSI, real name JJ Olatunji, has issued an apology to the nation during the competition’s semi-final.
Only eight acts were left standing in Saturday’s (May 23) live episode, including KSI’s Golden Buzzer act Mr Cherry. While the stunt performer won over some viewers during his audition, he completely lost all favour tonight.
The star put on an elaborate stunt choreography, which included smashing watermelons with his bum. He also placed a balloon in his shorts like a make-shift tail.
This act left viewers at home horrified, and KSI clearly felt responsible for giving Mr Cherry a fast-track to the semi-finals. Following the performance, the YouTuber said: “I’d like to apologise to the whole of the UK. I don’t know what I’ve done.”
Mr Cherry’s semi-final performance didn’t impress the judges (Image: ITV)
KSI went on: “Mr Cherry, I mean I love the energy. I love the pants with my face on it. I love that you were smashing watermelons, interesting. But in terms of the whole act, as a semi-finalist, maybe it wasn’t the best.”
Fellow judge Amanda Holden issued her own verdict, stating: “I mean you’ve got a very strong bum, but that’s where it ends. Bottom line, it was pants.”
While Simon Cowell added: “I thought it lacked a little polish tonight. It was like you’d drank a million cups of coffee and then decided to come out and sit on loads of watermelons.”
ITV viewer have been left just as baffled as the judges, with many sharing brutal opinions on X, formerly Twitter.
Fans at home weren’t impressed(Image: ITV)
One penned: “Why are we forced to tolerate this utter b*****ks,” while another fumed: “WTF is this RUBBISH?? Sticking a balloon up his a**e??”
Yet another viewer slammed: “I flat out HATED that. How the hell did he get through?.” And a fourth chimed in: “What a load of b******ks that was.”
Before his semi-final performance, Mr Cherry had garnered favour with some viewers. Early in the live show, one excited fan shared: “Mr. Cherry is the only person who can save this show so far #BGT.”
While another voiced their support, writing: “MR CHERRY ON BGT TONIGHT!!!!! He HAS to win this year!! #TeamCherry.”
Britain’s Got Talent is available to stream on ITVX