Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Former Girl Band Star Shines on Britain’s Got Talent Stage
Britain’s Got Talent viewers were stunned as the first semi-final of the 2025 series kicked off with a performance by Karis Anderson, a former member of the well-known girl group Stooshe. The singer, now a leading lady in the West End, captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and stage presence, marking a surprising twist in the talent competition.
Spectacular Start to the Semi-Finals
The hit series began with an electrifying rendition by Karis Anderson, currently starring as the iconic Tina Turner in the acclaimed West End production, “Tina.” The musical chronicles the life and celebrated career of the “Goldeneye” singer, who passed away in 2023. Karis treated Britain’s Got Talent enthusiasts to a mesmerizing performance of the classic 1966 Ike and Tina Turner hit, “River Deep Mountain High.”
From Stooshe to Center Stage
While many were enthralled by her vocal talent, others instantly recognized Karis from her past success with the girl band Stooshe, where she performed alongside Alexandra Buggs and Courtney Rumbold.
- The trio was formed in 2010 after attending auditions and signed with Warner Music in August 2011.
- Stooshe achieved chart success with tracks like “Slip,” “Love Me,” and “Black Heart,” which peaked at Number 3.
- Their debut album, “London with the Lights On,” released in 2013, reached number eight in the charts.
Reactions to Karis Anderson’s Performance
The Saturday night show left audiences in awe, with many viewers commenting on Karis’ undeniable vocal talent. One fan posted on X, “Karis Anderson singing Tina Turner should win Britain’s Got Talent.” Another wrote, “The amazingly fabulous Tina Musical to start!”
Stooshe’s Current Status
Stooshe enthusiasts may be disappointed to learn that the group has been inactive since 2016, with no immediate plans for a musical reunion. In a recent Instagram post, Alexandra Buggs revealed, “Hey loves, I’m sorry to say we aren’t announcing new music before I get your hopes up.”
She added: “Your girl’s a mumma (been for a couple years now lol) and I am starting a new business within the parent and baby space.”
Britain’s Got Talent: Semi-Final Results and Format Changes
Elsewhere on Britain’s Got Talent, Scottish vocalist Vinnie Mckee and Swiss dance act The Blackouts secured their spots in the grand finale. Vinnie won over the audience vote, while The Blackouts advanced directly to the final after receiving the golden buzzer from Amanda Holden, a first for the live semi-finals.
Golden Buzzer Twist Sparks Debate
The 2025 series introduced a change, with each episode featuring one judge selecting an act to advance directly to the finals via the golden buzzer.
The Blackouts’ Golden Buzzer Moment
Amanda Holden was deeply impressed by the dance crew’s display, which, despite some technical problems, earned them a golden buzzer. The revamped rules have sparked controversy among viewers, with concerns that the final could be determined by the judges’ preferences rather than public opinion.
Viewer Frustration
The audience’s constant calls for Amanda to press the golden buzzer after each act annoyed many viewers. One user wrote on X: “The golden buzzer in the semi finals already causing havoc cause the audience won’t shut up #bgt.”
Another wrote: “Will this audience shut up #BGT.”
Unnecessary Addition?
Another viewer voiced their discontent, “A live show golden buzzer is completely unnecessary. What if she doesn’t press it at all? #BGT.” Meanwhile, another posted, “#BGT in other words it’s so the judges can fix it!”
Semi-Final Format Criticized
The format of having many semi-final shows also drew criticism on social media. One viewer lamented: “So every Saturday for the next 6 weeks, is the Semi Final episodes #BGT.”
Britain’s Got Talent continues on Saturday night on ITV1 and ITVX.